Kuusamo is an idyllic destination in the north of the country, located in the provinces of Oulu and Lapland. With its pristine natural environment and diverse range of activities and attractions, Kuusamo is one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations.
The area is home to a wide variety of landscapes, including virgin forests and rugged mountains, as well as numerous lakes and rivers. The local culture is also unique, with traditional customs, music and cuisine. Visitors to Kuusamo can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and fishing.
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Things to see and do in Kuusamo
Kuusamo is home to some of the most picturesque sights in Finland. Its location in the north of the country makes it the perfect place to see the Aurora Borealis. Kuusamo also hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking for a unique and exciting experience. With its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, Kuusamo is a must-see destination for anyone wishing to explore Finland.
Ruka Skiing Resort
Ruka Skiing Resort is one of the country’s most popular winter holiday destinations. Located in the heart of Lapland, the resort offers a wide range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledging and snowmobiling.
The resort has more than 50 ski slopes with different levels of difficulty for everyone from beginners to experts. The natural beauty of the area and the excellent skiing facilities make Ruka an ideal place for a winter holiday.
The resort also offers accommodation options for travellers, with a wide selection of hotels, cabins and flats to choose from. In addition, the resort offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops to suit all guests’ needs. With its excellent facilities and unrivalled winter activities, Ruka is the perfect place for a winter getaway.
Kaamosgalleria
Kuusamo’s Kaamosgalleria is an art gallery showcasing the work of local artists from the region. Located in the heart of the Ruka ski resort, the Kaamosgalleria exhibits a wide range of contemporary art, from traditional Finnish folk art to modern abstract art. The gallery also organises workshops, lectures and other events to celebrate Kuusamo’s unique art.
In addition, the Kaamosgalleria offers various educational programmes for both children and adults to learn more about the art and culture of the region. Visitors to the museum will be able to explore the unique art of Kuusamo and gain a better understanding of the culture of the area.
Local History Museum (Kotiseutumuseo)
The Local History Museum (Kotiseutumuseo) in Kuusamo is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and history of the region. Founded in 1971, the museum houses a collection of prehistoric and early modern artefacts, documents and photographs relating to the history and culture of the area. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits on traditional ways of life, including arts and crafts, agriculture and forestry, hunting and fishing, and trade.
The museum’s collections also include objects related to the Sami people, the indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum regularly organises temporary exhibitions, educational activities and events. The museum is open to the public and offers guided tours in several languages.
Oulanka National Park
Oulanka National Park is a stunningly beautiful park with breathtaking scenery. Located very close to Kuusamo, the park is full of rolling hills, lush forests and meandering rivers. It is home to many species of wildlife, including moose, bears, lynx and wolves.
The park is noted for its incredible hiking trails, which traverse the terrain and lead visitors to some of the most spectacular views in the region. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, as well as participate in educational programmes about the unique history and ecology of the area. With its diverse landscape and abundant wildlife, Oulanka National Park is an unforgettable destination not to be missed.
Karhunkierros, The trail of the bear
The Karhunkierros, also known as The trail of the bear, is a 78-kilometre hiking trail located in Kuusamo, Finland. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland and is known for its spectacular views of the region’s many lakes and forests.
The route passes through taiga forests, mudflats and the shores of Oulanka National Park. Highlights include taiga forests, the Oulanka River and the Karhunkierros Gorge. The route is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers, and can also be covered by bicycle or canoe. There are several huts along the route offering shelter and basic services to hikers. Karhunkierros is a great way to experience the beauty and wildlife of Finland and is definitely worth a visit.
Fishing and other nature activities
Kuusamo’s natural beauty attracts visitors from all over the world. Fishing is a particularly popular activity in the area, with several rivers and lakes to fish in. The Oulankajoki River is especially popular for trout and grayling fishing, while other species such as pike and perch can be found in nearby lakes. Anglers can take advantage of the many boat rental services available in the area to explore the local waterways.
Other outdoor activities in Kuusamo include hiking, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, as well as kayaking and canoeing in summer. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, with reindeer, moose and bears inhabiting the area. With its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, Kuusamo is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Näränkä Natural Forest
Näränkä Natural Forest is located in the Finnish region of Kuusamo. It is an ancient forest, with trees that have been growing for hundreds of years. The area is home to a wide variety of wild animals, such as moose, lynx, bears and wolves. The forest also includes a large number of unique plant species, many of them rare or endangered.
Näränkä Natural Forest is a popular destination for hikers, campers and nature lovers. It is also an ideal place to observe the Northern Lights, which can be seen in the region during the winter months.
How to get to Kuusamo
The easiest way to get to Kuusamo from Finland is by plane. Finnair operates direct flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Kuusamo Airport. Alternatively, you can take a train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and then transfer to a bus to Kuusamo. The bus ride takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Those travelling from outside Finland can take a flight to Helsinki-Vantaa airport and then transfer to a plane bound for Kuusamo. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Sweden to Finland and then transfer to a bus or train to Kuusamo.
How to get around the city
The best way for visitors and tourists to get around Kuusamo, Finland, is by public transport or car. There is an extensive bus network throughout the city and most tourist attractions are easily accessible by bus. For those travelling by car, there are many well-maintained roads and motorways that can easily take you to nearby towns and cities.
If you are looking for a more adventurous way to get around, you can rent a bicycle or take a guided tour with a local guide. In addition, there are also plenty of taxis and rental cars available for those who prefer a private tour.
Where to stay in Kuusamo
Kuusamo is a great destination for travellers looking for a wide variety of accommodation options. The best accommodation options in Kuusamo include hotels, cottages and holiday villages.
Hotels range from basic to luxurious, and offer all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Many of the cabins are located close to the ski slopes and offer a unique way to experience Finnish nature. The holiday villages offer an ideal way to explore the local culture, with traditional huts, saunas and activities.
Where to eat in Kuusamo
Kuusamo is famous for its delicious local cuisine, offering a wide range of traditional dishes that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. For a traditional experience, head to Ravintola Koppelo, located in the city centre. Here you can enjoy a selection of traditional dishes such as reindeer steak, salmon soup and cabbage rolls.
For a more modern experience, you can visit the award-winning Kaartamo restaurant. It specialises in creative dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For something more casual, head to the Oulanka Grill, where you can enjoy a variety of grilled meats, such as reindeer and elk.
We hope our Kuusamo 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.