As you wander around Savonlinna, keep an eye out for something you won’t find just anywhere: birdhouses that bring together art, local history and a little bit of magic. Look closely and you can trace how Marko Ruuskanen’s creations have evolved over the years. The earliest are recognisably traditional nest boxes, marked by a heart-shaped iron detail. Later, the designs grew into miniature buildings, becoming ever more intricate—and, in some cases, impressively large. Among the trees, you may spot a detailed model of a building that once stood on that very spot: one of Savonlinna’s most delightful surprises, waiting to be discovered.
Local Folk Artist and Cemetery Worker
The artist behind these unusual creations is Marko Ruuskanen, a folk artist and cemetery worker from Savonlinna. He began making artistic birdhouses in the 2010s, starting with traditional nest boxes adorned with decorative details. Over time, the idea grew into something much more: carefully crafted miniature buildings inspired by places around the city. Each nest box gives birds a home, while its design may celebrate a local landmark, recall a building that has disappeared, or reflect themes of love, remembrance and hope.
For Marko, making and sharing the birdhouses is a way to bring joy to others. He has described himself as a messenger for his creations, saying that a smile from someone who discovers one is reward enough. Some of the birdhouses have found homes in cemeteries, where their thoughtful details can offer moments of comfort; others reconnect the city with places and stories from its past. Savonlinna’s residents have welcomed Marko’s work warmly, and visitors can discover it as an unexpected expression of the city’s creativity, kindness and local pride.
