The hilltop settlement of Naapurinvaara is a unique combination of balanced construction, valuable natural environments and extensive traditional rural biotopes. It is one of Finland’s 186 nationally valuable landscape areas. The Finnish Heritage Agency has also designated the village of Naapurinvaara a nationally significant built cultural heritage site. Landscape has been systematically managed for decades thanks to the activity of landowners, farmers, grazing service entrepreneurs, and associations, as well as the support provided by the municipality of Sotkamo and the Kainuu Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (Kainuu ELY Centre). In 2013, the Naapurinvaara village association proposed establishing a landscape management area under the Nature Conservation Act. The process for establishing a landscape management area was driven by local commitment and broad cooperation. The 2,762-hectare Naapurinvaara landscape management area was established in 2020, creating new opportunities for landscape management.

 Application Form Landscape Award 2025-2026