Kajaani Sights

  1. Kainuu Museum

    Kainuu Museum, near the train station, is a good place to get acquainted with local history, including the Kalevala and its author, Elias Lönnrot. There is little information in English.

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  2. Kajaani Art Museum

    The former police station now serves as the Kajaani art museum.

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  3. Kajaani Castle

    On an island in the middle of the Kajaaninjoki near the town centre is what's left of Kajaani Castle, built in the 17th century and thoroughly damaged by war, time and some more recent mischief. There's not much to see, admission is free and it's easily viewed from the bridge.

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  4. Kajaani Church

    In town, the beautiful wooden Church from 1896 is a rare example of neo-Gothic architecture. It's typically Karelian, with lots of ornate wooden trim and a delicate, slender, Italianate belltower.

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  5. Tar-Boat Canal

    At the Ämmäkoski waterfall, near the castle ruins, is a Tar-Boat Canal (Ämmäkoski waterfall), a channel built in 1846 to enable the boats laden with tar barrels to pass the rapids. There's a small museum in the old lock-keeper's cottage, and tar boat shows on Saturdays in July.

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  7. Tar-Boat Canal Museum

    There's a small Tar-Boat Canal Museum in the old lock-keeper's cottage, and tar boat shows on Saturdays in July.

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  8. Town Hall

    Facing the small raatihuoneentori (town square) is the old Town Hall (town square), designed by German architect CL Engel.

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