Feb 12 • 08:49 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

The eastern border of Finland has become a tourist attraction, accessible only to a few – we investigated who has visited there

Finland's closed border crossing points have turned into a popular destination due to increased visitation by groups, necessitating the management of border personnel.

Finland's eastern border crossing points, particularly in Southeast Finland, have increasingly drawn visitors since the closures, transforming them into notable tourist sites. The traffic at these sites has become significant enough to require the weekly involvement of border personnel. However, access is still restricted, as visits to the border zone require prior permission from authorities.

Last year, nearly 400 individuals visited these crossing points, specifically in Vaalimaa, Nuijama, and Imatra, which were among the busiest before their closure. The regional border guard facilitated and provided statistics on these visits, reflecting a diverse interest from various groups, including governmental and educational entities. While these statistics highlighted individual tourists and groups, they did not account for many international and national agency partners who toured the area.

The popularity of the border areas has sparked curiosity, especially among students interested in security politics, illustrated by visits from the student organization Tuhatkunta. The transformation of these previously restricted areas into sites of public interest marks a shift in how the border is perceived, showcasing Finland's controlled border access in a new light, along with its implications for public engagement and perceptions of national security.

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