Lönnrotin petäjä, Remarkable tree in Kesälahti, Finland
Lönnrotin petäjä is a pine tree standing in the yard of a former residence in Hummovaara village and holds ties to Finnish cultural heritage. Next to it stands Juhanantupa, a wooden building constructed in Karelian style that now operates as a summer restaurant and displays wooden sculptures.
In June 1828, Elias Lönnrot collected verses and poems beneath this tree that would later shape the Proto-Kalevala collection. This gathering made the location a turning point in the development of Finnish literary tradition.
This pine became a place where rituals involving bear skulls were performed alongside traditional Finnish chants. The practice connected the tree to ancient beliefs and made it a meaningful site within the local community.
The tree is easy to locate next to the Juhanantupa building, which serves as a reference point for navigation. Visitors should note that the building operates as a restaurant and planning a visit when it is open enhances the experience.
Local tradition tells that the pine was planted by a young member of the Kainulainen family during his engagement to be wed. When his bride died, the tree transformed into a place of family sacrifice and remembrance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
