Venähe

Venähe is a small rural community in the municipality of Rovaniemi, located in the Lapland region of Finland. The village lies approximately 12 kilometres southwest of the town centre, at an elevation of 200 metres above sea level, and is situated along the banks of the Ruka River. As of the 2021 census, Venähe has an estimated population of 150 residents, predominantly Finnish-speaking, with a small portion of Sámi speakers.

The history of Venähe dates back to the early 17th century, when it was first referenced in the parish registers of Rovaniemi as a fishing settlement. During the Winter War of 1939‑1940, the village served as a logistical support point for the Finnish Army, with several temporary barracks erected along the Ruka River. After the war, Venähe gradually transitioned to a forestry-based economy, with a number of sawmills established in the surrounding forested areas.

Venähe’s economy today remains focused on forestry and small-scale agriculture, complemented by seasonal tourism related to the Ruka ski area that attracts visitors to the region every winter. The village hosts an annual reindeer herding festival each autumn, celebrating local Sámi traditions and attracting participants and tourists from the wider Lapland area. Public transport links include a weekly bus service connecting Venähe to Rovaniemi, and a local road provides access to the main national highway. The village is served by a small community centre which also functions as a library and a venue for cultural events.