Louis Philip’s park

Louis Philip’s park

Louis Philippe park was built in honor of the 150th anniversary of Muonio municipality and is located in the center of Muonio. This charming park offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature for locals and tourists alike. The park is named in honor of Louis Philippe, who was the king of France and a famous explorer. In the park, there is a sculpture of Louis Philippe designed by Sofia Saari. Louis Philippe Park serves as both a monument to Muonio’s long history and a recreation area for future generations.

Background

Ludvig Filip, then Duke of Orléans, fled France on the way to the revolution in 1793. He adventured across Central Europe and Scandinavia with two companions until he finally landed on the Nordkapp. On his escape journey through Lapland in September 1795, he ended up as a guest of Mathias Kolström, vicar of Muonionniska parsonage.

The eyes of Beata Caisa Wahlbom, the attractive sister-in-law of the vicar and the young prince, who used the pseudonym Muller, met. Nine months later, Beata Caisa gave birth to an illegitimate child, Erik Wahlbom, who was nicknamed Puolikko-Erkki in Muonio. He later moved to Norway and took the surname Kolström and bought a farm in Maskjoki, Tanavuono. Puolikko-Erk’s royal descent is the legend of Lapland, about which Zachris Topelius first wrote a fairy tale-like story.

Read the full story here.