Activities in Wild Taiga Kuhmo-Suomussalmi
Attractions in Wild Taiga Kuhmo-Suomussalmi
Highlights
Julma-Ölkky is the name of the biggest canyon lake in Finland. Ölökyn ähkäsy trail is a demanding hike around the lake with plenty of ascents and ...
The Elimyssalo Nature Reserve represents Kainuu's old-growth taiga forest nature at its best.
The cultural promenade takes you to the most important cultural sites in the center of Kuhmo - through the beautiful landscapes of Lake Lammasjärvi ...
Kokalmuksen kierros trail is suitable for beginners and mountain biking enthusiasts showcasing magnificent lake scenery, crystal-clear streams, as ...
This easy canoeing route in Lentua Nature Reserve introduces the visitor to the largest unregulated lake in Kuhmo as well as rugged, wilderness ...
Värikallion kaarros trail takes you to the most famous sight in Hossa. Thanks to the walking platform, you will be able to explore the historical ...
Experience the magical scenery of Hossa National Park. Try out snowshoeing or fatbiking on this easy multipurpose trail and enjoy a fun family ...
- Highlights
Julma-Ölkky is the name of the biggest canyon lake in Finland. Ölökyn ähkäsy trail is a demanding hike around the lake with plenty of ascents and ...
The Elimyssalo Nature Reserve represents Kainuu's old-growth taiga forest nature at its best.
The cultural promenade takes you to the most important cultural sites in the center of Kuhmo - through the beautiful landscapes of Lake Lammasjärvi ...
Kokalmuksen kierros trail is suitable for beginners and mountain biking enthusiasts showcasing magnificent lake scenery, crystal-clear streams, as ...
This easy canoeing route in Lentua Nature Reserve introduces the visitor to the largest unregulated lake in Kuhmo as well as rugged, wilderness ...
Värikallion kaarros trail takes you to the most famous sight in Hossa. Thanks to the walking platform, you will be able to explore the historical ...
Experience the magical scenery of Hossa National Park. Try out snowshoeing or fatbiking on this easy multipurpose trail and enjoy a fun family ...
- Highlights
Discover the region
Hossa National Park and nature reserves
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. 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.
In Finland, natural biodiversity has long been promoted through the designation and maintenance of nature reserves. The Friendship Park, located mainly in the Kuhmo area, consists of five separate nature reserves. It was founded 30 years ago to protect wilderness and, above all, the rare “wild forest reindeer”, which has its habitat here.
In the habitat of wildlife
Video: Wildtaiga
A paradise for outdoor activities
Experience more with a guide
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 key is to maintain a natural balance in line with sustainable tourism.
Guided tours will take you to nature reserves where you can hike with huskies, go on a trail run or take part in a photo hike. Other excursions include learning to identify and follow the tracks of wild animals in nature.
The magical winter of Wild Taiga
The snow-covered, hilly landscapes of Arctic Lakeland Kainuu welcome visitors for a winter adventure. 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 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.
In addition to traditional winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and reindeer and husky farm visits, Wild Taiga’s winter offers include other specialties. For example, there are guided tours where animals such as wolves, wolverines and many birds can be observed and photographed – even in winter. Keen fishers can gather in Kuhmo already in April, when the fly fishing season opens. Around that time, the local type of stoneflies hatch in the flowing river Pajakkajoki, which induces the fish to catch the bait. In the bubbling rapids of Pajakkakoski, a part of the said river, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience in a floating suit.
Explore local traditions, history and culture
The Wild Taiga Kuhmo-Suomussalmi region 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, and Winter War memorabilia. Here, culture enthusiasts have a lot to experience all year round.
Kuhmo 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.
With over 50 years of history, Kuhmon Kamarimusiikki, Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, has grown into one of the world's most significant chamber music festivals. The concert venues of the festival are within walking distance of each other. Therefore, the bicycle is a popular means of transportation for both guess as well as the artists. There are concerts from morning until late at night, and in the evenings artists and audiences get to the atmosphere by the campfire in the courtyard of the festival restaurant. Sommelo, another major local music festival, offers folk music typical of the region, international nuances, and an interesting accompanying programme. Kuhmo Arts Centre Kuhmo-talo serves as a centre for varying exhibitions and events, offering things to see and experience all year round.