Kuopio is the capital of the province of Northern Savonia in Finland. The main attraction of the city is the stone Tuomlokirkko Cathedral, built in 1815. Also in Kopio is the main Orthodox cathedral of Finland - St. Nicholas Cathedral.
There are several interesting museums in Kopio. The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is the largest museum of Orthodoxy in Western Europe; the Museum Quarter is interesting, where you can see models of houses of different times and classes, 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 Centre. It is located in a house that was previously the dwelling of a priest. Before this, 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, and wartime school items.
The main purpose of creating the museum is to demonstrate the background, history, life and culture of the city of Kuopio and Northern Savonia. The museum was founded in 1884.
Local History Museum in Kuopio
The local history museum in Kuopio is focused on the nature of North-Western Europe. But the collections are dominated by exhibits from eastern Finland. The collection of the Kuopio Regional Museum was established in 1887 when Benjamin Stalberg donated three stuffed owls to the new museum.
In 1901, A. Yu. Mela supported the new collection by donating his specimens of plants, minerals, insects, birds and eggs. When the building for the museum was ready, in 1907, the Kuopio Naturalists Society began collecting materials for the collection and organized the first exhibition.
Collections of exhibits continued until 1960. By this time, the museum's collection already included about 1,500 vertebrates, 22,000 insects and eggs of 300 different species of birds.
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Lake Keitele
Lake Keitele is the ninth largest lake in Finland. It is 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 Äänekoski 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 here. Lake Keitele is distinguished, importantly, by its excellent water quality.
The shipping canal, built twenty years ago and connecting Lake Keitele with another lake, Päijänne, has provided great opportunities for lovers of water tourism. Since then, cruises have been held on lakes and canals to introduce those interested to the amazing and beautiful country of Finland. The lake is free of ice already in April, and then the golden time for tourists begins. Although, this does not diminish the advantages of the lake in winter. In winter, there are also plenty of opportunities for a wonderful pastime - for active winter recreation and winter sports, as well as for a fun holiday with a whole group or family.
Children's Toy Manor is an amusement 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 everyone can find something for themselves. Children will also be able to play various types of games.
During the Christmas season, as it should be, miracles come to life here. Santa Claus himself (albeit Finnish) arrives on a sleigh, and together with his faithful assistants, the gnomes, he pleases and amuses the children. The gnomes entertain the children and organize competitions, and Santa Claus listens to the children's wishes 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.
A visit to the children's toy estate in Kuopio will leave children with the most positive memories of themselves, as well as a desire to visit it again.
Kuopio Cathedral
The Kuopio Cathedral is a beautiful architectural monument of the 19th century, and also the main religious 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 design of the temple was created by Jacob Riif, and the building acquired its final form under the leadership of Pehra Palmrut. The cathedral is an expressive example of such an architectural style as neoclassicism.
Currently, the Kuopio Cathedral 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, peaceful atmosphere reigns inside the temple.
Port of Kuopio
The Port of Kuopio is a large lake port connecting the Finnish city of Kuopio with other populated areas of 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 ship berths, a 600-meter berth and a large terminal with a total area of 5,450 square meters. At the height of the tourist season, you can see the most unusual lake ships 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 the wonderful nature of Finland and the magical beauty of Lake Kallavesi.
In addition, the port of Kuopio is an important transport hub, which is of key importance for industrial enterprises in the region. The port has the most modern loading equipment, allowing it to handle timber, bulk cargo and containers.
Kuopio train station
Kuopio railway station is one of the central transport hubs of 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, housed in a beautiful two-story building decorated in light colors. There is a bus station next to it, and there is a car rental service at the station itself. The station belongs to the national transport company VR Group, which manages all rail transport in Finland. Railway lines connect Kuopio with the capital of the country and surrounding cities.
Kuopio train station allows travelers to quickly reach anywhere in Finland, and it will cost less than using a plane or bus. Trains depart regularly, and the transportation schedule is maintained with rare punctuality, so finding the right flight is not difficult.
