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Kuopio is a diverse city with plenty to do and see for locals and tourists alike. Situated on the banks of the Kallavesi River, it provides the setting for a variety of activities all year round. In Kuopio you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, cultural experiences and the hustle and bustle of the city to suit your own preferences.
The city's landmarks, such as the Puijo Tower and market, are popular places to visit. Kuopio also offers many opportunities for outdoor activities and sports. In winter you can go skiing or ice skating, while in summer you can paddle or paddle on the Kallavantie lake. There is something to do in the city to suit all tastes and budgets.
Discover with us the best places in Kuopio!
Kuopio is known for its delicious fish cake, and the best place to taste this traditional Savoie delicacy is at a local bakery. Fishcake bakery Hanna Partanen is an excellent choice for this purpose.
The bakery is located on Inkilämäenkatu, where fish cakes are made using traditional methods by experienced bakers. Hanna Partanen's fish cakes have been voted the best in Finland for several years.
In addition to the traditional rooster, the bakery also offers a variety of seasonal roosters. If you're not a fan of fish dishes, you can try the vegetarian or meat options.
The bakery also produces other delicacies daily, such as meat pies, rice cakes and doughnuts. During your visit, you can taste these local pastries and buy souvenirs to take home.
Kuopio Market, known locally as "Mualima's Navel", is the heart of the city. Here you can feel the authentic Savoie atmosphere and the pulse of lively city life.
At the market, you can shop at stalls run by local vendors. You'll find fresh vegetables, berries and handicrafts. You can also taste Kuopio's famous fish cakes and lörtsy.
Take a moment and sit down at the market café. From there you can watch passers-by and enjoy the local atmosphere. In summer, the market is particularly lively and full of life.
The most famous piece of art in the square is the statue of Sister Girl, which is often visited by street performers. The square is a great starting point for exploring the city.
Matkus Shopping Center, located just outside the city centre, is the largest shopping centre in Kuopio. Here you'll find well-known international stores such as IKEA, as well as Finnish chains and specialty shops. Matkus Shopping Center also has a wide selection of restaurants and cafés, so you can spend the day shopping and take a break in between.
Right in the centre of Kuopio, you'll find Kauppakeskus Apajan and Kauppakeskus Minna, both offering a wide range of fashion, interior design and electronics. Apaja is conveniently located next to Kuopio's market square, so you can enjoy the bustle of the square while you shop. Kauppakeskus Minna, on the other hand, attracts visitors with a wide range of shops and cafés.
Kuopio's shopping life is also enriched by numerous small boutiques where you can find local handicrafts, design and personal souvenirs.
Puijo Tower is Kuopio's most famous landmark and a must-see. This 75-metre-high observation tower is located right in the heart of the city at the top of Puijo hill.
From the top of the tower you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Kuopio and the surrounding nature. You can admire the blue waters of the Kallavesi River and the lush forests beyond the eye's reach.
Puijo Tower is open all year round. There is also a panoramic restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a coffee in a spectacular setting.
There is also a beautiful primeval forest in the Puijo area, where you can take a walk before or after the tower visit. The area offers a great setting for outdoor activities and enjoying nature in all seasons.
"Design Kuopio" is an area in the centre of Kuopio, where you can find several design shops, boutiques of local designers and craft shops. Most of these shops are located in the Kuopio city centre, especially around Kauppakatu and Puijonkatu. Here you will find unique interior design shops, fashion boutiques and gift shops with an emphasis on local design and craftsmanship.
Good places to start include the Kauppahalli, which sells artisan products, and the individual design shops along Kauppakatu. There are also several local boutiques near Kuopio's market square where you can discover Kuopio and Savo design.
Kuopio Museum offers an interesting combination of natural sciences and cultural history. The renewed basic exhibitions take you on a journey through the history of northern Savo and the changing nature of eastern Finland.
The museum offers a wide range of exhibitions. They offer both information and experiences for visitors of all ages.
Each year, the museum also presents international and local temporary exhibitions. So there's always something new to experience during your visit.
Kuopio Museum is centrally located in the city. It is easy to combine with other activities during your day. During your visit, you will deepen your knowledge of the history and nature of the region in an interesting way.
The Kuopio Block Museum offers a chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the turn of the 1800s and 1900s. In the museum you can explore traditional wooden houses and their courtyards.
The Quarter Museum consists of eleven wooden houses that make up a whole block. In these museum homes, you can see what everyday life was like from the 19th century to the 1930s.
