Did you know that Kampsajärvi is a lake in Finnish Lapland? It is part of the Kemi river basin. Welcome to the shores of Kampsajärvi. I will share its story.
Kampsajärvi is located in the municipality of Rovaniemi. This northern lake sits about 700 km from Helsinki. Its坐标 are 66°19′09″N 26°12′43″E. At 132.1 meters above sea level, Kampsajärvi offers a unique subarctic landscape.
Imagine this area thousands of years ago. The history of Rovaniemi goes back to the Stone Age about 8000 years ago. The lake has likely been here since then.
The area around Kampsajärvi is mainly sparse subarctic forest. The forest is often low-growing. Picture the short trees and hardy plants that survive here.
Kampsajärvi itself is not very deep. It reaches a depth of 8.4 meters. The shoreline stretches for 7.04 kilometers. The lake covers an area of 82.8 hectares. That is about 828400 square meters.
The lake is part of the Kemi River’s main drainage basin. Rovaniemi is at the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. Kampsajärvi adds to this network of waterways.
Rovaniemi has grown from small villages. Farming and animal husbandry were once the main jobs. Fishing and hunting supplemented their incomes. The exploitation of Lapland’s natural resources boosted Rovaniemi’s growth in the 1800s.
Rovaniemi became a city in 1960. Later in 2006, the city merged with the surrounding rural municipality. Today, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland. It is a center for commerce, education, and sports. About 65000 people live in Rovaniemi. Around 12450 reindeer also live here.
Rovaniemi is also known as the Official Hometown of Santa Claus. You can meet Santa Claus in Santa Claus Village. The village is on the Arctic Circle. The latitude runs 66°33′45.9″ north of the Equator.
The city suffered greatly during World War II. Ninety percent of Rovaniemi was destroyed. Architect Alvar Aalto designed the city plan after the war. The design resembles a reindeer antler.
Kampsajärvi remains a peaceful spot in this vibrant region. It is a place to reflect on the past. It also provides a glimpse into Lapland’s natural beauty.