Kittila history

The Origins of Kittila: From Sámi Settlements to Community

The history of Kittila is inextricably linked with the ancient traditions of Lapland. Unlike cities founded by royal decree, this settlement formed naturally over centuries, growing from the seasonal campsites of the indigenous people.

Foundation and First Mentions

Initially, the lands of the modern municipality were inhabited by the Sámi people, who led a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The name "Kittila" begins to appear in historical documents and Swedish tax records from approximately the 16th–17th centuries. For a long time, the settlement developed as part of larger administrative units until it gained the status of an independent church parish and community in 1854.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the region was defined by its unique geographical location north of the Arctic Circle:

• The Ounasjoki River: This waterway became a "road of life" for local residents. The river provided transport accessibility, a connection to southern regions, and opportunities for trade.
• Geographical Isolation: Remoteness from major centres contributed to the preservation of an authentic way of life and a close connection with nature.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Kittila depended entirely on the gifts of northern nature. The foundation of life consisted of:

• Reindeer Herding: A key trade that not only provided food and clothing but also shaped the cultural code of the region.
• Hunting and Fishing: Lakes rich in fish and forests full of game allowed for active trade in furs and provisions.

Over time, a seamless blend of indigenous Sámi traditions and the customs of Finnish settlers arriving from the south occurred here, creating the unique cultural atmosphere of Lapland.

Timeline of Kittila's Development

• 1854 — Kittila receives the status of an independent church parish and municipality, officially separating from neighbouring Sodankylä.
• Early 20th Century — The forestry industry begins to play a key role in the region's economy, complementing traditional reindeer herding.
• 1925 — Reidar Särestöniemi is born in the village of Kaukonen; he would later become Lapland's most famous artist.
• 1945–1950 — A period of large-scale post-war construction, which shaped the modern architectural appearance of the settlement.
• 1979 — The opening of Kittila Airport, ensuring regular air connections with Helsinki and the accessibility of the region.
• 1980s — The beginning of active infrastructure development on the Levi fell, turning it into a popular ski centre.
• 1985 — The opening of the Särestöniemi house museum and gallery, becoming the municipality's main cultural attraction.
• 2009 — The launch of industrial mining at the Agnico Eagle gold mine, which became the largest in Europe.
• 2015 — Completion of a major renovation of the airport terminal to serve the growing flow of international tourists.
• Present Day — Kittila asserts its status as one of the most visited year-round tourist centres in Northern Europe.

Key Stages of Kittila's Transformation

The development of Kittila is an example of how a remote northern region was able to diversify its economy by combining traditional trades, heavy industry, and international tourism. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern face of the municipality.

• Administrative Independence (1854)

  The official separation from the Sodankylä parish marked the start of self-governance. This event was of key importance for the formation of the local budget and the development of social infrastructure, allowing the community to manage resources and lands independently.

• Post-War Reconstruction (Mid-20th Century)

  During the massive restoration after 1945, the architectural appearance of the church village was completely renewed. Construction was carried out according to new urban planning schemes, which turned chaotic rural developments into an orderly administrative centre with modern utilities.

• Transport Revolution (1979)

  The construction of the airport became a turning point that broke the region's isolation. The arrival of regular air services not only simplified life for local residents but also opened Lapland to a mass flow of tourists from Europe and Asia, which would have been impossible using only ground transport.

• Rise of the Levi Tourism Cluster (1980s–1990s)

  Investments in ski infrastructure on the Levi fell radically changed the economic structure. Tourism displaced forestry and reindeer herding, becoming the driver for the development of the service sector, hospitality, and retail, turning Kittila into a year-round resort.

• Industrial Breakthrough (2000s)

  The discovery of the Suurikuusikko deposit and the launch of the Agnico Eagle gold mine made Kittila one of the wealthiest municipalities in Finland. Industrial gold mining provided the region with jobs and stable tax revenues, reducing the economy's dependence on the seasonality of tourism.

• Cultural Musealization (Late 20th Century)

  The opening of the Reidar Särestöniemi museum secured Kittila's status as an important cultural centre of Lapland. This allowed the region to attract an audience interested not only in sports and nature but also in northern art, enriching the region's tourism offering.

