Documentation and preservation of German WWII airfields in Finland

Abstract

<p>In this paper, we discuss the heritage and research potential of Second World War airfields in Finland. Our focus is on the airfields used by the German Luftwaffe during the Continuation War and Lapland War. The German troops initiated extensive construction projects at various Finnish airfields, leaving a permanent mark on the landscape. During the ensuing Finno-German Lapland War, German troops annihilated many of their own military installations, including airfields. Today, the ruins of demolished German military installations persist around the airfields. Despite their military historical significance, the airfields have been the subject of little academic research. Currently, research prospects are threatened by the lack of protection, as the sites are being compromised by looters and modern land use.<br></p>