Junckers JU-52

Junkets JU-52 Aakenus
Junckers JU-52 Wreckage, Aakenus, Lapland

Finland’s involvement during World War II is a little controversial. Worried of an impending Russian invasion and with no where to turn,  the Finn’s made alliances with the Germans. No Finn’s fought against the Allied forces but many German troops came to Finland in order to fight against the Soviets, especially in areas of Lapland.

In the Pallas-Yllās National Park in Lapland there is the wreckage of a German transport plane, Junckers JU-52 that crashed into the Aakenus fell during World War II. Now, the wreckage is almost unrecognisable and looks like a tin shed that’s been blown down a hill.

For more photographs there are some great close up images on Flickr.

Juhannus

Juhannus
Levi, Lapland

Juhannus is the Finnish name for Mid Summer, a time of celebrations and many traditions that have gone on for many years. This year at midnight and under the midnight sun the Kokko (bonfire) was lit on the top of Levi.

Finnish midsummer is full of traditions, one of the most interesting that I have heard of is where an unmarried woman collects seven different flowers and places them under her pillow in the hope of seeing her future husband in her dreams.

What are your Mid Summer traditions?

Midnight Sun Over Levi

Midnight sun
Midnight, Lapland

Due to the excellent response to my previous photographs of the Midnight sun and the fact that this weekend is Mid Summer, the longest day of the year, I have decided to post more images of the Midnight sun. This is the Midnight sun over what was during the winter Levi Ski Resort, now it is just a Lapland fell.

This post is in reply to the Daily Post theme Off Season, see more of my posts relating to this theme HERE.

A Loo with a View

A Loo with a View
Levi, Finland

For more Loo’s with a View take a look at this ARTICLE.

Snowmobile Route

Some men see things as they are and say why?
I dream things that never were and say why not.
                                                              C2C, Le Banquet

Snowmobile Route During the Summer
Snowmobile Route During the Summer

This post is in reply to the Daily Post theme Off Season.

Levi Ski Resort

Levi Ski Resort
Winter

Living in Lapland there has been a very noticeable difference since the winter season and I am able to make comparisons. Now, the snow has mostly melted (there are still patches) and the amount of people has reduced dramatically. Even though Lapland is beautiful during the summer it attracts very little international visitors.

These two images are taken roughly six months apart. Above, during the winter and the darkest time of year where the resort still seems to be empty. Below, taken a few days ago. The Christmas market has been replaced with a car park and the snow has melted and formed a small lake at the bottom of the ski run. In an effort to increase visitors during the off season a mountain bike competition was taking place.

Levi Ski Resort
Summer

The Snow is Gone (Mostly)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Levi, Lapland

This post is in reply to the Daily Post theme Off Season.

The Off Season

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Levi, Lapland

This post is in reply to the Daily Post theme Off Season.