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The Finnish Lakeland

Most of Finland could be dubbed lakeland, but around here it seems there’s more aqua than terra firma. Reflecting the sky and forests as clearly as a mirror, the sparkling, clean water is likely to be one of your most enduring memories of Finland. When exploring the region, it's almost obligatory to get waterborne, whether it be while practising your paddling skills in a canoe or by hopping aboard a historic steamboat for leisurely progress down canals and across lakes.

On land, there's just as much to do. Architecture buffs from around the globe make the pilgrimage here to visit Alvar Aalto's buildings, opera aficionados arrive en masse to attend the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival and outdoor enthusiasts shoulder their packs and set out to hike through tranquil forests of spruce, birch and pine. And at the end of active days, there are always saunas to relax in.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout The Finnish Lakeland.

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Puijo
Even small hills have cachet in flat Finland, and Kuopio was so proud of Puijo that it was crowned with a tower. Views from the top of Puijon Torni are very impressive; the vast perspectives of lakes and forests represent a sort of idealised Finnish vista. Atop is a revolving restaurant, a cafe and an open-air viewing deck. Surrounding it is one of the region’s best-preserved spruce forests, with trails for walking, biking and cross-country skiing. Also here is a ski jump and chairlift. In high summer bus number 10 travels here from town (€3.30), but it’s particularly nice to walk here through the trees.
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Kuopion Korttelimuseo
This block of 11 wooden townhouses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries includes several period-furnished homes representing family life between 1800 and 1930. Apteekkimuseo in building 11 contains old pharmacy paraphernalia, while in another building it’s fascinating to compare photos of Kuopio from different decades. Interpretative information is in English and Finnish. The museum's cafe serves delicious sweet and savoury dishes including a traditional rahkapiirakka (a local cheesecake-style pastry).
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Kuopion Taidemuseo
Occupying an old bank building in the centre of town, this museum focuses on Finnish art created from the late 19th century to present times. Look out for paintings by local Juho Rissanen (1873–1950), whose realistic portraits of working Finns contrasted with the prevalent Romanticism. The museum's curatorial theme is nature and the environment, so many of the works focus on these subjects.
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Kuopion Museo
In a castle-like art-nouveau mansion, this museum has a wide scope. The top two floors are devoted to cultural history, but the real highlight is the natural history display, which includes a wide variety of beautifully presented Finnish wildlife, including a mammoth and an ostrich wearing snowboots. The ground floor has temporary exhibitions. Pick up English explanations at the ticket desk.
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Puijon Torni
The views from the top of the 75m Puijon Torni are very impressive; the vast perspectives of lakes and forests represent a sort of idealised Finnish vista. Atop the structure is a revolving restaurant (lunch menu €26.50, dinner mains €25 to €37), a daytime cafeteria and an open-air viewing deck.
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Suomen Ortodoksinen Kirkkomuseo
Over 800 religious icons and 4000 textiles, along with documents, maps, drawings and photographs depicting Orthodox history in Finland, are displayed across nine rooms at this excellent museum. Many items were brought here from monasteries and churches now in Russian-occupied Karelia.
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VB Valokuvakeskus
This photographic centre is dedicated to Victor Barsokevitsch, one of the pioneers of Finnish photography. It is best known for temporary international summer exhibitions.
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Kuopion Tuomiokirkko
Kuopio's 19th-century cathedral is an unattractive stone structure located in the middle of town.