Kuopio is a dream city. Kuopio – a picturesque resort in Finland Kuopio Finland
Kuopio was founded in 1775 and is now a rapidly developing modern city where science and technology are harmoniously combined with the beauty of the local nature. The ninth largest city in Finland is located in the center of Lake Kallavesi, and most of it is located on the islands. This includes the Archipelago Cities (Saaristokaupunki), which are still developing. Of Kuopio's 1,200 km2 area, one third is water and half is forest; local nature amazes with its splendor and diversity of flora and fauna.
Kuopio and the surrounding area have a lot to offer tourists, namely a variety of leisure activities, both on long summer days and on snow-white days. winter time. In this area, dominated by lakes and islands, you can go on one of the boat cruises and also try other water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and jet skis. Visit the city center where the lively market Square surrounded by the best shops and shopping centers, there is also a magnificent Kuopion Kauppahalli (shopping center) where you can buy fresh goods best quality. It has been open since 1902; 20 local vendors will offer you homemade bread, cheese, spices, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, tea, coffee, sweets and much more. When in Kuopio, be sure to try the local delicacy Kalakukko, a Finnish fish pie, or one of the region's many specialties, various variations of whitefish.
Winter in Kuopio is ideal for exploring the city's picturesque surroundings. You can choose a snowmobile as your transport and ride along conveniently laid trails, ski through forests or frozen lakes, and also visit very popular ski centers Tahko, Kasurila or Puijo. If you dreamed of more relaxing holiday— be sure to try ice fishing!
Puyo is particularly well known as a venue for winter sports events, including cross-country skiing, ski jumping and skiing. Top international athletes train and compete in Puyo, and major cross-country skiing races are held here every year. Puyo is widely known for its World Ski Championships and national and international champions competitions. Even for those who are not interested in skiing, we highly recommend visiting Puyo Tower. You can enjoy lunch at the revolving restaurant, which serves local delicacies while admiring the breathtaking panorama view. The top of Mount Pujo is one of Kuopio's favorite vacation spots. There are many paths laid out here especially for you. large network tourist routes. Experience the diversity of the area with two hiking trails.
If you are vacationing with children, a whole range of opportunities opens up for you. Just a few steps from the city center - and you are on beautiful sandy beaches lakes where you can swim in the warm water, use the diving platform or just lie in the sun. Kuopio Zoo contains around 40 different species and over 200 animals for children to interact with. In nearby Leppävirta there is a Pajaharju farm, which will be open to you by reservation in the summer. From June to August you can enjoy the Hoksopoly Family Fun Park, which features a unique life-size playground where children and parents can play together. On the way to the finish line, players solve puzzles and complete tasks that require different skills. If it rains, you can take the children to the HopLop entertainment center, where they can frolic and have fun to their heart's content.
Kuopio is the capital of the province of Northern Savonia in Finland. The main attraction of the city is the stone Tuomlokirkko Cathedral, built in 1815. Also in Kopio is the main Orthodox cathedral of Finland - St. Nicholas Cathedral.
There are several interesting museums. St. Nicholas Cathedral is the largest museum of Orthodoxy in Western Europe, the Museum Quarter is interesting, where you can see models of houses of different times and classes, the Art Museum, the Automobile Museum, etc.
The Museum of Urban History in Kuopio is also interesting. The museum is part of the Kuopio Museum Centre. It is located in a house that was previously the dwelling of a priest. Before this, the building was a cowshed. In the museum you can look at exhibits of cultural and historical heritage, including those created by hand. There are also exhibits of cattle breeding, fishing, and wartime school items.
The main purpose of creating the museum is to demonstrate the background, history, life and culture of the city of Kuopio and Northern Savonia. The museum was founded in 1884.
Local History Museum in Kuopio
The local history museum in Kuopio is focused on the nature of North-Western Europe. But the collections are dominated by exhibits from eastern Finland. The collection of the Kuopio Regional Museum was established in 1887 when Benjamin Stalberg donated three stuffed owls to the new museum.
In 1901, A. Yu. Mela supported the new collection by donating his specimens of plants, minerals, insects, birds and eggs. When the building for the museum was ready, in 1907, the Kuopio Naturalists Society began collecting materials for the collection and organized the first exhibition.
