Kuopio tourist information
The Kuopio region is situated in central Finland, in the verdant province of North Savo, which is interspersed with thousands of lakes. The region can be reached in less than an hour by air from Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and by road or rail the journey only takes a few hours.
The backdrop for the summer atmosphere in the Kuopio region is provided by lakes and islands, great to explore on boat cruises, as well as by the landscape of forest-covered hills. Boating, hiking and other forms of outdoor recreation are really spoilt for choice here. The region also boasts a wide variety of cultural activities and events. The lakes, which abound with fish, guarantee good catches throughout the year. Leisure spas with their bubbling pools and baths offer relaxation and invigoration whenever you feel the need.
Kuopio and the surrounding 13 districts offer wonderful experiences throughout the year. In summer a boat cruise is almost a must in this region dominated by lakes, or you can admire the spectacular lakeland scenery from the Puijo Tower and take a closer look at the city of Kuopio on a sightseeing tour. You can enjoy the facilities of the leisure spas all year round. Various interesting museums, likewise open all year, provide an insight into the local heritage and way of life. You’ll also find special events, theatre and music, as well as many other opportunities for fun, relaxation and retreat. Take your pick!
Alternatives for accommodation range from high-standard hotels to moderate-priced hostels and guest houses. Visitors preferring to stay in a hotel are spoilt for choice in the Kuopio region. A holiday in a cottage provides a relaxing and refreshing experience. If you are looking for comfortable, distinctive places to stay or prefer budget accommodation, the hostels and guest houses of the region are good alternatives. You can also spend a holiday in the countryside in one of the manor-houses, some of which are brand-new while others still have the tranquil air of bygone days, or in a high-standard holiday centre. A farm holiday could be the ideal choice for many families with children.
The Kuopio region offers a perfect setting for all kinds of activities throughout the year, thanks to its lovely unspoilt countryside and location in the middle of Europe’s largest lake district.
In summer you can enjoy the lakeland by boating along wonderful waterways, by boarding a cruise operated by Finland’s largest fleet of inland boats, by shooting the rapids, or by going on a fishing trip or a jet-ski safari. Golfers will be delighted by the fairways and greens of the Tahko Golf Club in Nilsiä, Tarina Golf in Siilinjärvi, Konnus-Golf in Leppävirta and the Puijo Golf Course in Kuopio. Horse-riding, trips by all-terrain vehicles or off-road vehicles, and various adventure trips provide unforgettable experiences in all seasons.
In winter you can explore the snow-clad countryside by riding a snowmobile along well-maintained routes. The Kuopio region is also ideal for cross-country skiing, either in the woods or on the frozen-over lakes, and the ski centres of Tahko, Kasurila, Rämäkkä and Puijo beckon those who prefer skiing downhill. You can go ice-fishing or ice-skating on a frozen-over lake and even take part in the Finland Ice Marathon. Try it out and get hooked!
The most famous speciality of the province of Savo is the ‘kalakukko’ fish pie. Besides traditional dishes, the restaurants in the Kuopio region offer tasty home cooking and à la carte menus, and there are also lots of delightful cafes serving food. In summer you can also have lunch aboard one of the boats operating local cruises in Kuopio or in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Puijo Tower.
After a good meal it’s time to browse around in the interesting boutiques of Kuopio and wander around the Marketplace and the Market Hall, which are absolute musts while visiting Kuopio. There are also numerous shops and boutiques throughout the Kuopio region stocking handicrafts and other local products. You’ll find plenty of nightlife in Kuopio on all days of the week. You can go dancing virtually every evening, there are places especially for young people, and in summer it is worth visiting an open-air dance pavilion in the countryside, a typically Finnish form of summer entertainment.
Kuopio aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Kuopio aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Kuopio.
Kuopio weather forecast
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