August 30, 2025, Turkansaari
On the last weekend of August, the Association of Poles in Northern Finland organized a special trip to the Turkansaari Museum. This beautifully located open-air museum on an island transported participants back to the glory days of the 18th and 19th centuries, when the area was one of the most important trading centers between Russia and Sweden.
During the walk among the wooden cottages and farm buildings, visitors could not only see what everyday life looked like but also experience the atmosphere of bygone times
Our guide, Martha, spoke with passion about both the history and the present of this unique place. A particularly interesting part was the tradition of tar burning — once exported even to British ships, and today, although on a smaller scale, still produced to preserve the local heritage.
After an eventful tour, it was time for a shared meal by the campfire. This was a wonderful opportunity not only to eat together but also to chat, share impressions, and enjoy the company of fellow countrymen.
The trip to Turkansaari was not only a history lesson but also a chance for integration and discovering the culture of the region together.
📸 The photos below were taken by our volunteer Marcin Selent (jr-studio.com)
