Kuusamo: Nature Photography, Culture and History

Kuusamo offers a variety of ways to discover culture and nature photography or explore military history trails. When choosing your holiday accommodation, consider whether you mainly want to visit places near the centre or also plan trips further afield. The different attractions can help you decide which location best suits your trip.

Nature Photography and Culture at Karhuntassu

At the Karhuntassu Tourism and Culture Centre, the Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre presents changing displays of classic photographs and significant works by Hannu Hautala. The 150-square-metre exhibition space is dedicated to nature photography, with exhibitions changing three times a year. The centre is close to Kuusamo centre and welcomes people of all ages interested in Kuusamo’s nature, photography or nature research.

Karhuntassu also presents the history, nature and culture of Kuusamo. Alongside a permanent exhibition, it hosts changing exhibitions, including those of the nature photography centre. Exhibition content is also available in English. The centre also has a café and a shop selling literature about Kuusamo and local products.

If you are interested in photography, you could also consider including Kuusamo Nature Photo in your travel plans. The nature photography festival is traditionally held annually in mid-September, during the most colourful autumn foliage. The programme includes photography workshops and photo excursions.

Military History Trails in the Area

At Lahtela, a 4.5-kilometre military history trail follows restored field fortifications of the Salpalinja line dating from 1940–1941. The area is on Lämsänkyläntie, about 12 kilometres south of Kuusamo centre. If this period of history interests you, you can make the location a focus of a separate outing when choosing your holiday accommodation.

Another military history trail is located in Vanttajankannas. Signs, blue-and-white trail markings and information boards indicate the route. In winter, the trail is used as a snowshoe route. The two trails therefore offer different ways to explore military history: at Lahtela, along restored fortifications; in Vanttajankannas, on a marked route that can also be used with snowshoes in winter.

Local History Museum and Kuusamotalo

Kuusamo’s local history museum is close to the centre, on the shore of Lake Torankijärvi. It depicts the life of a Kuusamo farming family in the 1930s. The grounds include 16 buildings, among them Pulkkasen pirtti, Rävän talo, a barn and a stable building. The museum is open seasonally in summer; visits are also possible by appointment. It is a Museokortti destination.

Music and theatre are on the programme at Kuusamotalo throughout the year. It also has two galleries with changing exhibitions: Kaamosgalleria, the largest exhibition space in the building, and Pikku-galleria Utu. Kuusamotalo also has a cinema. Alongside exhibitions at Karhuntassu and the local history museum, you can therefore consider cultural events and films as part of your plans.

Consider the Location of Your Holiday Accommodation

The local history museum is close to the centre, as is Karhuntassu. This may be useful when looking for holiday accommodation if you want to focus on these places. Lahtela, by contrast, is about 12 kilometres south of the centre. So check which places matter to your trip before narrowing your search to a particular area.

Public transport in Kuusamo is open to everyone. Services run to the centre and to areas outside the built-up area; on school days, these include buses for student transport. The tourist information office at Karhuntassu offers advice on services, nature and cultural attractions, as well as activities and experiences in Kuusamo.

Other places: Hyytiälä, Vieremä, Ylivieska, Savilahti, Taivalkoski, Juupajoki, Veteli, Keitele.

For the wider travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.