Aavasaksan näkötorni, Brick observation tower in Ylitornio, Finland.
The Aavasaksan näkötorni is a 13-meter (43-foot) brick structure situated at an elevation of 242 meters (794 feet) above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors can look out over the valleys of the Tornio and Tengeliö rivers.
The structure was built in 1969 by the Tornio Valley Tourism Association at a location with deeper surveying roots. The site was part of the Struve Geodetic Arc, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The name references the former local brick factory, whose final products were incorporated into the tower's exterior. This connection makes the structure a visible reminder of the region's industrial past.
The structure features a glass roof installed in 2004 that shields from weather while keeping sightlines clear. Access is straightforward and the tower itself is accessible for most visitors.
Construction of the current structure covered a historical mark carved into the rock in 1845 during the French Geodesic Mission's measurements. This hidden trace remains a reminder of the site's deeper surveying history.
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