Eastern Field Railway Track
Kenttärata Hyrynsalmi- Kuusamo
Why locals love it
Between 1942 and 1944, the German Army built a field track from Hyrynsalmi to Kuusamo. Track was mainly by forced labour formed by war prisoners. The 178-kilometer narrow-gauge railway started from Hyrynsalmi and travelled to Kuusamo. The three most important camps in Taivalkoski have been refurbished for a visit if interested.
View Gallery
View Gallery
View Gallery
Why you should visit it
The conditions at the track site were miserable from the prisoners, which led to the name of the track to the Death Track. The track was supposed to go from Hyrynsalmi all the way to Kiestinki, but the last section from Kuusamo, was not completed by the Germans due the Lapland War. As retreating, the Germans destroyed main parts of the track.
Special tip
The three most important camp and campgrounds in Taivalkoski have been refurbished so that they can be explored on guided trails.