Ristijärvi

Ristijärvi [ Ristijärvi ] is a municipality in the north- eastern Finland. It lies about 40 kilometers northeast of the town Kajaani surrounded by the countryside of Kainuu.

Ristijärvi was once the largest town of the community Paltamo, from which he was removed in 1867 as an independent community. In addition to the eponymous capital Ristijärvi it includes the settlements Hiisijärvi, Jokikylä, Mustavaara, Pihlajavaara, Pyhäntä and Uva. For decades, quite remote and economically backward community like the entire region had experienced a massive population decline and aging rapidly. Had it around 1960 over 4,000 inhabitants, today it is only in 1448 (as of 31 December 2012).

One of the main industries is tourism today. In summer, the main attractions are the long sandy beaches of the lake Hiisijärvi. They were about two hundred years ago as a result of a failed project level adjustment that made plummet by 14 meters the water level of the lake. In winter, on the hills of the community, in particular the ridge Saukkovaara, ski tourists.

The main roads are the Ristijärvis running from north to south state highway 5; over the railway line Kontiomäki - Taivalkoski the community is connected to the Finnish rail network.

Ristijärvi maintains since 1989 a twinning the city Olonets in the Russian Republic of Karelia. He is also the birthplace of Finland's best biathlete Kaisa Mäkäräinen.