Vienteinä

Vienteinä is a locality situated in the eastern region of Finland, within the boundaries of the municipality of Kemijärvi. The name derives from the Finnish words “vientä” meaning “export” and “enä” meaning “edge,” reflecting its historical role as a border settlement involved in trade between inland farms and coastal markets. The area developed during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when forestry and lumber export were prominent industries. In the late 19th century a small sawmill and a post office were established, fostering a modest population that peaked at around 250 residents in the early 20th century.

Today Vienteinä remains a quiet rural community, characterized by a mix of traditional wooden farms and modern forestry operations. A 5-kilometer hiking trail links the settlement to the nearby lake Saunajärvi, offering views of the surrounding boreal forest. Local governance is managed by the Kemijärvi council, which oversees agricultural subsidies, road maintenance, and community events. Annual festivals celebrate the area's heritage, featuring traditional music, local crafts, and displays of the timber industry’s legacy. Although the population has declined slightly in recent decades, Vienteinä maintains a stable community with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and sustainable timber management.