Military history sites in Kontiolahti parish village area
Veteraanipuisto park and monument
A monument dedicated to our war veterans near Kontiolahti Church. A monument dedicated to the Knights of the Mannerheim Cross is also located at the same site.
Sankarihautausmaa (heroes’ cemetery)
A heroes’ cemetery for those who lost their lives in the wars of 1939–1945 is located beside Kontiolahti Church. The grave of Valde Sorsa, a Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, is also in the cemetery.
Sankarimuistomerkki (heroes’ monument)
A Civil War monument and soldiers’ tomb. The names of ten Civil Guard heroes who were killed in the Civil War are inscribed on the monument.
Pro Patria
Fallen war heroes from Kontiolahden kirkonkylä primary school 1939–1945 Ilpo Saarelainen, Rector of the Upper Secondary School, has prepared a comprehensive study of fallen war heroes from the Kontiolahti parish village area and their stories. The Pro Patria plaque was unveiled in December 2021, and it is located at Kontiolahden kirkonkylän school centre. Click on the link to access a PDF publication.
The Pro Patria plaque is located in the lobby of the new school, and it can be viewed when the school is open.
Keskuskatu 11, 81100 Kontiolahti
The PRO Patria ‑plaque was funded by the following organisations:
- Pohjois-Karjalan Prikaatin Perinnekilta: EUR 200
- Pohjois-Karjalan Reserviupseeripiiri: EUR 100
- Kontiolahden Reserviupseerit: EUR 100
- Kontiolahden Reserviläiset: EUR 100
Pro Patria, municipal hall
A Pro Patria ‑plaque in the upper lobby of the main Municipal Hall building honours soldiers who lost their lives in our most recent wars. The list of names is not complete. The plaque can be viewed when the municipal hall is open.
Jakkilanvaara trenches
A network of World War 1 trenches and protective bunkers beside the parish village water tower lay-by on Road 6.
Karpalosuo trenches in the parish village
World War I trenches at the Karpalonkaari intersection near the school centre.
Monument commemorating the departure to the Winter War
Located in the parish village at the site of the former civil guardhouse between the current S‑Market shop and the sports field.
Monument dedicated to fallen Soviet soldiers
A monument dedicated to fallen Soviet soldiers is located in the middle section of the cemetery. Nine Russian prisoners of war are buried there. The burial site and monument are located near the forest at the end of the main pathway.
Cemetery for Soviet soldiers
A monument dedicated to fallen Soviet soldiers (prisoners of war) who were buried in the old cemetery is located on its main pathway.
Jaeger Regiment 51 ‑monument and ‑plaque (summer 2023)
A monument and plaque dedicated to Jaeger Regiment 51 was unveiled outside the Kotiseutukeskus building in summer 2023. Jaeger Regiment 51 was founded in Kontiolahti in June 1941 and mainly included reservists from North Karelia Civil Guard and North Savo Civil Guard. It participated in the attack phase of the Continuation War as part of the 7th Division.