avustetussa

Avustetussa is a small settlement located within the municipality of Pudasjärvi in northern Finland. The village lies approximately 12 kilometres north of the municipal centre, close to the banks of the Pukujarvi lake. Historically, the area was first mentioned in the early 17th century as a modest cluster of log houses inhabited by families engaged in subsistence farming and forestry. Over the centuries, Avustetussa developed a close relationship with the regional timber industry, with many residents finding employment in nearby sawmills and logging operations.

In contemporary times, Avustetussa remains a predominantly residential community with a population of around 180 residents. The primary economic activities are forestry, small-scale agriculture, and seasonal tourism. The presence of the Avustetussa Cottage Forest, a managed woodland area, provides opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and cross‑country skiing during winter. The community hosts an annual summer fair that attracts visitors from surrounding villages, featuring traditional crafts, local cuisine, and cultural performances that highlight the region’s Sámi heritage.

Public services in Avustetussa include a primary school that serves children from the village and neighbouring hamlets, a community centre that hosts educational and cultural events, and a volunteer fire brigade that supports emergency response throughout the municipality. The settlement is accessible via a network of regional roads, with the nearest major highway connecting to the city of Oulu to the south. Public transportation consists of a limited bus service that operates on weekdays, linking residents to Pudasjärvi for shopping, healthcare, and secondary education.