Discover Kuhmo: Culture, Nature and Trails

Kuhmo combines the history of the Winter War with a living Kalevala tradition and plenty of ways to spend time outdoors. Cultural attractions in the centre, longer hiking trails and seasonal cross-country ski tracks cater to different kinds of day trips. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, you can plan the focus of your trip in advance: would you like to spend more time on culture, activities or nature further afield?

Winter War History and Kalevala Culture

The Kuhmo Winter War Museum covers the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in Kuhmo from 30 November 1939 to 13 March 1940. It explores the everyday lives of Finnish and Soviet soldiers, as well as the challenges faced by the civilian population. By looking at both sides of the war and at civilian life, the museum provides a tangible introduction to the history of the area.

Kuhmo Church also connects history with present-day use. It was built in 1816, became unusable after damage sustained during the Winter War bombings, and was restored to its present form in 1985. The church can accommodate up to 1,500 people and is used for services and concerts; in summer, it also serves as a way church. Its current use for services and concerts may vary depending on the parish programme.

Juminkeko hosts changing exhibitions on the Kalevala and Finnish and Karelian folklore throughout the year. The subjects of the temporary exhibitions change over time. The permanent exhibition features statues of Karelian rune singers and of Kalevala translators Alpo and Nina Sailo. Those interested in oral tradition can also find a living connection beyond the exhibition: in the Viena Karelian village of Rimmi in Kuhmo, rune singing remains part of the local cultural heritage.

Walks, Hiking Trails and Winter Ski Tracks

Kuhmo’s easy, 4.8-kilometre coastal trail passes the main cultural sites in the centre and runs through landscapes along Lake Lammasjärvi and Pajakkakoski. The route combines a walk with cultural attractions and changing scenery. Pajakkakoski is part of the Kuhmo river system. By volume of water, it is the largest free-flowing river in Kainuu and stretches for approximately 450 metres.

For longer outings, Kuhmo has more than 250 kilometres of hiking trails for beginners and experienced hikers; route information is updated regularly. This is quite different from the 4.8-kilometre coastal trail: you can choose between a single, manageable route and an extensive network of trails. The Elimyssalo area also has several relatively easy, well-marked hiking trails of varying lengths, totalling 24 kilometres. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Winter offers another way to get active. Depending on the season, Kuhmo has 30 to 80 kilometres of well-maintained cross-country ski tracks connected to the town. The extent and maintenance conditions vary by season. If cross-country skiing is part of your travel plans, check the seasonal trail conditions before you arrive.

For nature experiences beyond the immediate surroundings of the town, Jämäsvaara offers old-growth forests, rocky slopes, small bodies of water and wetlands. The area is about 20 kilometres from the centre of Kuhmo. Further afield in the region, the Friendship Park offers information, adventure and hiking opportunities. On the Finnish side, it covers around 29,000 hectares across five areas in the city of Kuhmo and the municipality of Suomussalmi. Elimyssalo is a central part of the park. The park consists of five separate nature reserves, most of which lie within the city limits of Kuhmo.

Events, Music and Cooking Together

Kuhmo’s annual cultural heritage event includes traditional log-floating demonstrations and the Finnish Log Floating Championships. Dates and programme vary. If you’d like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant year.

The Lentua Hall at the Kuhmo Arts Centre is designed for music and other performing arts: it can be adapted for rock, pop, ballet and many other types of events. The Kuhmo Arts Centre was built as the main venue for Kuhmo Chamber Music. This brings together a lasting musical identity and a hall that can be adapted to different formats in one place.

Taste of Kuhmo is a campfire cooking experience by a large lake. A guide prepares dinner, and participants can join in the cooking if they wish. If this experience suits your plans, check availability before booking.

Getting Here and Choosing a Holiday Apartment to Suit Your Plans

The nearest airport to Kuhmo is in Kajaani; the nearest railway stations are in Kajaani and Nurmes. Several buses run daily between Kajaani and Kuhmo. Check timetables and service frequency before travelling. When choosing a holiday apartment, it’s worth comparing its exact location with your planned day trips: cultural attractions, hikes, seasonal ski tracks and nature outings each have different requirements.

Discover more destinations: Oravikoski, Heinävesi, Kosula, Anttola, Ruokolahti, Leppävirta.

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