Joensuun bunkkerimuseo

About the museum

The Joensuu bunker museum is part of the Salpa Line, a fortification chain of about 1,200 kilometres built after the Winter War. Fortification work in Marjala began in secret in August 1940. Three reinforced concrete bunkers were planned at the southern end of the Höytiäinen canal, of which two were completed by the start of the Continuation War and the third was left unfinished. The Salpa Line was never fought over.

After the war the bunkers were forgotten until they were rediscovered in the early 1990s. Following a citizens' initiative, two bunkers were restored as a tourist attraction in 1993–1994 in co-operation between the City of Joensuu and the Finnish Defence Forces. Heating and lighting were installed in the bunkers, the field fortifications were restored with wooden structures, and an exhibition on the Salpa Line was created inside. The museum area was opened in connection with the Marjala housing fair in 1995.

In addition to the bunkers, the area has combat and communication trenches, an anti-tank stone line, barbed-wire obstacles, an anti-tank gun, two field guns, and observation and machine-gun cupolas. The area was named Veteraanipuisto (Veterans' Park) in 2003, and wartime immigrant plants have been planted in the park.

Highlights

• Two restored reinforced concrete bunkers in their original location
• Combat and communication trenches and an anti-tank stone line
• Exhibition on the construction of the Salpa Line and everyday life at the fortification site
• Veterans' Park and wartime immigrant plants
• Audio guide in Finnish, English, Russian and Chinese

Permanent exhibition

• Salpalinja-näyttely bunkkereissa – The exhibition in the bunkers tells of the construction of the Salpa Line and of everyday life at the fortification site that was located in the museum area.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Joensuun museot / Pohjois-Karjalan museo

Admission & discounts

Payment by bank card is possible. The Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) is not valid.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

The site has steps and thresholds, so visiting the bunkers is not step-free. The park area of the museum can be navigated without barriers.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The site suits all ages.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the mouth of the Höytiäinen canal in Marjala. From Joensuu city centre, drive about 7 kilometres along Kuopiontie (main road 9) to the Marjala grade-separated junction, from where signs lead to the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit