Calendar of events

Lempi’s hike is based on the experiences of the mistress of Arola, Lempi Johanna Seppänen (1909-1998), during the outbreak of the Winter War on 30.11.1939.

When she realized that the enemy had surrounded the neighboring house, she started her own evacuation hike through forests, swamps and waters to the village of Juntusranta.  The pregnant Lempi hiked with her three daughters: three year old Anna-Liisa, five year old Leena and eight year old Eeva along an approximately ten kilometer route from Arola in Lehtovaara to Juntusranta.

Lempi brought word that the enemy had crossed the border to the houses along the route.  The message about the enemy saved an estimated 133 lives and more would have been saved if everybody had believed her...

On the hike there is a guide, which narrates the course of events.  In the year 2007 the guide was Jaakko Seppänen, who traveled the route for the first time in Lempi’s womb on that historic day.  Register one day in advance.

The route is travelled either on skis or by foot, depending on the amount of snow.  Along the way we enjoy coffee and buns, and the hikers return to Arola from Juntusranta by car.  In the farmhouse homemade food with bread awaits you.  Price 20 eur/person

Inquiries and registrations

Helena +35850 5189775 / Eero +35844 2858925

e-mail. info@arolabear.fi

The fisrt half of the April is the most beautful time for the cross country skiing at the Martinselkonen preserved area. Normally the snow is hard enough to ski almoust anyway you wish, But we make the track which very easy to follow. During the day time the sun shines warmly or it is not cold at all. Only the night time it can get very cold, if it is clear

We make the 20 km track or 25 km track and we stop at our hut "Tulihtaniemi" for the lunch break . after that it is only about 3 km to ski to the Arola house.