Examples of bleak tourist destinations in Finland include Paha-Koli, Bodomjärvi and Kyllikki Saar’s bog. World-renowned sites include Auschwitz and Chernobyl.
True crime is everywhere: from streaming services to audio books. The phenomenon is also evident in tourism.
It’s a travel trend where people are fascinated by places with a dark history. It could be the scene of a homicide, for example, or a setting known for its supernatural activities.
– People are fascinated by the fact that these places put you in a position where you can think for yourself about what you would have done in the situation. Would you have been able to prevent a homicide, for example?
Gloomy tourism has been practiced before. Popular destinations include Kyllikki Saari swamp, Bodomjärvi triple murder and Seili leprosy hospital.
Käräjähonga’s thesis includes a guide to dark tourism destinations in North Karelia.
– I have always been interested in true crime, detective stories and historical events. People are interested in dark things, accidents and their backgrounds. The guide aims to attract new travelers to North Karelia.
Käräjähonka says that dark tourism is suitable for everyone who is interested in these topics. People also practice this unconsciously, for example many Nature destinations are also destinations related to dark tourism.
– It is suitable for a wide audience, I think young people will be particularly interested. Many familiar series have drawn attention to the subject, such as Chernobyl.
Dark travel broadens your mind
The most exciting destination that Käräjähonka has visited himself is the old castle of Dover in England. The place is known for the tunnels from the Second World War. According to Käräjähonga, the tour was well executed, using holograms and video cannons to visualize the guide’s stories.
– I would like to visit the catacombs and Auschwitz. They are so well-known and inspiring for their stories. In Finland, the guided tour of Olavinlinna in Savonlinna is interesting. Even the place hides a lot of dark destinies.
Dark tourism can be enjoyed on a small budget, many nature attractions are completely free. By getting to know the history of your own hometown, you can find many interesting places. From North Karelia, Sarita Käräjähonka picks the Outokumpu mine as her favorite.
– Even though history can contain dark things, the object as a whole is interesting and eye-opening. There is a museum in the mine that details the history of the place.
Käräjähonka has also dreamed of working in dark tourism. He has even thought about establishing a business name, but his biggest dream would be for cities and municipalities to consult him about travel destinations in their own regions.
Few of the sites have been commercialized, and information about the history of the area must be sought for yourself. However, dark tourism can also be practiced without knowing it.
– Koli, for example, is one that most people come to for completely different reasons.
Skiers and hikers may be surprised by the history of Koli. The information boards also tell about the supposed darker past of the place.
What kind of atmosphere is left after visiting the destinations? Shouldn’t travel be relaxed and comfortable?
– After all, a week’s vacation is not much if you visit a few destinations. Not everything on vacation has to be gloomy. Many of the destinations awaken your own world view and make you appreciate life in a new way when you see harsh fates. Can appreciate how well things are in your own life.
*Does travel always have to be relaxed and comfortable? You can discuss the topic until Sunday 19.2. until 11 p.m.*