Coming up! Guided Bus Tour "Border to Border - Porkkala 1944–1956" (4,5h)

The date 28.9.2024 marks precisely 80 years since the evacuation of what was to become a Soviet marine base, situated near the Finnish capital of Helsinki. This guided tour, featuring visits to numerous sites, offers insight into the events of 80 years ago.

After the end of the War the USSR imposed, among other demands, one particular condition: the areas West of Helsinki were to be emptied of all population and leased to the USSR for 50 years, for the purpose of establishing a Soviet naval base. Finland had no choice but to agree and evacuated over 7000 people, over 8000 animals, Food and Supplies in a few days time. Against the expectation the USSR returned it already in 1956, due to geopolitical developments and high upkeep cost. 

The Tour starts and ends in parking lot of the Kauklahti Railway Station. Parking is for free. Kauklahti is situated appr. 30 minutes away from Helsinki Main Railway Station by commuter train. We travel in a bus comfortably through a beautiful landscape of the former Naval Base area. After almost 70 Years the lease time is still present but hidden in many historical layers throughout the Area. The Tour Guide unveils bunkers, trenches, sport stadions, railway tracks, airfields and describes memories of local People. Concrete samples of the Naval Base remindings will be visited in Kirkkonummi, Siuntio and Degerby. 

Tour includes visits to

• Sjundby Manor House -area with military orders written in Cyrillic script on the walls of the dairy house
• Igor Museum
• Halvdels Artillery Bunker
• Pikkala Triumphal Arch & General Sergei Kabanovs Artillery Road
• Russian Cemetery in Kolsari

The Pricing:

89 € per Person, incl. VAT

Price includes

• A tour Leader & Guide
• Transportation
• Light Lunch & Coffee/Tea & local homemade cake or similar
• Visits to many sights (mentioned on description)
• Guided Tour through Igor Museum

Payment with ePassi and Smartum are available.

Note! Guidance is in finnish language.

The tour will proceed with a minimum of 30 participants.

Evenio has liability insurance, and we recommend participants have their own accident insurance.

Accessibility: 

During the Tour we visit sites with surfaces that are partially paved with asphalt, partially sandy or covered with cobblestones. In some places we also have stairs and thresholds. Toilets can be found in the museum and in the café and are available in bigger buses.

Recommendations:

Weather-appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities. A water bottle is recommended, especially on a warm day.

Warm Welcome!