Lost in thought I wonder how many stories this lake could tell if it could speak. We are standing before Susijärvi a lake in Rovaniemi. It is located near the village of Sonka. Susijärvi has been here for a long time.
Susijärvi covers 1.73 square kilometers. Its shoreline stretches for about 5.8 kilometers. The lake sits at an elevation of 156.5 meters. Imagine the subarctic forest surrounding Susijärvi. It mainly features sparse often low-growing trees.
Susijärvi is part of the Torne River main drainage basin. The lake flows into the Susujoki River. This area is part of the Palojoki drainage area.
Rovaniemi itself has a rich history. Stone Age settlements existed here. Around 750 to 530 B.C. people cleared land for agriculture. They also used slash-and-burn cultivation. Artifacts suggest travelers came from Karelia Häme and the Arctic Ocean coast. The Sami are Lapland’s indigenous people.
Rovaniemi was first mentioned in official documents in 1453. It was a collection of small villages. People made their living through agriculture animal husbandry fishing and hunting. In the 1800s exploiting Lapland’s natural resources boosted Rovaniemi’s growth. Logging sites attracted thousands. Rovaniemi became Lapland’s business center.
Today Rovaniemi is a vibrant town. Its population is over 62000. The service sector employs most people. Rovaniemi is also an educational center. The University of Lapland is the northernmost university in Finland and the EU.
Rovaniemi uniquely combines town services and Lappish nature. The Arctic Circle Santa Claus Village and Ounasvaara Ski Resort attract many.
Tourism has grown strongly here since the 1990s. Approximately 500000 tourists visit Rovaniemi each year. Its location on the Arctic Circle draws visitors worldwide. About 60 percent of visitors come from abroad.
Rovaniemi received the status of the Official Hometown of Santa Claus in 2010. Santa Claus can be met in Santa Claus Village every day. More than 600000 annual visitors visit Santa Claus Village. Santa Claus’ Main Post Office receives about 500000 letters yearly.
Rovaniemi’s settlement dates back 8000 years to the Stone Age. In the 19th century farming and cattle breeding were the main livelihoods. Fishing and hunting were important side industries. Rovaniemi’s location at the confluence of two rivers made it a key traffic and trade center.
Ninety percent of Rovaniemi was destroyed during World War II. After the war Alvar Aalto designed the new city plan. Rovaniemi became a city on January 1 1960.
Susijärvi a serene spot reflects centuries of history. It is a part of Rovaniemi’s story. It connects ancient times to the modern day. As you gaze upon Susijärvi consider its silent witness to time. It embodies the spirit of Lapland.