Karelia Brigade, brigade of the Finnish Army
The Karelia Brigade is a Finnish Army unit based in Vekaranjärvi near Kouvola. It consists of six specialized groups focused on infantry, artillery, air defense, engineering, communications, and logistics that work together to train soldiers across a range of defense skills.
The unit traces its roots to an order by Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus in 1618 to create Finnish soldiers in Karelia. It became the Karelia Brigade in 1957 and took its current form when it moved to Vekaranjärvi in the late 1960s.
The brigade takes its name from the Karelia region, which holds deep meaning in Finnish history. It keeps this connection alive through its flags, insignia, and annual celebrations on May 6, linking current soldiers to the proud legacy of those who served before.
The base in Vekaranjärvi has a large training ground with forests and open areas for realistic training scenarios. Visitors should know this is an active military site, so access is normally restricted, though the brigade occasionally holds open days for the public.
The brigade hosts the Finnish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of Excellence, which specializes in removing dangerous devices. This center operates in both peacetime and conflict, handling a specialized task that often goes unnoticed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