Architectural Appearance: From Ashes to Modernity

The architectural history of Kittila is dramatic and unique. The appearance of the settlement was almost completely erased in 1944 during the Lapland War, so today the town represents a combination of rare historical monuments and functional post-war buildings, complemented by modern tourist facilities.

The Era of Autonomy: Neoclassicism

The most important and oldest building in the municipality is the wooden church, which miraculously survived the fires of war. It represents a vivid example of architecture from the first half of the 19th century.

• Style: Neoclassicism (Empire style).
• Landmark Object: Kittila Church (1831). Designed by the famous architect Carl Ludvig Engel, it is distinguished by strict proportions and a bright, solemn interior, characteristic of Lutheran churches of that time.

Post-War Restoration: Nordic Functionalism

The period from 1945 to the 1950s became a time of large-scale reconstruction. Since the old wooden buildings were destroyed, the new Kittila was rebuilt quickly and pragmatically.

• Style: Functionalism and standard "reconstruction era" buildings.
• Characteristic Features: Simple one-and-a-half-story wooden houses with gable roofs, painted in traditional colours (red, yellow, white). This style formed the cosy and modest look of the residential quarters that can still be observed today.

Modernity: Eco-Style and Resort Modernism

With the development of tourism in the region, especially around the Levi fell, architecture began to transform towards premium leisure and unity with nature.

• Style: Modern wooden architecture, Alpine chalet, Postmodernism.
• Features: The use of massive dry pine logs (kelo), panoramic glazing for observing the Northern Lights, and the integration of buildings into the landscape.
• Landmark Objects: Hotel complexes in Levi, glass igloos, as well as the Reidar Särestöniemi museum complex, where traditional log structures with grass roofs are combined with modern gallery spaces.

Notable People of Kittila

Despite its small population and distance from the capital, Kittila has become the birthplace of a surprising number of talented people. This land has given Finland and the world famous writers and artists whose work is inextricably linked with the rugged beauty and mystique of Lapland.

Masters of Visual Arts

• Reidar Särestöniemi (1925–1981)
  Artist, the "Picasso of the North"

  Lapland's most famous artist, born in the village of Kaukonen (part of the Kittila community). He became famous for his large-scale, colourful canvases inspired by northern nature, reindeer, and myths. His unique style combines expressionism with deep symbolism. Today, his ancestral home and atelier have been turned into a popular museum, which is one of the region's main cultural points.

• Kalervo Palsa (1947–1987)
  Expressionist artist, graphic artist

  A native of Kittila who became a cult figure in Finnish art after his passing. His work is often called "fantastic realism"; it is distinguished by dark humour and provocative subjects. Palsa lived and worked in a tiny studio cabin, which he called "Gethsemane". His works deeply explore the human psyche against the backdrop of the reality of the northern hinterland of that time.

• Einari Junttila (1901–1975)
  Landscape painter

  One of the pioneers of Lappish painting, born in Kittila. Unlike his more avant-garde colleagues, Junttila is known for his lyrical and realistic landscapes. His paintings document the nature of Lapland in different seasons, conveying the unique light and atmosphere of the tundra. An art museum named after him is open in the centre of Kittila.

Literary Figures

Kittila is the birthplace of the famous Paasilinna dynasty of writers, who made a huge contribution to Finnish literature.

• Arto Paasilinna (1942–2018)
  Writer, journalist

  One of the most translated and read Finnish authors in the world. He was born in Kittila in a truck during the evacuation, which itself became part of his legend. His novels, such as "The Year of the Hare", are filled with warm humour, satire, and a love for Finnish nature. Arto masterfully described the adventures of ordinary people escaping civilization into the forests.

• Erno Paasilinna (1935–2000)
  Writer, essayist, Finlandia Prize winner

  Arto's older brother, also born in Kittila (in the police station building). He is known as a serious thinker, critic, and master of documentary prose. Erno received the country's most prestigious literary award — the Finlandia Prize — for his collection of essays "Solitude and Defiance". His works often touched upon themes of life in the north and nature conservation.