The competition, organized by Posti, attracted an impressive 9,000 votes, with nearly a third of them favoring a breathtaking photograph of a mill beside the Myllykoski rapids.
In a stunning win for veteran photographer Jukka Risikko, his idyllic winter scene along the Kitkajoki River in Kuusamo has emerged as Finland’s most beautiful postage stamp of 2025. The winning image beautifully frames an old mill nestled beside the rushing waters of the Myllykoski rapids, all draped in a serene, snowy landscape.
The poll drew considerable interest, with Risikko’s photograph claiming 33 percent of the total votes cast. This isn’t his first victory; indeed, he has secured the title of Most Beautiful Postage Stamp in years past, with triumphs in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
The striking photograph was taken during an astonishingly cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to -25 degrees Celsius. “Snow, ice, and the unique light create moments that simply can’t be captured in milder weather. In such severe cold, even the most ordinary landscapes acquire a certain magic,” Risikko explained.
For those interested in exploring this picturesque locale, Myllykoski is situated along the renowned Karhunkierros trail in Kuusamo, a testament to its stunning natural beauty.