Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
Arctic Lakeland Kainuu, in the middle of Finland, combines the lake landscapes of southern Finland with the arctic conditions of Lapland. In summer, lakes, rapids, and rivers are suitable for water activities such as kayaking, boating, and fishing. In autumn, the magnificent autumn colours of hilly and forested landscapes invite visitors to hike and cycle. In winter, you can explore the snow-covered forests and bogs by snowshoeing, winter cycling, skiing, and ice fishing. On Kainuu’s high-quality route network, you can get to know nature and destinations either independently or with a guide. Vuokatti, Kuhmo, Suomussalmi and Kajaani are excellent holiday destinations. Whether you visit by plane, boat, train, or car, the destination offers harmony of nature, culture, experiences, and activities all year round.
Activities in Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
Attractions in Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
Highlights
A moderate mountain biking trail located near the center of Sotkamo offers a physical challenge due to differences in altitude.
Sapporo hiking trail is a challenging circle trail that takes the hiker to the most beautiful landscapes of Vuokatti. The trail is well suited for ...
Äjänsaari on Lake Oulujärvi is a unique island destination. Shallow sandy beaches, rugged beach cliffs and the clear water create a unique ...
This multipurpose trail leads around Jatkonvaara-hill, where you can enjoy the esker and lake views. It is possible to use this track with ...
Showing the best parts of Hossa National Park, this trail is the only one in Finland with IMBA EPICS title, it has been selected among the best ...
This easy canoeing route in Lentua Nature Reserve introduces the visitor to the largest unregulated lake in Kuhmo as well as rugged, wilderness ...
The Elimyssalo Nature Reserve represents Kainuu's old-growth taiga forest nature at its best.
Discover the region
The magical winter starts in Kainuu
The snow-covered, hilly landscape of Arctic Lakeland Kainuu welcomes visitors. The area is located in the northernmost part of Arctic Lakeland Kainuu, right on the border with Lapland, which guarantees that no time is spent on travelling.
The snow sure Kainuu offers a great setting for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter cycling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, as well as for sauna bathing and winter swimming. The network of hundreds of kilometres 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 cross-country skiing trails.
Husky safaris take visitors through the winter wonderland under the starry northern sky. On a frosty day, floating in a warm floating suit in the rapids feels magical and is an unforgettable experience. Wildlife such as wolves, wolverines and many birds can also be observed and photographed in the winter. Kainuu also has wilderness sites where you can enjoy the peace and silence under the starry skies. There are also a lot of indoor activities for the whole family: Vuokatti even has the world’s first ski tunnel which is open all year round.
Wellness from the core of “Finnishness”
Arctic Lakeland Kainuu is a wonderful and interesting example of a mix of rich tradition and strong local culture. For those looking for cultural insights, the area offers history and traditions, events, local food, folk music, and memories of the Winter War.
Sauna bathing is a natural part of the local and vibrant cultural heritage. The sauna tradition can be practiced in a wide variety of saunas, such as a cave sauna, a bear sauna or a traditional smoke sauna. Cooling off, in the lake in summer and in the hole in the ice or in the snow in winter, is an integral part of the sauna experience. The spas Katinkulta in Vuokatti and Kiannon Kuohut in Suomussalmi offer refreshment for body and soul throughout the year. Afterwards, you can enjoy local products such as Haapala Brewery beers, Vuokatin Viini berry wine products, or locally produced dishes. Bakery and bread products, such as rye bread, rye flatbread, and the area’s famous rönttönen, are skilfully made in local bakeries.
Kuhmo – the cradle of Finnish culture
Kuhmo is Finland’s most forested city full of historical stories and cultural events. It has been awarded the title of “City of Literature” by UNESCO for cherishing the heritage of the Finnish national epic “Kalevala”. In a way, the region is the cradle of the culture and identity of the Finnish people. The information centre for Kalevala and Karelian culture, “Juminkeko”, provides comprehensive information on Kalevala and Karelian culture. Juminkeo has constantly changing exhibitions. The Kuhmo City Library, which is located in the most magnificent location in Kuhmo, also hosts literary events and exhibitions.
