An incredible village 124 miles from its nearest neighbour has been named the most remote settlement in Europe.
Just over 1,400 miles from the UK lies Raittijärvi, Finland – which is a whopping distance away from its nearest major city of Tromsø, Norway,
This isolated village, nestled in the picturesque mountainous terrain of Käsivarsi Fells, is a cluster of wooden houses.
In the heart of Finland’s frozen expanse, this beautiful village, home to the Poro Sami people, has only ten houses. None of these homes are inhabited all year round, earning Raittijärvi the title of Europe’s “most remote” village.
As Finland’s only village inaccessible by any road, reaching Raittijärvi is often a challenging endeavour.
There are no roads leading to and from the village, meaning seasonal tourists will have to cross a 25-mile dirt pathway via an ATV vehicle in the Spring and Summer, and by a traditional snowmobile in just an hour in Winter.
Even with the right equipment, you’ll still need a guide to navigate the terrain.
According to the Tipping Point Journal, Antti-Oula Juuso, is a “gracious” winter guide and native to the region, and has led many travellers through the challenging terrain to the distant village.
History remembers Aslak Juuso, also known as “Kaijuka”, as the man who built the first house in Raittijärvi in the late 1940s. He came to Finland from Sweden as a teenager and grew up to be a reindeer herder.
Legend has it that the former President of Finland, Urho Kekkonen, once visited Raittijärvi and even offered a road to the village. However, the village elder rejected the offer and instead accepted a telephone name, and the village’s name in return.
With just a notice board in the village centre reading “Raittijärvi”, its eerie atmosphere may seem similar to that of a horror movie backdrop.
But for those who appreciate peace and quiet, the village offers one of an introvert’s greatest desires: silence.
Although none of the wooden houses are occupied permanently, it is said that a villager will always be nearby.
The rural community’s main livelihood revolves mostly around reindeer herding, as the climate is too hostile for any form of agriculture. This also means the secluded villagers have had to nurture a reliance on sled dogs, essential for herding reindeer.
Ailu Juuso, a local reindeer herder of Raittijärvi, has explained to visitors the indispensable role these dogs play in the village’s daily routines and economy.
Raittijärvi’s charm lies not only in its pristine natural beauty but also in the resilience of its people. Through an unbreakable bond with their environment and the companionship of their working dogs, the inhabitants of Raittijärvi continue to thrive against the odds.