kiviaitoja
Kiviaitoja are traditional stone fences built from locally gathered stones, used as boundaries and enclosures in rural Finland and other Nordic regions. They are typically dry-stone constructions, meaning they are laid without mortar, though some later examples use light lime grout for stabilization.
The stones are irregular and vary in size; builders place larger stones on the exterior faces and
Kiviaitoja were commonly used to mark field boundaries, separate properties, contain livestock, and protect crops from
The practice has deep roots in Nordic vernacular architecture and dates back to medieval times in many
Maintenance involves resetting displaced stones, rebuilding collapsed sections, and trimming vegetation that can undermine stability. Because
Kiviaitoja show regional variation in stone type and walling style, but share the common goal of creating