Kajaani lives on culture and nature
In Kajaani, museums, an atmospheric city theater, concerts, cultural events, and dance arts, as well as the diverse range of services offered by the shops in the city centre, complement small nature excursions. There are several nature sites around the city centre, the most famous of which is the Kajaani Castle Ruins and the historical tar canal. Accommodation options include both Finland’s northernmost manor hotel and igloo accommodation. The river flowing through Kajaani and its nearby routes allows you to enjoy nature and relax in the middle of a peaceful natural cityscape.
Relaxing holidays in Vuokatti
Close your eyes, take a deep breath of fresh air, hear the sounds of nature, let the scents intoxicate. You are only one step away from "Vuokatti-zen". Peace of mind, forces of nature, hilly landscapes – is there a better place to be? You can experience Vuokatti by hiking, Nordic walking or cycling, or alternatively changing perspectives by jumping in a canoe and letting the currents take you on a new adventure. In winter, the snowy landscape over the hills is breath-taking, and the area’s businesses offer services for body and soul. In Vuokatti, you will find both several campfire sites and relaxing spas with smoke saunas.
Video: Kainuu
National parks and nature reserves: Hossa, Hiidenportti, Ärjänsaari. and Friendship Park
Hossa National Park is the most famous protected area in the region. Its crystal-clear waters and the million-year-old canyon lake Julma-Ölkky, as well as the Stone Age rock paintings of Värikallio, fascinate all visitors. Extensive 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.
The Friendship Park, located mainly in the Kuhmo area, was founded 30 years ago to protect wilderness and, above all, the rare “wild forest reindeer”, which has its habitat here. The park consists of five separate nature reserves: Elimyssalo Nature Reserve, Lentua Nature Reserve, Iso-Palonen–Maariansärkät Nature Reserve, and Juortanansalo–Lapinsuo Mire Reserve. On the Russian side of the border, there is also Kostomuksha Strict Nature Reserve. In the Friendship Park, you will find deep forests, magnificent marshlands, and numerous lakes and ponds, and thus you will find authentic original borderland wilderness with its wildlife.
The Hiidenportti National Park, located in Sotkamo region, is named after the Hiidenportti gorge. The gorge landscape is an impressive sight. Along the path leading to the rugged cliffs, you can experience mysterious spruce forests, beautifully barren meadows, and the atmosphere of a swidden. In addition to the characteristic fragmented landscape of bogs and boreal forests, the area has primeval forest.
To the north of the national park in Palolampi, there is an information centre and a parking lot about a kilometre from the Hiidenportti gorge. On the eastern side in Urpovaara, along a non-maintained road, you can reach the starting point of a hiking trail, where there is also a lean-to shelter on the shores of Urpolampi pond. You can also enter the park either from southeast along the hiking trail by the Portinjoki River which starts from the Käärmesärkä parking area by the Valtimo–Kuhmo road, or from south along the hiking trail from Valtimo through Autiojärvi and Syrjä.
Hiidenportti is also suitable for novice hikers, student groups and other group excursions, but the services are not barrier-free. In winter, you can drive to the parking lot of Palolampi hut.
In some places demanding Kitulankierros in Hiidenportti National Park offers enchanting views to the Hiidenportti gorge valley and Kitulanlampi ...
The island of magnificent sandbanks, Ärjänsaari, is a nature reserve and recreational area in the middle of Lake Oulujärvi, also known as the pearl of Oulujärvi. Lake Oulujärvi is the fourth largest lake in Finland, which you can cross by steamboat or rental boat transport in summer. Landing on the sandy beaches of the island is also possible by renting a boat or a kayak. In winter, the island can be reached by skiing or snowmobiling across the frozen water.