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 among hikers.
Snellman Park is located in the very center 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 in Finland in the 19th century, who lived in Kuopio for a long time. In honor of their honorary citizen, the city even installed a beautiful bronze bust of Snellman in the center of the park, surrounded by flower beds and manicured lawns.
Kuopio is the eighth largest city in Finland, which is located in the heart of the picturesque Savo region, against the backdrop of the most beautiful lakes of this northern country. It combines modernity and history, business and sports, science and high technology. The city is home to 91 thousand inhabitants, the territory is 1,700 square meters. km, the main part is occupied by forests and lakes.
Kuopio is the eighth largest city in Finland
History of Kuopio
The first information about the area in chronicles dates back to 1549, when Mikael Agrikoda, a Finnish church reformer, gave a decree to build a church in Kuopionnemi. Since that time, the city acquired the status of the center of a church parish. A century later, Count Pietari Brahe founded the center of provincial government and trade in the city, but these rights were revoked in 1681. They were restored in 1782 by Gustav III, making Kuopio the administrative center of the province. It was from that time that the history of the modern city began. In 1808 - 1809 In the vicinity of Kuopio, fighting during the Russian-Swedish war took place, as a result of which the city was slightly destroyed, but it quickly recovered and has remained in this appearance to this day. The economic development of Kuopio increased markedly after the opening of the Savon rata railway line and the Saimaa Canal. Several family businesses founded in the 19th century still operate in the modern city.
In 1815 architect G.V. Palmroth laid the first stone in Kuopio's oldest building, the Church of St. Nicholas. The city is the center of the Orthodox Church of Finland, and the main archdiocese of the Orthodox Church is the Diocese of Kuopio. In 1911 it was founded on Valaam, and in 1957 it was moved to Kuopio - a museum of the Orthodox Church, which is considered one of the most significant in Western Europe.
Modern Kuopio is a center of the chemical, woodworking and engineering industries. It plays an important role in the development of the cultural, scientific and industrial base of this region.
Sights of Kuopio
Kuopio is a city where everyone will find something to see.
Mount Pujo – symbol of Kuopio
The city's most famous attraction is the Puyo Mountain Conservation Area, located in the center of the city and covered with dense forest. In 1963, a three-story tower, 75 meters high, was built on its top with a cafe, a revolving restaurant and an observation deck with views of the entire city, islands and lakes. In the summer, the restaurant's visitors are entertained by the “local goblin,” and in the winter, the mountain turns into a ski entertainment center. The length of the ski slopes is 45 km, there are two slopes of 400 m and 700 m equipped for descents. There is a ski school nearby, where you can rent ski equipment and the only one in the whole world that teaches ski jumping to everyone.
During the New Year and Christmas holidays, Pujo becomes the center of winter tourism in Kuopio. During this period, multi-colored lights are lit on the top of the mountain, creating a mysterious and mysterious atmosphere of the holiday.
Pujo is home to the oldest nature reserve in Finland, which was founded in 1928. Rare birds live here and unique plant species grow. A walk through the reserve is a favorite activity for many tourists.
Orthodox Museum Kuopio
The Church Museum in Kuopio is one of the most significant monuments of Orthodoxy in Western Europe. The museum building was built in 1969, and it was founded 10 years earlier. The museum has state status and is subordinate to the Orthodox Church government of the country.
Here is a brilliant collection of liturgical textiles, precious church items, icons and sacred objects from the Konevets and Valaam monasteries. The bulk of the museum's exhibits were taken from monasteries during the war. The museum receives visitors every day except Mondays from 10.00 to 18.00. Entrance to the museum is paid: 5 euros for adults, 1 euro for children.
Here you can learn about the history of the city's construction. On the territory of the museum there are 11 houses in which the interiors of the apartments of officials and merchants of the 19th century were reproduced with millimeter accuracy, as well as a tailor’s shop, a shoemaker’s workshop and an old pharmacy. The old cafe on the museum grounds offers visitors delicious homemade cakes.
