Virolahti


Before the Finnish Winter War, Finland had built a line of defence (Mannerheim line) that crossed the Karelian isthmus as a defence against a possible attack from Soviet Union. Finland lost the war in March 1940, and as a result of the peace treaty this line of defence ended up in Soviet Union. Therefore the finns began construction of a new line of defence along the new border with Soviet Union. This line was called Salpa line and is located about 200 kilometres east of Helsinki and stretched 1200 kilometres from southern to northern Finland. However, the Salpa line was never used for its purpose ’cause the finns hade already surrended to the russians in september 1944 before the fighting reached Salpa line. This ended what has been called the Continuation war that Finland fought against Soviet Union between June 25, 1941, and September 19, 1944. A war that aimed to recapture the territories lost to Soviet union after the Winter War.

Current status: Preserved with museum (2009).

Location: 60°34' 23.82" N 27°35' 38.03" E

Get there: Car.

My comment:

Mannerheim Line is nowadays located in Russia and ruins and remnants can be found everywhere. Salpa line is well preserved and in Virolahti there are several bunkers preserved and offer a good insight what it once was. Although no fightings took place it’s still interesting to wander around the bunkers and trenches. Beside Virolahti there is also a similar museum in Miehikkälä.

Follow up in books: Trotter, R William: The Russo-Finnish Winter War of 1939-1940 (2010).