Fänrik Ståhls center

About the museum

Fänrik Ståhls center is located on the historic site of the Battle of Oravais. Russian troops and the Swedish-Finnish army met there on 14 September 1808 during the Finnish War of 1808–1809. The attackers won and forced the Swedish and Finnish troops to retreat. The battle is considered the bloodiest of the entire war, and the defeat contributed to Finland becoming part of Russia. Johan Ludvig Runeberg depicted the battle in the poem “Fänrik Ståls sägner” (The Tales of Ensign Stål).

The centre covers the battlefield area, and the war is brought to life through objects, stories, the site and the buildings. The Furirbostället is one of the few surviving officers’ quarters from the Swedish period. It was originally the farm Eurs hemman and was moved to the museum area from the village of Karvat. The lower floor is partly furnished as an officer might have lived in the 18th century, and the upper floor shows an exhibition on soldiers’ life in the field and how the presence of soldiers affected the local population.

A miniature model of the battlefield with 3,000 tin soldiers has been built with great attention to detail, and a short film shows the causes of the war. The regiment’s drills and demonstrations bring history to life in period uniforms and weapons.

Highlights

• Furirbostället from the Swedish period
• Miniature model of the battlefield with 3,000 tin soldiers
• Exhibition on soldiers’ life, 1808–1809
• Short film on the causes of the war
• Restaurant Ädelbragd and café

Permanent exhibition

• Kriget 1808–1809 – Objects and stories about the Finnish War and the Battle of Oravais, soldiers’ life in the field, and a miniature model of the battlefield.

Operated by

Oravais historiska förening

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Poor accessibility for people with reduced mobility to the exhibition rooms.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The centre is located by the battlefield along Slagfältsvägen in Oravais.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant Ädelbragd and café with handmade confectionery; crafts, jewellery and books are sold.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit