Arctic Lakeland Kainuu

Hossa National Park is the most famous protected area in the region. It captivates with its crystal clear waters and the historically significant rock paintings of Värikallio. Numerous well developed hiking, cycling and canoeing trails make Hossa National Park the ideal place to get to know the vast Taiga forests. Check out the VR video of how it feels to walk along the suspension bridge over the canyon lake here.

Besides the famous Hossa National Park, many smaller and less visited natural jewels invite visitors. The Friendship Park near Kuhmo was founded 30 years ago as a reserve for the rare and protected “wild forest reindeer“, which has its habitat here. Today the reserve is also home to Finland's largest predators: brown bear, wolf, wolverine and lynx.

Don't worry: although you use the same paths, you are not in danger. It is extremely rare to meet any of the wild animals during the day. They are nocturnal, very shy and wary of people.

If you would like to travel with an expert, you can take part in a guided tour. The small entrepreneurs have gathered local traditions and knowledge to offer visitors a unique experience.

The locals are very aware of the impact tourism can have on their homeland. Therefore they work hard to keep a good balance – according to the definition of sustainable tourism.

They will take you to nature reserves where you can hike with huskies, go on a trail run or take part in a photo hike. At other events you will learn to identify and follow the tracks of wild animals in nature.

Kainuu’s snow-covered, hilly landscape welcomes visitors. The area is located in the northernmost part of Arctic Lakeland Kainuu, right on the border of Lapland, which guarantees that no time is spent on travelling. The network of hundreds of kilometers of cross-country skiing trails stretches over the hills and the icy lakes. For novice skiers and families, there are ski school services and easier trails on flat terrain, while more advanced enthusiasts can ski on more difficult ski tracks.

Paljakka has been reported to be the snowiest area in Finland year after year. The Paljakka’s winter with guaranteed snow offers skiers the snowiest as well as the highest and longest slopes in Kainuu. In addition to the ski slopes, Paljakka offers varied cross-country ski trails and winter cycling trails, magnificent snowmobile trails, walks in the snow-white forest and a selection of guided safaris. For lovers of fishing, there is a specialty: you can go ice fishing in an igloo-shaped tent, comfortably sheltered from the wind and snow, in Forellibaari of the Paljakka Fishing Park. Visits to husky and reindeer farms are also very popular.

In addition to traditional winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and reindeer and husky farm visits, Wild Taiga’s winter offers include specialties. Animals such as wolves, wolverines and many birds can be observed and photographed in winter. Eager fishers can gather in Kuhmo when the fly fishing season opens in April. Around that time, the local type of stoneflies hatch in the flowing Paljakka River, which induces the fish to catch the bait. The winter, however, is still visible – even in April, the fishers need snowshoes to get to the riverbank. In the bubbling rapids of Paljakkakoski, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience in a floating suit.

The "Wild Taiga Kuhmo-Suomussalmi" region on the Finnish-Russian border is a textbook example of the mixture of rich tradition and strong local culture. If you are looking for cultural insights, the area offers history, folk music, memories of the Winter War and concerts.

Kuhmo has been awarded the title of "City of Literature" by UNESCO because this is where the important Finnish national epic "Kalevala" was created. In a way, the region is the cradle of the culture and identity of the Finnish people. The information centre "Juminkeko" introduces interested people to the importance of the Kalevala and to the Karelian culture.

In Wild Taiga Kuhmo-Suomussalmi people still live very close to nature. Therefore wild berries, mushrooms, fish and game meat are an important part of the local cuisine. In the cafés and restaurants you have the opportunity to taste the rich aromas.