Kuopio is the capital of the Northern Savo province in Finland. The main attraction of the city is the stone Cathedral Tuomlokirkko, built in 1815. Also in Kopio is the main Orthodox cathedral in Finland - St. Nicholas Cathedral.
There are several interesting museums in Copio. St. Nicholas Cathedral is the largest museum of Orthodoxy in Western Europe, interesting is the Museum-Quarter, where you can see models of houses of different times and estates, the Art Museum, the Automobile Museum, etc.
The Museum of Urban History in Kuopio is also interesting. The museum is part of the Kuopio Museum Center. It is located in a house that used to be a priest's home. Before that, the building was a cowshed. In the museum, you can look at exhibits of cultural and historical heritage, including those created by hand. There are also exhibits of cattle breeding, fishing, wartime school items.
The main purpose of the museum is to demonstrate the prehistory, history, life and culture of the city of Kuopio and Northern Savo. The museum was founded in 1884.
Coordinates: 62.89200100,27.68708800
Local History Museum in Kuopio
The local history museum in Kuopio focuses on the nature of Northwest Europe. But the collections are dominated by items from eastern Finland. The collection of the Kuopio Regional Museum was created in 1887 when Benjamin Stahlberg donated three stuffed owls to the new museum.
In 1901 A. Yu. Mela supported the new collection by donating his samples of plants, minerals, insects, birds and eggs. When the building for the museum was ready, in 1907, the Kuopio Naturalist Society began collecting materials for the collection and organized the first exhibition.
The collection of exhibits continued until 1960. By this time, the collection of the museum already numbered about 1,500 vertebrates, 22,000 insects and the eggs of 300 different species of birds.
Coordinates: 62.89200100,27.68708800
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Lake Keitele
Lake Keitele is the ninth largest lake in Finland. Located in the center of the country, 77 kilometers from the city of Kuopio, and has an area of about 500 square kilometers. The towns of Eenekoski and Viitasaari are located on the shores of the lake.
The lake is characterized by open waters and large islands, and the water basin stretches from northwest to southeast and is a legacy of the Ice Age. Bays with beautiful and lush greenery, rocky shores - these are the landscapes on Lake Keitele. And the shores seem pristine and untouched, due to the fact that there are few cottages and other buildings. Lake Keitele is distinguished, which is important, for its excellent water quality.
The shipping canal, which was built twenty years ago and connected Lake Keitele with another lake, Päijänne, has provided tremendous opportunities for water tourism enthusiasts. Since then, cruises along the lakes and the canal have been carried out to acquaint those who wish with the amazing and beautiful country of Finland. The lake is cleared of ice already in April, and then the golden time for tourists begins. Although, this does not plead for the merits of the lake in winter. In winter, there are also plenty of opportunities for a wonderful pastime - for active winter holidays and winter sports, as well as for a fun holiday with the whole company or family.
Coordinates: 62.73306700,25.92026700
The Children's Toy Manor is an amusement park in the city of Kuopio, Finland. It is located on the territory of the Rauhalahti complex. In addition to many different attractions and toys, the amusement park has its own theater, as well as a circus, where, in addition to circus performances, children are introduced to the art of clowning. In addition, horse riding lessons are available at the estate. There is also a toy store at the estate, where there are a variety of types of toys, which means that everyone can find something for themselves. Children will also be able to play various types of games.
During the Christmas season, miracles come to life, as it should be. Santa Claus himself arrives on a sleigh (true, Finnish), and together with his faithful assistants - the gnomes, pleases and amuses the children. Gnomes entertain the kids and arrange contests, and Santa Claus listens to the wishes of the kids and gives them gifts. Parents can safely leave their children in such reliable hands and find entertainment for themselves, especially since there are plenty of them in the Rauhalahti complex too.
A visit to the children's toy estate in Kuopio will leave the children with the most positive memories of themselves, as well as the desire to visit it again.
Coordinates: 62.86763500,27.64722300
Kuopio Cathedral
The Cathedral in Kuopio is a beautiful architectural monument of the 19th century, and also the main cult landmark of the Finnish city of Kuopio. The Cathedral is located in a very picturesque area, attracting a huge number of tourists and believers.
The cathedral was built in Kuopio in 1816. Two architects took part in its construction - the original project of the temple was created by Jacob Riif, and the building was finalized under the leadership of Pehr Palmrut. The cathedral is an impressive example of an architectural style such as neoclassicism.