Alahovi wine plantation
On the island of Vaajasalo, a 15-minute drive from Kuopio, there is a wine plantation where you can get acquainted with the production of local berry wines, as well as taste restaurant dishes, taste wines and shop in a local store.
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Shops in Kuopio
Shops in Kuopio are open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Department stores and shopping malls are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On weekends and holidays, everything is closed except during the summer and Christmas periods.Pet Zoo in Kuopio
Currently, the zoo is home to 200 Finnish domestic animals - representatives of 30 species. Among them are ponies, horses, ducks, sheep, rabbits, turkeys, cats, dogs, piglets, etc. On the territory of the zoo you can ride horses and have a good time in the summer cafeteria.
Entrance to the zoo is paid: adults 6 euros, children 5 euros.
Aquapark Fontanella
The Finnish Water Recreation Center offers visitors to relax in 10 different pools, including a unique relaxing light-and-music cave pool.
For everyone there are two 90-meter slides, a climbing rock, steam baths and Finnish saunas. Guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art gym that tests everyone's fitness, a bowling alley, a squash court, solariums and a restaurant.
Admission for adults from 8 to 11 euros, for children (depending on age) from 6 to 8 euros.
Kuopio is becoming more and more popular among tourists around the world every year. The developed tourist infrastructure against the backdrop of magnificent nature mixed with historical cultural monuments attracts many here on vacation. Here you can have fun on walks and excursions. At night, nightclubs are open for entertainment. The most popular are the 1001 Nights nightclub, the Old Pharmacist tavern, the Blue Lagoon tropical complex and the Hummingbird restaurant. Kuopio rightfully ranks first among dance halls in Eastern Finland.
Kuopio is considered a port city, and this is not surprising, since it is almost completely surrounded by a lake, and what was not captured by the lake was taken over by forest. The nature here is stunning, and the city is literally surrounded by a riot of greenery. The city was founded in 1775 and since then, although a lot has changed, you can still find sections of roads made of paving stones and other echoes of those distant times.
Currently, the population of this city is approximately ninety-three thousand citizens, and I can tell you this is not even a small number. Kuopio attracts both ski tourists and residents of this country, who have chosen this place for seasonal holidays and 5,100 cottages have appeared in the city for temporary summer holidays. In fact, it is a kind of holiday town. 
In Kuopio, you can improve your health in the thermal center, or you can visit the dance festival, which has been held here annually since 1970. The city's embankment is most conducive to leisurely walks. 
By the way, in Kuopio there is an old water tower that has been converted into a restaurant. I definitely advise you to visit this catering establishment, since the view from the height of this tower - restaurant, is simply magnificent and you no longer know whether to look around or wield a fork in the plate.
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Weather in Kuopio by months:
| Month | Temperature | Cloudiness | Rainy days / Precipitation |
Number of solar hours per day |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| During the day | At night | |||||
| January | -7.3°C | -8.5°C | 83.7% | 3 days (43.9 mm.) | 6h. 0m. | |
| February | -5.5°C | -7.7°C | 83.0% | 2 days (36.2 mm.) | 8h. 46m. | |
| March | -2.0°C | -5.8°C | 73.8% | 3 days (39.0 mm.) | 11 o'clock 48m. | |
| April | 3.9°C | -0.5°C | 67.0% | 3 days (47.1 mm.) | 14h. 57m. | |
If you love outdoor recreation, surrounded by forests and a beautiful clear lake, then you should definitely go to Finland, and more precisely to its ninth largest city, Kuopio, founded in 1652. It is the center of an area called Northern Savonia. A little less than 100 thousand people live here. Currently, a large number of tourists and residents of Finland go on vacation to this cozy city, the territory of which is half occupied by picturesque forests, and it itself is located on Lake Kallavesi. Kuopio is also a popular winter tourism center for skiing and skating fans. Therefore, the city will offer a different vacation.
