kumian myllly – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

nature’s Winter Art – Pancake Ice

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

Pancake ice is a fascinating winter occurrence characterized by the formation of circular ice floes in rivers, resulting from water agitation in frigid temperatures. Witnessing this spectacle was enchanting, marking my first and final encounter with ice pancakes. Captured on January 26, 2014, it feels like a distant memory. In Finland, pancake ice creates stunning winter landscapes as rivers form these round, pancake-shaped ice floes when the water is disturbed in freezing conditions, showcasing beautifully rounded edges and a surreal ambiance adorned with snow and frost. This natural marvel attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, highlighting the Arctic charm of Finland in winter.

A tranquil winter scene showcasing pancake ice formations in a river surrounded by trees in Finland.

Pancake ice floes creating a mesmerizing pattern on a river in Finland during winter.

Kumian Flour Mill in Finland

Captures from Finland

The numerous mills in the rapids of the lakes on the northern side of the Salpausselkä in Nastola have been significant since the 16th century, and the current building stock forms cohesive and temporally as well as functionally layered entities in picturesque locations. The mills in the rapids represent early industrial buildings, to which the residences of the millers have also been connected.

The Kumian mills are located by the shore of Lake Salajärvi at a place where a river divides the narrow isthmus between Lake Salajärvi and Isokukkanen. The older wooden mill building dates back to the 1890s, while the tall flour mill building is from the 1930s.

The Kumian flour mill was designed in 1933 at the East Häme agricultural society. Later, similar tall flour mills were built, either as electric or steam mills. The mill became the most popular in Nastola and the nearby municipalities, significantly contributing to the spread of wheat cultivation in the area. A groats mill and a shaving planing machine operated in connection with the mill. Milling activities ceased in 1964.

A red mill surrounded by snow-covered trees and a flowing stream.

Kumian mylly

Captures from Finland, Landscapes

Kumian mills are located on the shore of Lake Salajärvi, the place where the landing river splits the narrow isthmus between the lake Salajärvi and lake Isokukkanen. The older, log mill building of the rubber mill dates from the 1890s and the tall wheat mill building from the 1930s.

I stopped to see how the mill has changed. It looks a bit different now than last year.

Kumiankoski is being restored to its natural state. Removing unnecessary dams is one of the easiest ways to protect and restore biodiversity.
The aim is to create a breeding ground and a hiking trail for endangered trout, among other things.
“The goal is an inherently rapids that allow fish to migrate. Planting of trout fry will begin immediately in the spring after rehabilitation. ”

At the same time, the length of Kumiankoski doubles from about 50 meters to one hundred meters.