Collections of exhibits continued until 1960. By this time, the museum’s collection already included about 1,500 vertebrates, 22,000 insects and 300 eggs. various types birds.
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Lake Keitele
Lake Keitele is the ninth largest lake in Finland. It is located in the center of the country, 77 kilometers from the city of Kuopio, and has an area of about 500 square kilometers. The towns of Äänekoski and Viitasaari are located on the shores of the lake.
The lake is characterized by open waters And large islands, and the water basin stretches from northwest to southeast and is a legacy of the Ice Age. Bays with beautiful and lush greenery, rocky shores - these are the landscapes on Lake Keitele. And the shores seem pristine and untouched, due to the fact that there are few cottages and other buildings here. Lake Keitele is distinguished, importantly, by its excellent water quality.
The shipping canal, built twenty years ago and connecting Lake Keitele with another lake - Päijänne, provided enormous opportunities for lovers water tourism. Since then, cruises have been held on lakes and canals to introduce those interested to the amazing and beautiful country of Finland. The lake is free of ice already in April, and then the golden time for tourists begins. Although, this does not diminish the advantages of the lake in winter. In winter, there are also plenty of opportunities for a wonderful pastime - for active winter holiday and winter sports, as well as for a fun holiday with the whole company or family.
Children's Toy Estate is amusement park attractions in the city of Kuopio, Finland. It is located on the territory of the Rauhalahti complex. In addition to many different attractions and toys, the amusement park has its own theater, as well as a circus, where, in addition to circus performances, children are introduced to the art of clowning. In addition, horse riding lessons are available at the estate. There is also a toy store at the estate, where there are the most different types toys, which means everyone can find something for themselves. Children will also be able to play various types of games.
During the Christmas season, as it should be, miracles come to life here. Santa Claus himself (albeit Finnish) arrives on a sleigh, and together with his faithful assistants, the gnomes, he pleases and amuses the children. The gnomes entertain the children and organize competitions, and Santa Claus listens to the children's wishes and gives them gifts. Parents can safely leave their children in such reliable hands and find entertainment for themselves, especially since there are plenty of them in the Rauhalahti complex.
A visit to the children's toy estate in Kuopio will leave children with the most positive memories of themselves, as well as a desire to visit it again.
Kuopio Cathedral
The Kuopio Cathedral is a beautiful architectural monument of the 19th century, and also the main religious landmark of the Finnish city of Kuopio. The Cathedral is located in a very picturesque area, attracting great amount tourists and believers.
The cathedral was built in Kuopio in 1816. Two architects took part in its construction - the original design of the temple was created by Jacob Riif, and the building acquired its final form under the leadership of Pehra Palmrut. The cathedral is an expressive example of such an architectural style as neoclassicism.
Currently, the Kuopio Cathedral belongs to the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church and is listed as an active parish church. However, in addition to believers, this beautiful cathedral also attracts quite secular tourists - the architecture of the building captivates with its antiquity, and a very special, peaceful atmosphere reigns inside the temple.
Port of Kuopio
The Port of Kuopio is a large lake port connecting the Finnish city of Kuopio with other settlements countries. The port carries out both industrial and passenger transportation, and in the summer numerous cruises are organized here especially for tourists.
The Port of Kuopio consists of three ship berths, a 600-meter berth and a large terminal with a total area of 5,450 square meters. At the height of the tourist season, you can see the most unusual lake vessels in the port, which specialize in boat trips and excursions. A cruise on one of these ships is a great opportunity to get to know the wonderful nature of Finland and the magical beauty of Lake Kallavesi.
In addition, the port of Kuopio is an important transport hub, which is of key importance for industrial enterprises in the region. The port has the most modern loading equipment, allowing it to handle timber, bulk cargo and containers.
Kuopio train station
Train Station Kuopio is one of the central transport hubs Finnish city of Kuopio, serving tens of thousands of passengers every day.
Kuopio train station is located less than a kilometer from the city center, housed in a beautiful two-story building decorated in light colors. There is a bus station next to it, and there is a car rental service at the station itself. The station belongs to the national transport company VR Group, which manages all rail transport in Finland. Railway lines connect Kuopio with the capital of the country and surrounding cities.