The city's most famous landmark is the 75-meter-high Puijo Tower, located on the mountain of the same name in Finland's oldest protected area. Its construction was completed in 1963. On the first floor of the tower there is a cozy cafe, on the second there is a restaurant rotating in a circle, and on the third there is an observation deck. You will get a lot of pleasure from contemplating the blue lakes and green dense forests spread out in front of you. The spectacle is truly impressive. In winter, when a lot of fluffy snow falls here, Mount Puyo and the entire reserve are transformed into a first-class ski resort with wide slopes between tree trunks. Deserves special attention.
Among the cultural places that are also worth your attention, you can highlight the Museum of the Orthodox Church. Its history began back in 1911 in Valaam. Only in the 5th years of the 20th century the museum with all its relics was moved to Kuopio. It contains a lot of cultural and religious valuables: ancient icons, samples of special ritual fabrics, as well as priceless items from Valaam and Karelia. Read about it on our website.
If you come on vacation with children, then the best place to entertain them will be the Toy House, located in the Rauhalahti health center. In addition to playing with chic toys, children can also become spectators of an interesting children's theater production and learn pony riding or clown craft. And at Christmas time the real Santa Claus comes here.
In addition, tourists often visit the house-museum of the famous Finnish writer Minna Kant and the House of Photography, where exhibitions of contemporary photographers are held.
Hotel prices and shopping
There are 16 hotels in Kuopio, all of them with 3 or 4 star service levels. The atmosphere there is very pleasant, always cozy, clean and bright. The staff is unobtrusive, but is happy to serve you at any moment. Among the 4-star hotels are Rauhalahti Spa Hotel (located on the shores of Lake Kalawesi and has a popular Rauhalahti Spa division), Hotel Atlas Kuopio (in the city center) and Best Western Hotel Savonia, which have positive reviews from tourists. Prices for a double room range from $150 to $200 per night. In three-star hotels with excellent service Scandic Kuopio (located on the embankment), Original Sokos Hotel and Cumulus Kuopio Hotel (in the city center) prices for a double room are approximately at the same level of US$150-170 per night.
If you want to buy something unusual with a national Finnish flavor, then go to Kalakukkoleipomo Hanna Partanen, where guests of Kuopio can buy very tasty and filling Finnish pies filled with fish. They are called kalakukko and are prepared by chefs according to ancient Finnish recipes; the traditions of making this pie are carefully preserved and passed on to descendants. Of course, you need to buy gifts and souvenirs for family and friends. For this purpose, it is worth going to Hallin käsityökammari or the popular Pikku-Pietari street. Items needed for a Finnish sauna are sold in the city shopping center. In addition, if you find yourself in the Kuopio Quarter museum, then in very beautiful workshops and shops you can buy something from Finnish shoes and national clothing, and in a local cafe you will be treated to delicate pastries.
Winter paradise in Kuopio
Most of all, this fabulous city attracts with its winter landscapes and, of course, the ski slopes that run through the entire city and the reserve on Mount Puyo. Before going out on the trail, be sure to consult with the guides regarding the lighting of the trails, since in winter it gets dark here by lunchtime. But fortunately, most paths are brightly illuminated by floodlights. Almost all trails start from the mountain and are graded according to the difficulty of the descents. There are also “black slopes” with steep slopes for professionals, as well as gentler “blue” slopes for beginners and inexperienced skiers. There are always trainers at the resort who will help you get on your skis and learn how to control them. All equipment can be rented.
Cuisine and restaurants in Kuopio
This city features both expensive restaurants offering gourmet dishes and wines, as well as budget ones. Among the high-class restaurants that have earned excellent reviews from tourists are Musta Lammas and Ravintola OS, offering dishes of European, Scandinavian and French cuisines. For a full meal at these establishments you will have to pay an average of 50 - 100 dollars per person.
