Kesäniemi: Tar Kiln and Farm History on Yli-Kitka

Kesäniemi combines historic farms and an archaeological tar kiln with the lakeside landscape of Yli-Kitka. This makes the area interesting from two perspectives: as a cultural landscape bearing traces of different eras, and as part of the wider Kitka area, where fishing and a marked boating route play a role.

Kesäniemi at a glance

• The tar kiln is in the southern part of Kesäniemi, about 15 metres from the shore of Yli-Kitka.
• The archaeological site is a fixed antiquity site of the tar kiln type; its historical period has not been specified more precisely.
• Kesäniemi Farm was established in the 1780s as a settlement farm.
• Aution summer barn was built in the early 20th century, is regionally significant, and has a pyramidal roof.
• The summer barn is on the north shore of Naatikkalahti Bay on Yli-Kitka.
• Kitka consists of Ala-Kitka and Yli-Kitka. The fishing season lasts all summer, and a marked boating route runs lengthwise through Kitka.

Farm history and archaeological traces

Kesäniemi Farm was established in the 1780s as a settlement farm. The old Kesäniemi Farm is a regionally significant, historically developed farmstead in Kesäniemi, Kuusamo. Together, these features give the area's history a concrete connection to farms and settlement, without establishing an exact year of foundation.

Another historical trace is the tar kiln. The term refers to a structure used for tar production; as an archaeological site, the kiln thus points to an earlier way of working. Its precise historical period remains unspecified. The banks stand out as distinct rises in the terrain and are a striking feature of the archaeological site. In Kesäniemi, a dated period for a farm's establishment and an archaeological find whose period has not been specified sit side by side—two different ways of approaching the area's past.

Aution summer barn and its roof design

Aution summer barn adds another historical and architectural note. The building was erected in the early 20th century and is considered regionally significant. Its location on the north shore of Naatikkalahti Bay on Yli-Kitka connects the building with the lakeside landscape. Kesäniemi Farm and the summer barn represent different periods: the farm was established in the 1780s, while the summer barn was built much later, in the early 20th century.

One striking architectural detail is the pyramidal roof. This roof design has several sloping surfaces that meet at the top. The term describes the shape of the roof, not a specific use of the building. Three concrete aspects therefore help define Aution summer barn: its regional significance, the period when it was built, and its distinctive roof. The historical farmstead's connection to the area and the summer barn's lakeside location should be understood as separate points of reference.

Kitka as a landscape and recreational area

Kitka consists of Ala-Kitka and Yli-Kitka. The area's connections to Yli-Kitka are clear from the lakeside locations mentioned: the tar kiln is about 15 metres from the shore, and Aution summer barn is on the north shore of Naatikkalahti Bay. This links historical interest in Kesäniemi to a specific place and the surrounding lake landscape.

In the surrounding area, the Kitkajärvi landscape is shaped by broad expanses of water, steep drop-offs, long sandy beaches, shallows, boulder piles, and rocky shallow-water areas. This combination does not create a uniform shoreline: deep-water sections sit alongside shallow, rocky areas, and long sandy beaches add to the variety of water and shoreline features. Those interested in the landscape will find a marked contrast between open expanses of water and shorelines of varying shapes. These features relate to Kitkajärvi in the surrounding area, not specifically to individual locations in Kesäniemi.

Fishing, the boating route, and choosing a focus

The fishing season on Kitka lasts all summer. This gives trip planning a seasonal timeframe: fishing is not limited to a single summer month. A marked boating route also runs lengthwise through Kitka. These two details address different planning questions: the fishing season defines the timeframe, while the route provides guidance for travelling on the water.

This suggests a simple focus when choosing a hotel. If farms and the tar kiln are of particular interest, focus on Kesäniemi and its local history. If fishing or the boating route is the priority, include the wider Kitka area in your travel plans. The lake landscape, with its varied shoreline features, complements both perspectives without conflating the area's cultural heritage sites with the activities available on Kitka.

Discover more destinations: Salmilamminkylä, Kauhajoki, Syötekylä, Laakkola, Siikalatva, Strandby, Raahe and Kuru.

Frequently asked questions about Kesäniemi

Where is the tar kiln?

It is in the southern part of Kesäniemi, about 15 metres from the shore of Yli-Kitka. Its banks stand out as distinct rises in the terrain.

When was Kesäniemi Farm established?

The farm was established in the 1780s as a settlement farm. Aution summer barn was built later, in the early 20th century.

Which lakes make up Kitka?

Kitka consists of Ala-Kitka and Yli-Kitka. The tar kiln is near the shore of Yli-Kitka; Aution summer barn is on the north shore of Naatikkalahti Bay on Yli-Kitka.

Which water activities have a specified season or location?

The fishing season on Kitka lasts all summer. A marked boating route runs lengthwise through Kitka, providing guidance for travelling on the water.

Go to the main travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.