The Salpa Defence Line – A Monument from World War II

At Joensuu Bunker Museum, you can see a part of the largest construction project ever undertaken in Finland. The Salpa Defence Line is a series of field fortifications, extending for a total of 1.200 kilometres from the Gulf of Finland to Salla in Lapland, and from there to the Arctic Ocean. The Defence Line was built in 1940–41 and completed in 1944 at the end of the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union.

In Joensuu, the Defence Line station’s concrete and stone fortifications are for the most part still visible today. The wooden constructions were dismantled immediately after the war. Two concrete bunkers have been restored and turned into exhibition bunkers, which are open during summertime.

The building of a major defence line began at the command of Marshal Mannerheim in 1940. Fortifications and blockades were built to form a unified line of defence along Finland’s eastern border. There never was any conflict along the Salpa Line, but its existence and importance were acknowledged afterwards during peace conferences.

Location

The Bunker Museum is located 7 kilometres from the centre of Joensuu. Address:

Virrantaus 7
80140 Joensuu
View map

Opening hours and tickets

In the summer 2024 we are open 26.6.–19.7. from Wednesday to Friday 10 am – 3 pm.

Adults 4 €
Students, pensioners, unemployed, children (7–17 years) 3 €
Free admission to children under 7 years
Family ticket (2 adults and 1–3 children) 14 €
Please note! We do not accept Museum Card.
 

The exhibition bunkers are open only during the opening hours. You can visit the area independently at your own risk when the bunkers are closed.

Book a guided tour 

Guided tours to the Bunker Museum are available during the summer season (from May to September) by advance booking.

• Guided tour in English:
  • Weekdays  70 €,
  • Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 140 €
• Guided tour in Finnish:
  • Weekdays 68 €
  • Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 136 €
• For guided tours we also charge the entrance fee 4 Euros / person. 
• VAT included in the prices. 

Bookings and customer service

North Karelian Museum
pohjoiskarjalanmuseo@joensuu.fi
Tel. + 358 50 520 2762 (Mon–Fri 9–15)