Särkänpolvi (Joenmutka)
At the tip of the Tornionsärkkä, at the confluence of Porrasjoki and Isojoki, lies Särkänpolvi, also known as Joenmutka. The place is exceptional in terms of its landscape. The Porrasjoki river flows eastwards, but at Särkänpolvi it makes a sharp bend, cuts through the esker, and turns to flow westwards towards the Vuokkijärvi water system. From the rugged crest of Tornionsärkkä, a magnificent view unfolds onto the banks of the Porrasjoki and Isojoki rivers, where extensive river meadows are located. Villagers in the surrounding area once mowed them for livestock feed. At Särkänpolvi, there is a hikers' resting area built in the summer of 2021, which includes a lean-to shelter, a campfire site, a woodshed, a toilet, and two hay barns. In the summer of 2021, the Matkamiehen risti was erected on the crest of Torniosärkkä.
Matkamiehen risti
The Matkamiehen risti or "traveller's crosses" or "bowing crosses" are an old tradition belonging to the Orthodox faith in Viena Karelia. They were found along routes, and every traveller would try to have their rest and refreshment break by a cross. At the foot of the cross, the traveller would also stop to bow, make the sign of the cross, and pray for protection for those departing and those staying at home, or to ask for good fortune in trade, or to give thanks for surviving the hardships of a journey. Because the distances between villages were long, the crosses also served as milestones, so to speak. They indicated how far a journey had been travelled.
Hiking and canoeing
Särkänpolvi can be reached on foot either from Malahviantie, by hiking along Tornionsärkkä (Hyrynsärkkä) for about five kilometres on a beautiful trail along the ridge. Another option is to walk from Syntinenkangas for about half a kilometre. Särkänpolvi is also accessible by canoeing, as Porrasjoki river and Isojoki river form a canoeable Vienan reitti waterway. The Porrasjoki river section has two rapids, which are recommended to be portaged.
Särkänpolvi as part of a historical waterway
Over the course of time, Särkänpolvi has been one of the stops on the route to Viena. During the Russo-Swedish War (1788-1790), a loading dock for soldiers' needs was located there, of which there are still remains. In 1918, a boat dock and a service building were constructed near Särkänpolvi to supply the Malmi Expedition, which aimed to conquer Viena. At its peak, the warehouse held 3,000-4,000 sacks of grain to provision the East Karelia Expedition. The landscape still shows the path's stones and embankments, which speak of events from over a hundred years ago. There was also a loading dock at the end of the route on the shore of Viiankijärvi lake, the remains of which are still visible. Särkänpolvi also served as a hub for water transport for the people of Viena travelling to Finland for trade.
Further information https://www.retkikartta.fi/