Kuopio train station allows travelers to quickly reach anywhere in Finland, and it will cost less than using a plane or bus. Trains depart regularly, and the transportation schedule is maintained with rare punctuality, so finding the right flight is not difficult.
Snellman Park
Snellman Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the Finnish city of Kuopio. This place is considered a significant city attraction, and is also popular among hikers.
Snellman Park is located in the very center of the city, not far from the city museum and Cathedral. This place got its name in honor of Johan Wilhelm Snellman, an outstanding public figure in Finland in the 19th century, who lived in Kuopio for a long time. In honor of their honorary citizen, the city even installed a beautiful bronze bust of Snellman in the center of the park, surrounded by flower beds and manicured lawns.
Kuopio is the eighth largest city in Finland, which is located in the heart of the picturesque Savo region, against the backdrop of the most beautiful lakes of this northern country. It combines modernity and history, business and sports, science and high technology. The city is home to 91 thousand inhabitants, the territory is 1,700 square meters. km, the main part is occupied by forests and lakes.
Kuopio is the eighth largest city in Finland
History of Kuopio
The first information about the area in chronicles dates back to 1549, when Mikael Agrikoda, a Finnish church reformer, gave a decree to build a church in Kuopionnemi. Since that time, the city acquired the status of the center of a church parish. A century later, Count Pietari Brahe founded the center of provincial government and trade in the city, but these rights were revoked in 1681. They were restored in 1782 by Gustav III, making Kuopio the administrative center of the province. It was from that time that the history of the modern city began. In 1808 - 1809 In the vicinity of Kuopio, fighting during the Russian-Swedish war took place, as a result of which the city was slightly destroyed, but it quickly recovered and has remained in this appearance to this day. The economic development of Kuopio increased markedly after the opening of the Savon rata railway line and the Saimaa Canal. IN modern city Several family businesses founded in the 19th century are still operating.
In 1815 architect G.V. Palmroth laid the first stone in Kuopio's oldest building, the Church of St. Nicholas. The city is the center Orthodox Church Finland, and the main archdiocese of the Orthodox Church is the diocese of Kuopio. In 1911 it was founded on Valaam, and in 1957 it was moved to Kuopio - a museum of the Orthodox Church, which is considered one of the most significant in Western Europe.
Modern Kuopio is a center of the chemical, woodworking and engineering industries. It plays an important role in the development of the cultural, scientific and industrial base of this region.
Sights of Kuopio
Kuopio is a city where everyone will find something to see.
Mount Pujo – symbol of Kuopio
The city's most famous attraction is the Puyo Mountain Conservation Area, located in the center of the city and covered with dense forest. In 1963, a three-story tower, 75 meters high, was built on its top with a cafe, a revolving restaurant and an observation deck with views of the entire city, islands and lakes. In the summer, restaurant visitors are entertained by the “local goblin,” and in the winter, the mountain turns into a ski resort Entertainment Center. Length ski slopes– 45 km, there are two tracks for 400 m and 700 m equipped for descents. Works nearby ski school, where you can rent ski equipment and is the only one in the whole world that teaches ski jumping to everyone.
During the New Year and Christmas holidays, Puyo turns into a center winter tourism in Kuopio. During this period, multi-colored lights are lit on the top of the mountain, creating a mysterious and mysterious atmosphere of the holiday.
Pujo is home to the oldest nature reserve in Finland, which was founded in 1928. Rare birds live here and unique plant species grow. A walk through the reserve is a favorite activity for many tourists.
Orthodox Museum Kuopio
The Church Museum in Kuopio is one of the most significant monuments of Orthodoxy in Western Europe. The museum building was built in 1969, and it was founded 10 years earlier. The museum has state status and is subordinate to the Orthodox Church government of the country.
Here is a brilliant collection of liturgical textiles, precious church items, icons and sacred objects from the Konevets and Valaam monasteries. The bulk of the museum's exhibits were taken from monasteries during the war. The museum receives visitors every day except Mondays from 10.00 to 18.00. Entrance to the museum is paid: 5 euros for adults, 1 euro for children.
Here you can learn about the history of the city's construction. On the territory of the museum there are 11 houses in which the interiors of the apartments of officials and merchants of the 19th century were reproduced with millimeter accuracy, as well as a tailor’s shop, a shoemaker’s workshop and an old pharmacy. The old cafe on the museum grounds offers visitors delicious homemade cakes.
