Military Historical Museum "Mountain Filin" - Unique attraction of Karelia




A unique sight of Karelia with a rich military history

In the picturesque Karelian forests, among the majestic granite rocks, there is one of the most unusual and exciting museums in Russia. Military Historical Museum "Mountain Filin" is a unique underground complex created in the depths of ancient rocks and stores amazing pages of the military history of our country.

This museum is not just a place to store exhibits – it is a real journey into the past, where every visitor can touch the history and feel part of the great events of the past years. Located in the Sortaval district of the Republic of Karelia, the museum has become a real pearl of military-historical tourism in the region.



History of the creation of a unique complex
The history of the museum begins in the distant 1930s, when Finnish military engineers began to build a secret military facility in the thickness of granite rock. The underground bunker was created as a strategically important fortification, able to withstand powerful artillery shelling and air bombardment.

After the end of the Winter War of 1939-1940, the facility came under the control of the Soviet Union, where it continued to be used for military purposes. For decades, underground premises kept state secrets, and access to them was strictly limited. Only at the beginning of the XXI century it was decided to create a museum on the basis of this unique historical object, which could tell visitors about the heroic pages of military history.



Architectural features of the underground museum
The museum complex impresses with its scale and engineering solutions. Underground galleries, hollowed in granite, extend to a depth of 50 meters underground. The total length of the tunnels and halls is several kilometers, creating a real underground city. Detailed descriptions of the architectural features and layout of the underground complex "Mountain Filin" can be studied on specialized resources dedicated to historical sights.



The main architectural elements of the museum:
  1. Main entrance tunnel with massive armored gates capable of withstanding direct hit of air bombs weighing up to 500 kilograms
  2. Central Command Room with preserved original communications equipment and life support systems
  3. Network of connecting galleries, which house thematic expositions dedicated to different periods of military history
  4. Underground lake with crystal clear water, which served as a source of water garrison
  5. Ventilation shafts and air filtration systems that ensured the autonomous existence of the underground garrison
  6. Warehouses and barracks, where the authentic atmosphere of military life is still preserved




Expositions and collections of the museum
Museum expositions cover a wide range of military-historical themes, ranging from the Winter War to modern conflicts. Special attention is paid to the history of the Karelian Isthmus, the role of the region in the Great Patriotic War and the development of military affairs in the XX century. More detailed information about the museum and its expositions can be found on the specialized portal "Mountain Filin", where detailed descriptions of all exhibition halls are presented.



Key exhibitions of the museum include:
  • Collection of small arms of the Second World War with samples of both Soviet and Finnish production
  • Unique documents and photographs telling about the construction of the Mannerheim line and its overcoming
  • Exposition of military equipment, including tanks, artillery and communications equipment
  • Interactive stands that allow visitors to feel like military operators
  • Diorama, recreating the atmosphere of hostilities in the Karelian forests
  • Memorial zone dedicated to the memory of dead soldiers and civilians


Special value of the museum Many exhibits were found directly in the area of the museum by archaeological expeditions. This gives the collection a special authenticity and historical authenticity.


Educational programmes and excursions
The museum actively develops educational activities, offering visitors various formats of acquaintance with history. Professional tour guides conduct fascinating stories about military events using modern multimedia technologies and interactive elements.

Special programs for different categories of visitors

Special educational programs have been developed for schoolchildren to help young people better understand the history of their country. Students of historical faculties can take part in research projects and archaeological works carried out on the territory of the museum.

Particularly popular are thematic excursions dedicated to specific historical events or periods. Such programs allow you to delve deeper into the studied era and gain a more complete understanding of the military history of the region.

Practical information for visitors

The museum works all year round, offering visitors comfortable conditions for exploring the exposition. Underground halls maintain a constant temperature of about +8 ° C, so it is recommended to take warm clothes with you even in the summer.

The territory of the museum is equipped with modern security and navigation systems, which ensures a comfortable and safe visit for people of all ages. Accessibility for people with disabilities is partially provided in the ground part of the complex.

Additional services and services

On the territory of the museum complex there is a souvenir shop where you can buy souvenirs, books on military history and replicas of historical objects. The cafe offers visitors to taste Karelian cuisine and warm up with hot drinks after an underground tour.

The Military History Museum "Mount Filin" is a unique place where history comes to life and becomes part of modernity. This is not just a museum, but a real center of patriotic education and historical education, which makes a significant contribution to preserving the memory of the heroic past of our country. Visiting this amazing place leaves a lasting impression and helps to better understand the value of peace and freedom.