On November 3, 1941, during World War II, Kondopoga was occupied by Finnish troops and totally destroyed. Industrial plants and factories were looted, including the pulp and paper mill, hydroelectric station, granite and brick factories, furniture factory, and other facilities. Approximately 250 houses and apartment buildings were demolished along with concert halls, museums, kindergarten, school, hotels, fire station, and government offices. All bridges in the vicinity were blown up. The town was liberated on June 28, 1944 by Red Army's Karelian Front as part of Svir–Petrozavodsk Offensive. After the war, the town was rebuilt. In 1957, Kondopoga was declared the All-Union Komsomol building site. A number of new factories were built and the pulp and paper mill was also expanded. The population grew to 38,000 people.