Alahovi wine plantation
On the island of Vaajasalo, a 15-minute drive from Kuopio, there is a wine plantation where you can get acquainted with the production of local berry wines, as well as taste restaurant dishes, taste wines and shop in a local store.
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Shops in Kuopio
Shops in Kuopio are open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Department stores and shopping malls– from 9 to 21, on Saturday from 9 to 18. On weekends and holidays everything is closed except for the summer and Christmas period.Pet Zoo in Kuopio
Currently, the zoo is home to 200 Finnish domestic animals - representatives of 30 species. Among them are ponies, horses, ducks, sheep, rabbits, turkeys, cats, dogs, piglets, etc. On the territory of the zoo you can ride horses and have a good time in the summer cafeteria.
Entrance to the zoo is paid: adults 6 euros, children 5 euros.
Aquapark Fontanella
The Finnish Water Recreation Center offers visitors to relax in 10 different pools, including a unique relaxing light-and-music cave pool.
For everyone there are two 90-meter slides, a climbing rock, steam baths and Finnish saunas. It features an ultra-modern Gym, which checks the physical condition of everyone, bowling alley, squash court, solariums and restaurant.
Admission for adults from 8 to 11 euros, for children (depending on age) from 6 to 8 euros.
Kuopio is becoming more and more popular among tourists around the world every year. The developed tourist infrastructure against the backdrop of magnificent nature mixed with historical cultural monuments attracts many here on vacation. Here you can have fun on walks and excursions. At night, nightclubs are open for entertainment. The most popular are considered night club“1001 Nights”, the “Old Pharmacist” tavern, the “Blue Lagoon” tropical complex and the “Hummingbird” restaurant. Kuopio rightfully ranks first among dance halls in Eastern Finland.
At a distance of approximately 380 kilometers from Helsinki and approximately 460 kilometers from St. Petersburg. The city is located in most beautiful place, on a peninsula, surrounded by the waters of Lake Kallavesi. The city's population is more than 97 thousand people. There are more than 1,200 islands on the lakes surrounding the city. Many residents of Finland choose this region as their holiday destination. There are more than five thousand country houses and cottages in the Kuopio municipality. Vacationers from Russia are also frequent guests here.
In the city center of Kuopio
The streets of the central part of the city are laid in a parallel-perpendicular order. The central part of the city is the market square (Kauppatori). There is a parking lot under the square. central square is located about one hundred meters above sea level and has a size of 130 × 174 meters. The territory of the square is paved with stone paving stones.
On southern edge The square houses one of the city's attractions - the city market building. Near the market there are two statues known to every resident of Kuopio: Veljmies-patsas and Siskotyttö-patsas. According to existing tradition, every year, on May 1st, students wash the statues and put student caps on them.
On the northern border of the square is the city hall building, in the east is the Osuuspankki bank, shopping centers Sektori and Anttila. To the south is the gymnasium building and the Aapeli shopping center. On the western border of the square there are department stores Carlson and Sokos, H-talo and Sektori. There are many more places for shopping near the square.
Like any Finnish city, Kuopio strives to organize more interesting events for local residents and tourist events.
The most famous events in Kuopio
ANTI – Contemporary Art Festival
In order to stand out from the mass of similar festivals, the organizers call their festival an Anti-festival. ANTI - Kuopio Contemporary Art Festival takes place mainly in public areas. The festival presents works in a variety of genres and types of creativity. The festival uses modern cityscapes as a stage for its events. Most events are free to the public.
Kuopio Rockcock
The rock festival Kuopio Rockcock (also Kuopio Rock) is held annually in late July or early August. The festival lasts two to three days. The festival is held on the shore of the lake, on Cape Väinölänniemi. Musician performances also take place in other places in the city.
Kuopio Wine Festival
The Kuopio Wine Festival (Kuopion kansainväliset viinijuhlat, kuopio wine festival) has been held in Kuopio since 1997. From the very beginning, the festival became very popular. The festival is visited by about 50 thousand people, mainly from the surrounding regions of Finland. Wine is not the main thing at this festival. The main thing is to have a good time. Every year the festival is dedicated to a wine producing country. Access to the festival territory is paid, only for persons over 18 years old.