You can try Finnish fish dishes in a pleasant atmosphere at the Sampo restaurant. In addition, in Kuopio you will find inexpensive restaurants and cafes where you will be treated to dishes of Italian, Mediterranean and Chinese cuisine. Dine there will cost you about 10-20 US dollars.
You can taste aromatic wines made from berries according to northern traditions by going to the island of Vaajasalo. After the tasting, you will be offered to buy your favorite types in the wine cellar.
Ways to get there
The most comfortable way to get to Kuopio is to fly there from the capital of Finland, Helsinki, by plane.
This flight will take you 50 minutes. Every day 5-8 aircraft fly from the capital to Kuopio, including from Riga. You can get from the airport to the city by taking a bus (cost 14 euros) or a taxi (about 18-20 euros). In addition to the airport, the city has a large railway station. Trains from Helsinki arrive at the station 6-9 times a day. By the way, Pendolino high-speed trains are very modern and well-equipped; traveling on them is a pleasure. According to the schedule, the time that will have to be spent on moving is four hours and 50 minutes.
If you are driving your own car, the fastest way to get there is along the 5th motorway, which connects the capital Helsinki with fabulous Lapland.
There is a constant train connection from Moscow and St. Petersburg. To get to Kuolio from Moscow, take the Lev Tolstoy train, and from St. Petersburg you can take the same train or the Allegro, which will take you to Kouvola station. On it you should change to a local train, which will take you to the appointed place - the train station in the city of Kuolio.
Since 2011, a bus connection has been established between St. Petersburg and Kuolio. The bus leaves from bus station No. 2 on Mondays and Saturdays. Travel time to the destination is about 10 hours.
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. The ninth largest city in Finland is located in the center of Lake Kallavesi, and most of it is located on the islands. This includes the Archipelago Cities (Saaristokaupunki), which are still developing. Of Kuopio's 1,200 km2 area, one third is water and half is forest; The local nature amazes with its splendor and diversity of flora and fauna.
Kuopio and the surrounding area have a lot to offer tourists, namely a variety of leisure activities, both in the long summer days and in the snow-white winter. In this area, dominated by lakes and islands, you can go on one of the boat cruises and also try other water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and jet skis. Visit the city center where the lively market square is surrounded by the best shops and shopping centers, and the magnificent Kuopion Kauppahalli (shopping mall) offers the best quality fresh goods. It has been open since 1902; 20 local vendors will offer you homemade bread, cheese, spices, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, tea, coffee, sweets and much more. When in Kuopio, be sure to try the local delicacy Kalakukko, a Finnish fish pie, or one of the region's many specialties, various variations of whitefish.
Winter in Kuopio is ideal for exploring the city's picturesque surroundings. You can choose a snowmobile as your transport and ride along conveniently laid trails, ski through forests or on frozen lakes, and also visit the very popular ski centers of Tahko, Kasurila or Puijo. If you've been dreaming of a more relaxing holiday, be sure to try ice fishing!
Puyo is particularly well known as a venue for winter sports events, including cross-country skiing, ski jumping and alpine skiing. Top international athletes train and compete in Puyo, and major cross-country skiing races are held here every year. Puyo is widely known for its World Ski Championships and national and international champions competitions. Even for those who are not interested in skiing, we highly recommend visiting Puyo Tower. You can enjoy lunch at the revolving restaurant, which serves local delicacies while admiring the breathtaking panorama view. The top of Mount Pujo is one of Kuopio's favorite vacation spots. There are many paths and a large network of tourist routes laid especially for you here. Experience the diversity of the area with two hiking trails.
If you are vacationing with children, a whole range of opportunities 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 diving platform or just lie in the sun. Kuopio Zoo contains around 40 different species and over 200 animals for children to interact with. In nearby Leppävirta there is a Pajaharju farm, which will be open to you by reservation in the summer. From June to August you can enjoy the Hoksopoly Family Fun Park, which features a unique life-size playground where children and 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 children to the HopLop entertainment center, where they can frolic and have fun to their heart's content.