From the high sand dunes of Ärjänsaari, you can admire the magnificent scenery of Lake Oulujärvi both in summer and in winter. There are several trails on the island, including a 10 km long route around the island. On Ärjänsaari, you can also go geocaching, berry picking, bird watching or petting the sheep in the summer pasture. On sunny summer days, you can relax on the fine sandy beach and listen to the waves. In addition to kayaking or canoeing, the waters are also suitable for parasailing and kite surfing. In winter, you can move around the island with skis or snowshoes.
Enjoying the summer and midnight sun
Kainuu offers a wide range of hiking destinations, nature trails and a wide range of activities in beautiful pure nature. In the lush forests, the beard lichen grows in the trees, the silence can be almost heard, and the swamps serve wonderful worlds of scents and colours. The wooded and lake-rich Kainuu is a perfect destination for outdoor activities and following the changes of seasons.
Various activities of the summer season
The summer months offer a unique atmosphere and a lot of things to try. Hiking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and berry picking are especially popular. Due to the midnight sun, the days are especially long, so active holidaymakers can spend time outdoors even around the clock. As the evenings get dark, the autumn colours of Arctic Lakeland Kainuu’s forests and swamps can be admired in fresh air by hiking or cycling, or by going berry or mushroom picking or photography touring.
There is a unique chance to go observing animals on guided tours or in hidden stalls. Wild Taiga Kuhmo-Suomussalmi is one of the few areas in Finland where it is possible to spot and photograph rare animals in their natural habitat. In addition to bears and wolves, you may catch a glimpse of moose, wild forest reindeer, flying squirrels, beavers, and some of the largest native birds of prey. The wildlife viewing season begins in late April, when bears awaken from their hibernation, and lasts until the end of October.
Video: Wildtaiga
Experience Kainuu’s waterways on swimming trips and cruises
The summer in Kainuu is consists of varied swimming trips and well-deserved moments of relaxation. The most famous sandy beaches in the area are Hiukka in Sotkamo, also known as the Riviera of Kainuu, and the coast of Ärjänsaari Island in the embrace of Lake Oulujärvi. In Kuhmo, unique sandy beaches can be found both in the town centre and in the wilderness. A visit to the Harakkasaari island is an adventure especially for families with children, as a small stretch of the way is crossed by wading in the water. The island has a new lean-to shelter and a campfire site. Harakkasaari is part of the Friendship Park and is located close to the services of Hotel Kalevala.
The steamship S/S Kouta is the northernmost still-operating inland steamship in Finland and Europe. Riding a 100-year-old iron lady, you can experience the atmosphere of days of yore and enjoy the summer lake scenery from Kajaani’s shores to Lake Oulujärvi. In summer, the ship M/S Kianta cruises in Suomussalmi to the home of the Finnish author Ilmari Kianto. Those who have a need for speed can get aboard the Vuokatti Speed Boat.
Many opportunities for golfing
For golf enthusiasts, there are several courses for both experienced golfers and beginners. Katinkulta Golf’s Nuas Championship Course is an 18-hole classic framed by stunning hilly landscapes. Nominated as the most beautiful course in Finland several times, Paltamo Golf is located in a magnificent natural landscape, where cliffs, woods, and the outline of the beach have determined the location of the golf course. The city golf centre Kajaani Golf has an enjoyable 9-hole course just a few kilometres from the city centre.
Cultural experiences and interesting events
Throughout the summer, Kainuu serves the most wonderful world-class music, dance, and sports events. The best known are the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, the Sommelo Ethno Music Festival and, as a new unique event, the "Joutsentanssi" – Kuhmo Dance Festival. In addition to festivals, there are music performances, art exhibitions, theatre performances, summer cafés, and other recreational events.
Authentic experiences with the help of a guide
The small entrepreneurs have gathered local traditions and knowledge to offer visitors a unique experience. The key is to maintain a natural balance in line with sustainable tourism. Guided tours are available, for example, in the urban cultural environment and nature reserves, where you can get to know the life of great Finnish writers, hike with huskies, go trail running, or take part in a photography trip.
