Guided Tour "Border to Border - Porkkala 1944–1956"

Let's explore and get acquainted with a special era in Greater Helsinki Region: with the “Lease period of Porkkala”.

After the end of the second world war, the USSR, among other demands, imposed a particular condition: a specific area west of the capital Helsinki was to be evacuated by the entire population and leased to the Soviet Union for 50 years to establish a Soviet naval base. Finland had no choice but to agree, evacuating over 7,000 people, as well as more than 8,000 animals, food, and supplies within a few days. Unexpectedly, due to geopolitical developments and high maintenance costs, the USSR returned the area in 1956.

The tour begins and ends in Kauklahti, Espoo. We comfortably travel by minivan or bus through the beautiful landscape of the former naval base area. After nearly 70 years, the lease period is still evident, albeit hidden in many historical layers throughout the region. The Tour Guide unveils bunkers, trenches, sport stadiums, railway tracks, airfields and describes memories of local People. Concrete samples of the Naval Base reminding will be visited in Kirkkonummi, Siuntio and Degerby.

The tour includes the following visits:

Manor grounds where military orders in Cyrillic script are visible on the walls
Artillery bunkers
Triumphal arch and General Sergei Kabanov's artillery road
Russian cemetery

Included in the price:
Planning and execution of the excursion
Guide services throughout the entire trip
Bus transportation

Additional services:
Lunch and/or coffee break
Museum visits (specific to the lease period of this area)

The departure location can also be arranged separately. The maximum group size is 33 Guests.