Surrounded by Finnish taiga and numerous lakes, Kuhmo offers a large variety of cultural experiences, historic sites and nature activities. In Kuhmo, you can swim in the rapids, go mountain biking, watch the bears, learn more about Kalevalan culture and Finnish military history or enjoy music performances and art events. You can even try your hand at baking local delicacies such as Rönttönen pirogs or vendace baked in rye crust, or even participate in tar burning.
Kuhmo is situated in very special location in the north-eastern part of the region of Kainuu on the eastern border of Finland, right at the heart of Europe’s wilderness landscapes. Nestled close to Finland's neighbour to the east, Kuhmo has had a significant role in Finland's military past, which you can learn more about at the Winter War Museum or by visiting the partially restored fortifications. Finland's eastern border is the oldest border in Europe, and Kuhmo has one of its crossing points, the International Crossing Point of Vartius. You can easily combine a quick stopover in Russia on your holiday to Kuhmo (provided you have a valid passport and visa). Among other things, there are trips available to villages in Viena, where Elias Lönnrot visited while collecting material that later became the 19th-century work of epic poetry, he Kalevala.
Inhabitants of Kuhmo live in perfect harmony with nature, which is where the city draws its never-ending productive energy. You can experience Finnish wildlife in its truest form in Kuhmo. For instance, you can observe and photograph predators and other forest animals on the guided tours of the wild taiga. The area also provides the perfect setting for trekking, cycling and canoeing. You can even take a dip in the river while wearing an immersion suit! The taiga of Kuhmo encapsulates the majesty of the Kalevala, which you can thoroughly enjoy at the Kalevala Spirit activity park, which specialises in Finnish folklore. Did you know that J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration for his Middle-Earth legendarium from the Kalevala?
For those who are interested in modern culture, Kuhmo guarantees to offer all the best of a successful city holiday. In addition to tradition, Kuhmo plays host to various modern culture events throughout the year, including the Kuhmo Arts Centre, which hosts approximately 250 events every year. The Centre was built in 1993 to host the world-famous Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival. The festival, held every summer, features operas and compositions performed by top artists from dawn until dusk over two weeks. Once the festival is over, the Kuhmo Arts Centre also hosts album release concerts and art exhibitions for locals and holiday-makers to enjoy all year round. Kuhmo also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, and its beaches are fantastic for a spot of sunbathing.
The extraordinary city of Kuhmo offers a combination of beautiful and abundant nature, with the lifestyle, culture and history of an international city nearby. Enjoy a holiday in Kuhmo and unwind in its natural surroundings, while enjoying the vibrancy of city life.
