Aitoneva, a part of the municipality of Kihniö around 100 km north of Tampere, houses the only museum which exhibits the history of industrial-scale peat production in Finland. The extraction and use of peat for energy production began in Aitoneva during World War II. Finland was lacking sources of energy due to the difficulties in coal import. Aitoneva was selected as location for industrialised peat cutting because of its thich peat layers and the vicinity of the railroad network. Many processes and procedures used in the production of peat were first tested here. This also includes some not so successful methods, including the use of heavy Russian machinery.
The museum presents a wide range of exhibits on the production and use of peat, as well as the history and development of the peat industry. The environmental management of peatlands is also addressed. Outside the museum, around sixty machines related to peat production are located in the woodland, the oldest of which date back to the 1940s. The landscape created by peat cutting has since been transformed into a natural landscape that can be experienced on a nature trail.
Aitoneva Peat Museum
Aitonevan turvemuseo
Aitonevantie 358
39820 Kihniö
Finland
+358 (0) 20 - 7906403
Homepage
Recommended duration of visit: | 2 Hours |
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Duration of a guided tour: | 45 Minutes |
Admission: | Free |
Access for persons with disabilities: | For details see website |
Infrastructure for children: | |
Catering: | |
Visitor centre on site: | yes |
Gift and book shop on site: | yes |
Museum (inside)
June - August
daily 12am-5pm
Outdoor exhibition
accessible all year round at any time free of charge