The gems of the museum are the salon of the writer Minna Canthi and the old pharmacy. You can also admire the changing seasons in the traditional courtyard.
The Quarter Museum hosts a variety of events, including concerts and plays. The range of events varies from year to year, so check the museum's website for current events.
Kuopio Car Museum is a car enthusiast's dream, located in an old brick building on the corner of Hannes Kolehmaisenkatu and Puistokatu. The museum is close to the swimming pool and bowling alley, making it easy to find.
In the museum you can admire a large collection of old vehicles, many of which are still in running order. The exhibition is constantly changing, so even if you've visited before, it's worth a second visit.
In the museum, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with freshly baked pastries at the Herkku Mobile café. On weekdays, there's also a soup lunch if you fancy a more substantial meal.
Kuopio City Hall is one of the city's main attractions. This valuable building is centrally located and is an important part of Kuopio's history.
The layout of the town hall is impressive. Its classical architecture and beautiful details invite you to admire the building up close.
Although mainly used for official purposes, the Town Hall is occasionally open to the public. Please check the event timetable in advance if you want to see the inside of the building.
The surroundings of the Town Hall are a charming place for a walk. You can admire the building from different angles and enjoy the atmosphere it creates in the centre of Kuopio.
At Kuopio City Theatre you can enjoy a diverse repertoire on two stages. The Minna stage has 464 seats and the Maria stage 179 seats. They present our own productions and guest performances throughout the year. The theatre also hosts a variety of events and activities. You can become a regular customer by subscribing to the Cantis newsletter.
Saana is a modern sauna world in Kuopio's Bellanranta, on the shores of the Kallavesi River. Here you can enjoy a variety of sauna experiences all year round.
Saana's spa area features a 30-seat mixed sauna, hot tub and experience showers. Outside you will find an award-winning smoke sauna and heated outdoor pools. You can take a dip in the fresh lake water or relax in the pools.
Saana offers a comfortable sauna experience in a beautiful wooden building. It is a great place to relax and get to know the Finnish sauna culture.
Alahovi winery offers a unique experience near Kuopio. The farm is located on the beautiful island of Vaajasalo by the Kallavesi River.
You can take a cruise from the port of Kuopio towards Alahov. On the way, you will enjoy the magnificent lake scenery.
Once there, you can visit Finland's first winery, established in 1995. You can taste the farm's own berry wines, liqueurs and beers.
The Alahov also has a charming restaurant where you can enjoy local specialities. If you wish, you can explore the beautiful nature of the island.
Valkeisenlampi is an attractive destination near the centre of Kuopio. It offers a peaceful environment for walking and enjoying nature.
Around the pond there is an easy trail of about 3 kilometres. It is ideal for light walking and admiring the scenery.
The park area has plenty of lawns and benches. You can take a break for a picnic or just sit and watch the urban landscape.
During the summer, you can fish in Valkeisenlampi without a permit. In winter, you can go skiing and ice-fishing on the ice.
Valkeisenlampi is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. It offers a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tahko is the largest ski resort in Eastern Finland and the fourth largest in Finland, located less than an hour's drive from the centre of Kuopio. Tahko's diverse slopes attract both domestic and foreign tourists every year.
In Tahko you will find everything you need for a snowy adventure. You can ski and snowboard on the well-maintained slopes. There are five restaurants, seven campfire sites and two equipment rental shops.
Tahko also has a high-quality ski service and a versatile ski school. These services ensure that your equipment is in good condition and your skills are improving.
Tahko is known for its relaxed atmosphere. This atmosphere continues in the village of Tahko and the surrounding areas. The ski resort offers something to do for adventurers, active people and relaxation seekers alike.
Kuopio's beautiful lake scenery provides an excellent setting for cycling. The routes along the banks of the Kallavesi river are popular with locals and visitors alike.
The southern cycling route takes you to the bridges of the Archipelago Road, which offer pleasant views of the Kallavede. Along the way, you can also enjoy the city parks and the Rauhalahti hiking trails.
You can stop for a break at the Savolanniemi lava pond or refresh yourself at Vänär, Kuopio's most famous swimming beach. In summer, there is also the Kallavesi Tour, a popular cycling event without a timer.
From Puijo you can cycle south towards the Puutos-salmi castle. There you can take a break and admire the lake scenery. Along the route you will also see the Vehmersalmi bridge.
Cycling along the banks of the Kallavesi River is a nice way to explore Kuopio's nature and enjoy the fresh outdoor air.
