Things to Experience in Kuopio
1.Puijo
Kuopio’s beloved landmark, Puijo, is worth visiting every day of the year. Puijo Hill, with its beautiful ancient forest on the slopes and the iconic Puijo Tower at the summit, is literally located in the heart of the city. In addition to the tower, Puijo is known for its ski jumps, year-round recreational activities, and, nowadays, its fun seasonal theme trails, which have become incredibly popular.
“This year, the theme trails include the Halloween Trail, Christmas Trail, Surprise Trail, and a new Friendship Trail during Valentine’s Week,” says Pekka Niemelä, entrepreneur and CEO of Puijo Peak.
“Summer is the busiest season at Puijo. During that time, people from over 60 countries come to admire the stunning lake and city views from the tower. A year-round favorite is hiking and enjoying moments at the new, impressive Ylä-Antikkala lean-to shelter. In winter, visitors especially enjoy snow tubing and the chairlift, which offers a fantastic way to ascend Puijo Hill. The atmosphere is magical during winters when the trees are covered in a beautiful layer of frost,” Niemelä adds.
In addition to fun activities and breathtaking views, don’t miss the delicious lunch at Puijo Maja and the high-quality local food at the tower restaurant, enjoyed at the best viewpoint in the city.
2.Harbor Area
Kuopio is a port city surrounded by one of the largest archipelagos in inland Finland. Visitors arriving in the city by boat are welcomed by the guest marina at Maljalahti, the lively events and atmosphere at the passenger harbor, the Luoto experience center, Hapelähde playground and sports park, and the harbor’s cozy restaurants.
When the lakes freeze, harbor boat traffic halts, but only to make room for winter experiences. The skating track on the frozen lake, the winter café, lean-tos on nearby islands, and winter events at the harbor are long-standing traditions that attract visitors from near and far.
3.Itkonniemi Nature Trail
Itkonniemi is one of Kuopio’s oldest neighborhoods. In the late 1800s, it was home to the great names of Kuopio’s industry in their decorative villas, followed later by the working class in smaller wooden houses. Today, the area still has idyllic wooden house neighborhoods and beautiful nature. A lovely nature trail circles the peninsula, where you can spot quirky stone sculptures. At the very tip of the peninsula, at its narrowest point, there is a breakwater and a viewpoint offering lake views towards Kuopio’s city center.
4.”Rännikadut” (Alleys)
In Kuopio, life has always been laid-back. Even in the 1770s, when the city’s grid layout was being planned, a small error occurred. As a result, the grid, which was meant to follow the cardinal directions, was laid out slightly askew. Fortunately, the mistake didn’t prevent the creation of the city’s charming rännikadut, the narrow, pedestrian-only alleys that are rich in history and make time slow down.
5.Väinölänniemi
From the rännikadut, you can easily slip down to Vänäri by the shores of Lake Kallavesi to enjoy the lake views. Vänäri, or Väinölänniemi, is Kuopio’s most famous beach and a popular place for activities and relaxation. At the very tip of the peninsula, you’ll find Peräniemi cliffs and one of Vänäri’s three gazebos built in the late 1800s.
6.Vanuvuori Observation Tower
Kuopio offers many good reasons to head into the forest, one of them being the new Vanuvuori observation tower in Hiltulanlahti. The Vanuvuori Nature Reserve, with its three peaks, is a great hiking destination. The 5 km circular route around the area allows you to marvel at the diversity of the Savo forest. It’s a 2.7 km walk from the parking lot to the summit of 200-meter-high Ukko-Vanu, where the 20-meter-high observation tower stands.
7.Tahko Zipline
Your pulse quickens and excitement flutters in your stomach as you gaze at the landing platform 140 meters below, across the lake. Ahead lies nearly a kilometer-long ride from the top of the slopes down to the center of Tahko. Tahko Zipline, Finland’s longest zipline, allows you to enjoy the wind in your hair side by side with a friend, thanks to the parallel cables. Along the way, you’ll take in the views from heights ranging from 6 to 40 meters, at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
8.Market Square Sculptures
Kuopio’s Market Square—known as Mualiman Napa (The Navel of the World) to locals—is a must-see in its own right. However, not many people realize that there are several remarkable works of art placed around the square. On your next visit, try a sculpture-hunting game with your family and see if you can find all the pieces in Pekka Kauhanen’s 2014 series of sculptures: Oksapoika, Juhani Aho’s Virsut, Nalliainen, Bottle Post, Reikäleipä, Siskon Lisko, and Kuutar ja Päivätär.
9.Valkeisenpuisto
Of all the beautiful parks in Kuopio’s city center, Valkeisenpuisto is perhaps the most impressive. Located to the west of the grid center, this nine-hectare green and recreational area features the charming Valkeinen Lake at its heart. The lake is surrounded by historic buildings, lush plantings, playgrounds, sports areas, beaches, walking paths, and works of art. One such piece is Mökit ja mäet, created by Antti Immonen in 2004. The steel sculpture honors the work of post-WWII builders.
10.Saaristokatu
If you’re driving or cycling around Kuopio, head to the beautiful lake views along Saaristokatu. This 4.5 km scenic road winds along the islands and is a popular route for walking and recreation. Along the road, there are several rest stops and, in the summer, a popular ice cream kiosk.
Text: Pauliina Ahonen
This article was written for the Kuopio by Nature 2024 publication.
