|
Site Map: Sites 6-14
|
6. Saarenoja Stone-Age dwelling site in Joutseno
The Saarenoja dwelling site is situated on the shore of a narrow fjord that opens to the southeast. Three dwelling sites have been found on the bluffs of the bay. The bluffs are of different ages and dates of the dwelling sites range from approximately 10000 - 11000 years ago, from the various shore phases of the Yoldia Sea and Ancylus Lake, which preceded the present-day Baltic Sea. Settlement of Saarenoja belongs to Finland's earliest settlement period after the Ice Age, and the oldest dwelling site in Finland since the last Ice Age may be among the sites here.
In summer 2000 some test excavations at the Saarenoja settlement turned up flint material from the southern Baltic area, Estonia, and Russia, along with a unique arrowhead piece made from the thighbone of a moose. Similar arrows have been found at mesolithic dwelling sites in Estonia and Russia.
Driving directions: Take road no. 3951 from the centre of Joutseno. Drive about 14.5 km, then turn right onto road no. 3952 at the four-way intersection. Drive about 1.1 km and turn left toward Monnonmäki. Continue about 600 metres. A sign to the site is immediately on the left. Cars or a bus can park along the road.