Sights in Kuhmo
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Kalevala Village
The Kalevala Village, 3km east of the centre of town, is a big drawcard but of debatable value, especially if you're not with children. Despite the name, you won't learn much about the Kalevala here; it's essentially an open-air museum of Karelian folk history and log buildings with cultural exhibitions, artisan displays and costumed staff demonstrating tar-making, woodcarving, fishing and so on.
On the marked circuit, you will see a re-creation of the cabin and desk Elias Lönnrot worked at, and Pohjola House, which includes a gallery and café. From mid-December to mid-January, the site opens as a Christmas Village.
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A
Juminkeko
If you are interested in the Kalevala or Karelian culture, pay a visit to the excellent Juminkeko, a beautiful building made using traditional methods and modern styling. The fantastic staff can tell you anything you wish to know; there are also three to four detailed exhibitions here yearly. The auditorium, walls hand-worked by adze, has three worthwhile audiovisuals in English; also on display is a collection of Kalevala books translated into over 50 languages. With the multimedia program you can view pictures, and read and listen to extracts from the epic in anything from Japanese to Swahili.
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Kuhmon Talvisotamuseo
Kuhmon Talvisotamuseo displays various artefacts, mementos and photographs from the bitter Winter War, much of the worst fighting of which was done near here. A diorama depicts one of the key turning points, and an armoured cannon-carriage, models of Russian planes and an anti-tank gun take pride of place.
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B
Kuhmo Church
The muscular mustard-yellow wooden Kuhmo Church was built in 1816 but had its dome added later. The interior is fairly unadorned but features a striking modern organ built in nearby Sotkamo. It’s a picturesque venue for concerts.
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C
Orthodox Church
The tiny Orthodox Church is modern but contains several 18th-century icons that were painted in the Valamo Monastery before it was annexed by the Soviet Union, plus a 300 year old altarpiece. It’s open on request only.
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D
Tuupala Museum
This charming Karelian farmhouse has been, in its past lives, a general store, pharmacy, inn, post office and home to the town's police chief. Fittingly, it now houses the museum of local history, the Tuupala Museum.
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E
Kuhmo Church
The striking 1816 wooden Kuhmo Church in the town centre is a venue for concerts during the chamber music festival.
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F
Winter War Museum
The Winter War Museum displays artefacts from that bitter conflict.
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