Kesäniemi

Kesäniemi connects the history of its farmsteads and archaeological traces with specific links to Yli-Kitka. The old farmstead, a historic tar kiln and Aution kesästalli (summer barn) each highlight different periods and architectural features; the landscape of the nearby waters broadens the view beyond the individual cultural sites.

Farmstead history and archaeological traces

Kesäniemi is home to a historic tar kiln. Its embankments appear as distinct rises in the terrain. As a fixed archaeological monument, the site is classified as a tar kiln; its historical period has not been specified. The shape of the terrain and the monument type offer two specific clues to help you understand the archaeological site.

Kesäniemi farmstead was established in the 1780s as a pioneer farm. The old farmstead is a historically developed farm area of regional significance; its farmyard has a layered history. The founding date and the developed structure illuminate different aspects: the datable beginnings of the farmstead and the layered character of the farm area.

Aution kesästalli was built in the early 20th century and is of regional significance. Its pyramid roof is a distinctive architectural feature. The construction date places the building in time, while the pyramid roof describes its form; both details give the summer barn’s history a specific temporal and architectural dimension.

Taken together, the three historical references do not present a uniform picture: the farmstead was founded in the 1780s, Aution kesästalli was built in the early 20th century, and the period of the tar kiln has not been specified. This makes it possible to distinguish the history of the farmstead, the building history and the archaeological remains.

Yli-Kitka and the surrounding waters

Kitka consists of Ala-Kitka and Yli-Kitka. In the southern part of Kesäniemi, the tar kiln is about 15 metres from the shore of Yli-Kitka. Aution kesästalli lies on the northern shore of Naatikkalahti Bay on Yli-Kitka. The two location references differ: for the tar kiln, the approximate distance from the lakeshore matters; for the summer barn, it is its position on the northern shore of a named bay.

In the surrounding area, the landscape of Kitkajärvi is shaped by broad expanses of water, steep depths, long sandy beaches, shallows, boulder fields and shallow stony waters. This variety of water and shoreline forms complements the specific locations of the cultural sites on Yli-Kitka with a broader picture of the surrounding waters. Shallows are areas where the water is less deep; shallow stony waters describe areas with little depth and a stony bottom. These terms distinguish water depth from the nature of the bottom, while sandy beaches refer to a type of shore. This helps you understand the landscape in terms of depth and bottom type.

In the surrounding area, the fishing season on Kitka lasts all summer; a marked boating route runs lengthwise along Kitka. These relate to different planning considerations: the season sets the time frame for fishing, while the route indicates a course across the water.

Discover more destinations: Salmilamminkylä, Syötekylä, Ruka.

For the overview of the wider region: Northern Ostrobothnia.