Currently, the Cathedral in Kuopio belongs to the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church and is listed as an active parish church. However, in addition to believers, this beautiful cathedral also attracts quite secular tourists - the architecture of the building captivates with its antiquity, and a very special, pacifying atmosphere reigns inside the temple.
Coordinates: 62.89127200,27.68406500
Kuopio port
The port of Kuopio is a large lake port that connects the Finnish city of Kuopio with other settlements in the country. The port carries out both industrial and passenger transportation, and in the summer, numerous cruises are organized here especially for tourists.
The port of Kuopio consists of three anchorages, a six-hundred-meter berth and a large terminal with a total area of 5450 square meters. At the height of the tourist season, you can see the most unusual lake boats in the port, which specialize in boat trips and excursions. A cruise on one of these ships is a great opportunity to get to know more about the wonderful nature of Finland and the magical beauty of Lake Kallavesi.
In addition, the port of Kuopio is an important transport hub of key importance for the region's industrial enterprises. The port is equipped with the most modern loading equipment that allows you to work with timber, bulk cargo and containers.
Coordinates: 62.89465100,27.69841500
Kuopio railway station
Kuopio Railway Station is one of the central transport hubs in the Finnish city of Kuopio, serving tens of thousands of passengers every day.
Kuopio Train Station is located less than a kilometer from the city center in a beautiful two-story building, decorated in light colors. There is a bus station next to it, and there is a car rental office at the station itself. The station belongs to the national transport company VR Group, which is in charge of all rail transport in Finland. Railway lines connect Kuopio with the capital of the country and the surrounding towns.
Kuopio Railway Station allows travelers to quickly reach any destination in Finland, and it is cheaper than using the plane or bus. Trains leave regularly, and the transportation schedule is adhered to with rare punctuality, so it will not be difficult to find the right flight.
Coordinates: 62.89674300,27.68064200
Snellman Park
Snellman Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the Finnish city of Kuopio. This place is considered a significant city attraction and is also popular with hikers.
Snellman Park is located in the heart of the city, not far from the city museum and the Cathedral. This place got its name in honor of Johan Wilhelm Snellman - an outstanding public figure of Finland in the 19th century, who long time lived in Kuopio. In honor of their honorary citizen, the city authorities even erected a beautiful bronze bust of Snellman in the center of the park, surrounded by flower beds and manicured lawns.
I must say that transport in Finland is quite expensive. It is only 150 kilometers from Joensuu to Kuopio, and the ticket price is 25 euros, that is, about a thousand rubles. When buying tickets at the bus station in Joensuu, a funny incident occurred. Approaching the ticket office, I asked in English for tickets to Kuopio, and from Kuopio in a few hours we had to go to Nurmes. In general, in Finland, young people communicate well in English language but the guy at the checkout was even worse off with it than me. After several attempts to understand what exactly I needed, the guy asked in despair: "Maybe you speak Russian?" He is not Russian, but he speaks and understands Russian quite well, at least definitely better than English. Accordingly, we quickly understood each other and in a few minutes we were rushing across the Finnish expanses by bus.
Kuopio is the capital of the North Savo province, slightly larger than Joensuu. We were told that Finnish cities are very similar to each other. This turned out to be partly true, but not so much that it was not interesting to walk in a new city for oneself. So, we arrived at the bus station.
The railway station is located nearby.
Probably the most beautiful building in the city is the Town Hall. It is facing the shopping area, and if you walk from the train stations, you first see the back. Let's not break the chronology and first go from the rear
There is also some kind of monument to young people.
This sculpture is called Compound Interest. But this is a literal translation of the inscription on the monument, most likely there is some other interpretation. Further, if I understand correctly, it is written "to the shoemakers who founded the national trading society."
This is even more difficult to understand. Toli modern art, roofing felts the capsule in which the astronauts descend)) But, given that the Finns have not yet flown into space, rather the first
Near shopping centers. By the way, there are large centers in Finland even in very small towns.
And we go out to the shopping area and here we already see the facade of the town hall
We were a little unlucky, as one of the symbols of Kuopio - the covered market, built at the end of the 19th century in the Art Nouveau style, was under reconstruction and was in this form
Let's walk a little away from the square. Museum of art
We approached the Lutheran Cathedral
The cathedral was open, so we went inside
Another example of how technological progress serves the good of the church. True, I didn’t pick up the phone, so I don’t even know what it was all about. Not otherwise, direct connection with God
And for the first time I saw a church in which there is a free public toilet.
