100 m

Anti-tank obstacle

Kuusamon kaupunki

This is a reconstruction of a double-row anti-tank obstacle. The purpose of the anti-tank obstacle was to stop the enemy tanks from advancing, and, if possible, direct them to a location where they could be destroyed with cannon fire.

During 1940–1941, some 950 metres of mainly double-row anti-tank obstacles were built in the Vanttajankannas fortification area. The boulders for the anti-tank obstacle were lifted from the Vanttajanvaara quarry about three kilometres away, and brought to this location with trucks, tractors and horses. The boulders were wedged in place with wooden supports and wedge stones. The weight of one boulder is 1500 to 3000 kg, depending on its size.