Kitee travel guide


Kitee is a diverse and vibrant city that offers something for everyone. From outdoor activities in the nearby forests to museums and art galleries, Kitee has plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. Located just two hours from the capital, Helsinki, Kitee is a great option for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore a smaller, less crowded destination.

Things to see and do in Kitee

Kitee is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The nearby forests are teeming with wildlife, and there are plenty of hiking, cycling and paddling trails to explore. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, Kitee is also home to some of the best beaches in the region, and visitors can take part in fishing, boating and swimming.

Kitee is also a great destination for culture lovers. The town has a rich history, and there are several museums and galleries to explore. From the Kitee Museum of Art to the Museum of History, visitors can learn about the town’s past and get a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants.

Kitee Church

Kitee Church is a Lutheran church located in the town of Kitee, Finland. It was built in 1857 and is the oldest building in the town. The church is a neo-gothic building with a tall tower and a steep roof, and its architecture is typical of the style that was popular during the period in which it was built.

Kitee Church is also notable for its beautiful stained glass windows and ornate altar, both of which were added in the late 19th century. The church is a popular tourist attraction and serves as a meeting place for the local community. It is also used for special events such as weddings and funerals.

Kitee Church façade
Iidanen (Tumblr)

Kitee Zoo

Kitee Zoo is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located in the heart of Kitee, the park is home to a wide variety of animals, from small mammals such as rabbits and ferrets to larger animals such as horses and reindeer. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by car, or take a guided tour to learn more about the animals.

Kitee Animal Park also features a variety of activities and attractions, including a petting zoo, an outdoor playground and an indoor play area. The park also organises events throughout the year, such as educational events, music festivals and a Christmas market. There is something for everyone at the zoo, making it an ideal destination for the whole family.

Koiviko Larch Forest

The Koiviko larch forest in Kitee, Finland, is a vast and beautiful area of ancient trees. Covering an area of more than 2,000 hectares, the forest is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and is an important habitat for species such as the black woodpecker, hazel grouse and capercaillie.

The area is a popular destination for hikers, with several trails to explore. The most popular is the Koiviko trail, a 7 km path through the forests and along Lake Koiviko. The area is also known for its stunning autumn colours, making it a popular destination for photographers. The Koiviko larch forest is an important part of Finnish culture and heritage, and a beautiful destination for visitors from all over the world.

Meijerinranta

Meijerinranta is a beautiful natural site located in Kitee. The area is known for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake, the surrounding forests and the nearby mountains. In addition, the area has several hiking trails that allow nature lovers to explore its beauty.

The area is also a popular place for bird watching, as many species can be found in the area. Furthermore, the area is ideal for swimming, canoeing and fishing. Meijerinranta is an ideal place to appreciate nature and relax, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Natural landscape in Meijerinranta (Kitee)

Kitee Local History Museum

The Kitee Local History Museum (Kiteen kotiseutumuseo) is a local museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Kitee region. The museum is housed in a historic building and features permanent and temporary exhibitions focusing on the cultural heritage of the area. Visitors to the museum can explore the culture of the region through the exhibits, which include displays of traditional tools and artefacts, as well as interactive activities and videos.

The museum also organises regular events and workshops focusing on the preservation and promotion of local culture. The museum is an excellent way to learn about the history and culture of Kitee, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the region.

A Nightwish Story, the Nightwish exhibition in Kitee

A Nightwish Story exhibition in Kitee, Finland, is a unique museum celebrating the music and success of the world-renowned symphonic metal band, Nightwish. The museum, which opened in 2018, showcases more than two decades of the band’s history through photographs, videos and other memorabilia.

Visitors can explore the band’s journey from their early days in Kitee to their current status as one of the world’s biggest metal bands. The exhibition also includes interactive elements, such as a soundscape and video wall, which help visitors get a real sense of the band’s music and experience.

The exhibition also includes artwork and sculptures from the band’s albums, as well as interviews with the band members. In addition to the exhibition, the museum has a café, a shop and an auditorium for live performances. The museum is a must-see for any Nightwish fan and a great way to learn more about the band’s history and music.

How to get to Kitee

To get to Kitee from Finland, you can take a train from Helsinki to Joensuu and then transfer to a bus to Kitee. The train journey from Helsinki to Joensuu takes approximately 3.5 hours, and the bus journey from Joensuu to Kitee takes approximately 1.5 hours.

To get to Kitee from another country, the best option is to fly into Helsinki-Vantaa airport and then take the train or bus to Kitee. The flight from most European airports to Helsinki-Vantaa airport takes about 2-3 hours.

How to get around the city

Kitee, Finland, is an idyllic town with many lakes and forests. The best way to get around is by car, as the roads are in good condition and the distances between destinations are usually short. Roads are well signposted, so it’s easy to find your way around.

Cycling is also an option, as the terrain is generally flat and there are many cycle paths throughout the city. Buses and taxis are also available for those who need a more comfortable means of transport.

Where to stay in Kitee

Kitee offers a variety of accommodation options for travellers wishing to explore the region. For those looking for a more traditional stay, there are several hotels and guesthouses located in the town centre. These hotels offer all the necessary amenities such as Wi-Fi, restaurants and gyms.

For travellers looking for a more private experience, Kitee offers a variety of cottages, cabins and holiday homes that can be rented for short or long periods. These accommodations are often located in the countryside and are a great way to experience the rural lifestyle of the region.

For those looking for a unique experience, Kitee also offers several campsites located in the surrounding forests. These sites give travellers the opportunity to explore the wild nature of the region while still having access to basic amenities.

Where to eat in Kitee

Kitee is a small town nestled in the forests of eastern Finland. There are many places to eat in Kitee offering a wide variety of local and regional dishes. One of the best restaurants is Kiteen Keittiö, which serves traditional local dishes such as Karelian pasties, trout and reindeer stew.

For a more modern take on Nordic cuisine, visit Ravintola Oiva, which offers creative dishes such as pasta with smoked salmon and reindeer carpaccio. For an authentic taste of the region, head to Kaivon Krouvi for delicious grilled sausages and a selection of local beers. The restaurant also has a popular outdoor terrace with stunning views of the surrounding nature.

Finally, if you want something sweet, you can head to Konditoria-Kahvila Mummola, which serves homemade cakes, pastries and coffee. You’ll also find a wide selection of craft beers and local wines.

We hope our Kitee travel guide will help you prepare for your trip to the city. We invite you to share this article on social media using the buttons below. And if you have any questions, you can use the comments section to ask them.


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