And this view opens from the doors of the church
Nearby is such a building. According to the sign, something related to security
Monument to the writer Johan Wilhelm Snellman
A hundred meters away there is a school named after Snellman
Museum of the City of Kuopio
Judging by the anchor, we are approaching the port
This is, so to speak, the port station
And this, as I understand it, are port warehouses
Lake Kallavesi views
Ships in the port awaiting an imminent defrost
Another variant of evolution
Parking meter. Parking prices, as you can see, are also draconian.
Sokos hotels seem to be in every Finnish city
Memorial to the fallen soldiers. A park is laid out around the monument
And a few more photos from the streets of the city without further ado)
After all the walks around the city, we still had an hour left and we decided to devote it to a hike to the Puiyo tower. It is now a television tower, plus there is a restaurant on a revolving site. It is only two kilometers from the bus station to the tower, but most of this path lies up, so we almost missed the bus. Of course, we did not manage to climb it, but nevertheless we saw the tower up close, after which we boarded a bus that took us to Nurmes. But more about this in the next story.
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Blog-tour to North Karelia
Kuopio was founded in 1775 and is now a rapidly developing modern city where science and technology are harmoniously combined with the beauty of the local nature. Finland's ninth largest city is located in the center of Lake Kallavesi, and most of it is located on the islands. This includes the still developing Cities of the Archipelago (Saaristokaupunki). Of the 1,200 km2 of Kuopio's territory, one third is water and half is forest; the local nature amazes with its splendor, variety of flora and fauna.
Kuopio and the surrounding area have a lot to offer tourists, namely many ways to spend their leisure time, both on long summer days and in the snow-white winter. In this area, dominated by lakes and islands, you can take one of the boat cruises, as well as try other water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and jet skis. Visit the city center, where the bustling market square is surrounded by the best shops and malls, as well as the magnificent Kuopion Kauppahalli ( shopping center), where you can buy fresh products of the best quality. It has been open since 1902; 20 local vendors offer homemade bread, cheese, spices, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, tea, coffee, candy and more. When in Kuopio, be sure to try the local specialty Kalakukko - Finnish fish pie, or one of the region's many specialties - variations on whitefish.
Winter in Kuopio is ideal for exploring the picturesque surroundings of the city. You can choose a snowmobile as your transport and drive along conveniently laid trails, ski in forests or frozen lakes, and visit the very popular ski centers of Tahko, Kasurila or Puijo. If you dreamed of a more relaxing holiday - be sure to try ice fishing!
Puyo is particularly well known for hosting winter sports events, including skiing, ski jumping and alpine skiing. Top-class international athletes train and compete in Puyo, where the main cross-country skiing races are held annually. Puyo is widely known for the World Ski Championships as well as national and international championship competitions. Even for those who are not interested in skiing, we highly recommend visiting the Puyo Tower. You can enjoy lunch at the revolving restaurant serving local delicacies while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views. The top of Mount Pujo is one of Kuopio's favorite holiday destinations. There are many paths and a large network of tourist routes specially laid for you. Experience the diversity of the terrain with two hiking trails.
If you are on vacation with children, a whole range of possibilities opens up for you. Just a few steps from the city center - and you are on the beautiful sandy beaches of the lake, where you can swim in the warm water, use the jumping platform or just lie down in the sun. Kuopio Zoo contains about 40 different species and more than 200 animals with which children can interact. In nearby Leppävirta there is Pajaharju farm, which will be opened for you by reservation in the summer. From June to August, you can enjoy the Hoksopoly Family Amusement Park, a unique life-size playground where children and their parents can play together. On the way to the finish line, players solve puzzles and complete tasks that require different skills. If it rains, you can take the kids to the HopLop Entertainment Center, where they can frolic and have fun.
Kuopio is located in the Northern Savo region and is the ninth largest city in Finland. This place is a paradise for lovers active rest, as well as outdoor recreation. Lake Kallavesi surrounds Kuopio almost on all sides, and most of the city's territory is occupied by a forest rich in blueberries, lingonberries and cloudberries. It is not for nothing that Kuopio has become one of the most favorite holiday destinations for Finns and tourists.
What to see in Kuopio - the main attractions of the city
Cathedral
This cathedral is a beautiful architectural monument of the 19th century and, moreover, is located in a very picturesque place. Belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and attracts both pilgrims and ordinary tourists.
It is one of the main attractions of the central part of the city, which will especially appeal to hikers. In summer, it is always crowded here, because in warm weather it is especially pleasant to walk among the greenery of trees and flowers.
