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The Photo Record is an archive of digitally restored historic photographs from Finland and beyond.

Ounasjoki in Rovaniemi

Ounasjoki in Rovaniemi

In the late 1800s, the villages scattered along the Ounasjoki (Ounas river) in Finnish Lapland thrived amidst the tranquil beauty of their surroundings. Serving as crucial nodes of trade and community, these settlements were sparse yet vital. The river provided a lifeline, facilitating the transport of timber, furs, and agricultural goods that connected these remote communities to broader markets.

Amidst the rugged landscape of fells and dense forests, simple wooden buildings dotted the riverbanks, serving as homes and centres of local commerce. Despite the distance between settlements, these villages maintained a strong cultural identity through shared traditions, occasional gatherings, and the timeless rhythms of riverbank life.

Photo: A quiet scene along the Ounasjoki in the late 1800s, with boats along the shore, humble wooden buildings standing tall in the sparse landscape, and distant fells completing the picturesque backdrop.

Original Photograph

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Digitally Restored Photograph

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Photo Information

Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: I.K. Inha, Produced by K.E. Ståhlberg
Year: 1890s

Link to original photo here


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