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Introducing Kuhmo
Kuhmo is a curious place; although not officially part of Karelia, it is sort of the unofficial capital of Vienan Karjala, the Karelian heartland that is now in Russia. This was the region that artists explored in the Karelian movement, such a crucial part of the development of Finnish national identity. Most of their expeditions set off from Kuhmo, as did one of Elias Lönnrot's, when he headed into 'Songland' to record the verses of bards that he later wove into the Kalevala epic. There's a fine Kalevala resource centre in town, as well as a less informative theme park.
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Kuhmo, once a major tar producer, is still a good jumping-off point for the wilderness; it makes a natural base for hiking the UKK route, Finland's longest marked trek. The vast taiga run from here right across Siberia and harbours many 'respect' animals like wolves, bears and lynx.
Kuhmo is well known in Finland for its annual chamber music festival, and is small and very pleasant.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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