The collection of exhibits exhibited in the city museum has been collected for over a century. Objects of cultural and historical heritage, as well as exhibits of the natural world and the scientific sphere are presented to the attention of visitors. The building of the Kuopio City Museum itself is similar in style to a castle.
The museum consists of eleven free-standing buildings that tell the story of life in Kuopio. In this museum you can see in the smallest detail the interiors of houses and apartments, household items and utensils of various classes living in Kuopio during the 18th - 20th centuries. The museum has shops of craftsmen, an old pharmacy and a cozy cafe where guests can refresh themselves with homemade cakes.
Mount Pujo is surrounded by forest and, at the same time, in the heart of Kuopio. At its top there is an observation tower, the height of which is 75 meters. The tower was built in 1963. In addition to the observation deck, you can also visit the panoramic revolving restaurant.
From a height of 98 meters, the mountain offers a stunning view of the bay and islands. There is an observation deck and a restaurant on the mountain. The descent from this mountain is often called the "magic path", as it does not pose a danger even for young children. The Aland caves are located five kilometers from Mount Yet.
This museum contains the most valuable collection of icons, which is the pride of not only Finland, but the whole of Western Europe. In addition, Kuopio is considered the main city of the country's Orthodox life.
Built in 1902, red brick was used as a building material. The cathedral bells were made in St. Petersburg, with the largest of the bells weighing about one and a half tons. Masters from St. Petersburg also worked on the iconostasis. In addition, some of the icons were brought by settlers from Karelia in the middle of the last century.
Domesticated animals live in this interesting zoo, and children can get acquainted with rabbits, horses, sheep. Even cats live in the zoo. For a fee, there is an opportunity to ride a pony.
University Botanical Garden
In the university garden you can see a huge variety of plant species that grow in special greenhouses and in the fresh air.
It is famous, first of all, for the Alakhovi wine plantation located on its territory, which produces delicious berry wines.
It is a link between Kuopio and other towns in the Finnish lake district. Various cruises are organized for tourists in summer.
Telkkamäki Museum
A peculiar and unique museum that tells about life during the occupation of the ancient method of agriculture. It is a farm where you can see how the way of life and life of people was arranged in the distant past. The museum is located in a conservation area, among the forest and meadows, strewn with strawberries and wildflowers.
It is a huge leisure center with a hotel, spa and campsites. Many travelers come to Rauhalahti to fish on Lake Kivilampi. For lovers of active recreation, there are boat safaris, golf, river rafting, a Finnish bath, and in winter - skiing trails. Children will be interested in visiting the toy manor, which is located on the territory of the complex.
What to see in Kuopio in 1 day on your own
You should start a walk in Kuopio from the very center and heart of the city - the market square so typical for European cities. Here you can buy Finnish souvenirs as a souvenir, as well as taste Finnish cuisine. An especially popular delicacy here is considered to be a kind of fish pie called "Kapkukko" - kulebyaka stuffed with local lake fish and lard. Tourists also go to the Ryapushki restaurant or the Moomin-trolls cafe for a bite to eat, where they offer to taste pancakes for every taste.
Next, you should go to inspect the Cathedral. After visiting the Cathedral, you can go for a walk in the Stellman Park and spend time walking along its well-groomed paths. The city museum is also located not far from the park.
The Kuopio Quarter Museum is located literally next door to the City Museum.
An obligatory point of the route should be the observation deck on Mount Puyo, which offers a stunning view of the picturesque nature of Kuopio.
If time remains, it will be a pleasure to visit the zoo or university botanical garden.
By boat from Kuopio, you can also get to the island of Vaayasalo - take a walk around the surroundings and taste aromatic berry wine produced at a local winery.
Cruising on a tourist boat, which departs from the port of Kuopio in the summer, is also an excellent pastime.
Kuopio sightseeing on the map (leave blank)
You can familiarize yourself with the location of Kuopio's attractions and other places of leisure on the tourist map of the city center.
Kuopio was founded by Governor General Peter Brahe in 1653, but received city status only on November 17, 1775 by order of the Swedish king Gustav III. This day is considered the official date of the foundation of the city.
In the 19th century, Eastern Finland improved transport links, thanks to which it was in a very advantageous position. In 1856, the construction of the Saimaa Canal was completed, opening access to the world's oceans. In 1858 Kuopio was granted the right to practice direct foreign trade. The most important export products were oil and wood. The Savo provincial railway reached Kuopio in 1889. By the end of the century, large-scale industrial sites were established in and around Kuopio: sawmills, a cotton mill. The industry developed to use local agricultural products to produce goods. Currently, the main city of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, remains the center of the forest industry and an important trade crossroads on the Saimaa.
