Historic cabin that survived war and arson renovated in Rovaniemi – the bill will be paid by tourists
A historic cabin in Rovaniemi, which survived the Lapland War and suffered from arson, has been renovated, with funding expected from tourist visitors.
In Rovaniemi, a historic cabin, known as the 'red cabin,' has recently undergone a significant renovation. This building is noteworthy as one of the few structures that survived the destruction caused by German forces during the Lapland War. Dating back to the 1930s or possibly earlier, the cabin was partially burned in an arson attack in 2023. It was subsequently purchased by local entrepreneur Eero Kajula for €120,000 after attracting substantial media attention during the auction, which saw its price climb dramatically in the final hour.
During the renovation, extensive repairs were made, including the rebuilding of walls where fire had damaged the structure, as well as the renewal of the cellar, roofing, basement structure, and plumbing facilities. The renovation had to comply with heritage protection regulations, which required obtaining approval from the provincial museum and a construction permit from the city. Kajula's renovation plans were designed to honor the building's traditional significance, maintaining its historical character while making it usable.
This project underscores the importance of preserving historical sites not only for their cultural value but also as potential tourist attractions. With the renovation finished, there is an anticipation that the cabin will draw tourists to Rovaniemi, thereby helping to cover the costs associated with its restoration. Such initiatives reflect a growing trend in Finland to revitalize and maintain heritage sites, integrating them into the local tourism economy while respecting their historical context.