Kuopio - a city of natural beauty
At the same time, Kuopio, a city of natural beauty located on the shores of Lake Kallavesi with its thousands of islands and protected forests, offers a vivid experience regardless of the season. Summer in Kuopio is about exciting water cruises and boat tours, high-speed boat trips and water scooters, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, ATV safaris and other outdoor activities.
In winter, when the waters of Lake Kallavesi are covered with ice, it is time for ice skating and snowmobiling. Winter fishing, snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling, dog sledding safaris and even snow golf - winter activities are just as diverse as summer ones!
City symbol and Puyo nature reserve
The symbol of the city is a 75-meter tower with a revolving restaurant, standing on the top of Puijo Mountain. Its observation deck offers a magnificent view of the entire city, islands and lakes. The oldest nature reserve in Finland, founded in 1928, is located on the territory of Pujo. Rare birds live here and grow unique species plants. Walking through the territory of the reserve is a favorite form of recreation for many tourists.
In winter, an entertainment center is opened on Mount Puyo. There are two tracks, 400 and 700 meters long. There is a ski school nearby, where you can rent ski equipment. And this is the only school in the world that teaches everyone to ski jumping. Lovers of cross-country skiing have not been forgotten either - the length of the prepared ski track is 45 km.
Ski resorts around Kuopio
Only an hour's drive from Kuopio is the popular with great slopes and après-ski program, and 20 minutes away - a small one, attractive for families and snowboarders.
Largest annual events in Kuopio
Kuopio is also a city of cultural entertainment. The city regularly hosts fairs and festivals, the largest ones being the Dance Festival, the International Wine Festival, and the Finland Ice Marathon speed skating festival.
Kuopio Dance Festival Tanssii ja Soi
The museum was founded in 1957, the building was built in 1969. It displays icons, liturgical textiles and sacred objects from the monasteries of Valaam and Konevets; most of the exhibits were evacuated during the war from the monasteries and parishes of Karelia, which are now on Russian territory. Most of the museum's collection belongs to the 18-19 centuries, and the oldest things are from the Middle Ages. Tradition says that the oldest items belong to the founder of the Konevetsky Monastery, Arseny Konevetsky. These are a burl mug, a wooden cross and a golden relic cross, decorated with pearls and precious stones extracted from the rivers of Karelia. There are many luxurious expensive gifts among the exhibits. Members of the royal family and wealthy merchants made gifts to the monasteries. One of the oldest textiles is the veil of the time of Ivan the Terrible, donated to the Konevets monastery by two boyar sons in 1551. The veil depicts St. Arseny of Konevetsky. The coverlet may have been made in the sewing workshop of Efrosinya Staritskaya, the aunt of Ivan the Terrible. It is painted with gold and embroidered with silk patterns. Another veil was donated to the Valaam Monastery in 1858 by Princess Maria Alexandrova. It is sewn from the crown brocade woven for the coronation of Alexander II. They say that the future queen herself took part in the work.
Kuopio museums
In addition to the Museum of the Orthodox Church, in Kuopio you can visit several museums of various topics:
Museum of the City of Kuopio
The natural history exposition of the City Museum presents the nature of eastern Finland, dating back to antiquity. The most impressive exhibit is the woolly mammoth, a messenger from the distant Ice Age. The cultural and historical exposition presents the prehistory of Northern Savo. You will learn about the settlement of the area by people, their crafts and way of life. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on the changing seasons and current topics.
Museum Quarter Kuopio
The museum reveals the history of the construction of Kuopio. Household utensils from 1700-1930 are collected here. There are 11 buildings on the territory, in which the interiors of the apartments of merchants and officials of the 19th century are reproduced, as well as a shoemaker, a tailor's shop and an old pharmacy, the room of the famous Finnish writer Minna Kant. The old café offers homemade cakes. Try Minna's own cake.
Kuopio Art Museum
The Kuopio Museum of Art is housed in an old bank building. The museum's collections include mainly works of Finnish art from the 19th century to the present, with the main focus on the visual arts of their region, from the brothers von Wright and Juho Rissanen to the masters of contemporary art. The main themes of the museum's collections and exhibitions are nature and the environment.
Automobile Museum
Created by car enthusiasts in 2002. The oldest car in the collection is the 1909 Sears. Also on display are motorcycles, mopeds, a bicycle with wooden rims and antique instruments.
Welcome to Kuopio!