Finland Ice Marathon
The Finnish Ice Marathon skating festival is held annually in late February - early March in Kuopio. The first time was held in 1984. These are speed skating competitions over distances of up to 200 kilometers. Different distances for all ages. The competitions are held on the ice of a lake near the city.
Puijo Natural Park
Puijo is a conservation area located within the city. Currently it is a recreation area and sports complex. Puijo Hill is located in the northern part of the city. Located on the hill observation tower from which you can view the surroundings of the city. The height of the tower is 75 meters. There is also a restaurant on the tower. There is a small hotel. The height of the observation deck above the level of Lake Kallavesi is 224 meters. This is one of the most popular places in the city for both tourists and local residents. The territory of the nature conservation park is actively used for sports. There are several ski jumps and a golf course. The Puijo area became a conservation area already in 1928.
Technopark in Kuopio
The city of Kuopio (like the whole of Finland) relies on the development of science and technology. To implement this task, a Technopark (Tiedepuisto) was created in Kuopio. Kuopio Technology Park is located in the Savilahti neighbourhood. The technology park concentrates enterprises working in the field of high technology, computer technology, international companies and enterprises working for export. The University of Eastern Finland and the Savonia Polytechnic Institute are also located here. One of the most famous enterprises of the Technopark is the Technopolis Kuopio company, which also operates in Russia. The technology park houses most of jobs in the city, more than 8 thousand students study.
University of Eastern Finland
The University of Eastern Finland (Itä-Suomen yliopisto) is one of the most famous universities in Finland. The university was formed by merging the universities of Kuopio and Joensuu. The university has branches in the cities of Kuopio, Joensuu and Savonlinna. Journa Times in 2012 included it in the list of the hundred most prestigious universities in Europe.
Polytechnic Institute of Savonia
The Savonia Polytechnic Institute (Savonia-ammatikorkeakoulu - higher technical school) trains specialists to work in the fields of culture, environment, tourism, catering and economics, sociology, health and sports, technology and transport, business and management. Training is conducted in Finnish and English.
How to get to Kuopio
The city of Kuopio is connected by road to many cities in Finland.
Road No. 5 goes from the very north of Finland, from the city of Sodankylä, through Kuusamo, Kaiaani, Kuopio, Varkaus, Mikkeli, and then along road No. 4 to Lahti and Helsinki.
From Mikkeli you can take road no. 13 to the city of Lappeenranta and beyond. to St. Petersburg.
From Kajaani you can take road no. 89, through the Vartius – Kivijärvi checkpoint to Kostomuksha.
Railway provides good connections towards the cities of Helsinki, and. Comfortable trains take you from Helsinki to Kuopio or back in about 4 hours.
Their city of Lappeenranta can be reached by rail from Kuopio in about the same time.
Kuopio can also be reached by bus from many cities in Finland.
Airport located 14 kilometers from the city center. There are regular flights from Kuopio Airport to.
Kuopio Passenger Port offers access to the city via the lake in summer.
Distances from Kuopio to some cities: Helsinki – 382 km, 779 km, 144 km, 169 km, - 277 km.
Kuopio is expanding
City on the islands
The city is becoming cramped on a small peninsula. According to existing plans, the city will expand in the direction of the located south of the islands. Island city - this is how you can translate the name of the new residential areas of Kuopio Saaristokaupunki. Saaristokaupunki is the new territory of the city. Housing for 14 thousand people will be built in the new residential microdistrict. The distance from the new microdistrict to the old city center is 2.5 kilometers.
Business center Matkus
Matkus is an area in the south of Kuopio designated for the location of various businesses. total area territory of about 60 hectares. The distance to Kuopio city center is about 5 kilometers. At first, the largest enterprise here will be the IKEA store, which will be located in the Ikano shopping center. The Ikea store is scheduled to open in early summer 2012. The Ikano shopping center will open in autumn 2012. (The Ikano company is the founder of the Ikea chain of stores.)
Tourist Information
(shopping centers and shops).
City of Kuopio.
Kuopio is the eighth largest city in Finland, popular resort country and the center of the province of Northern Savonia. It is located on the shores of Lake Kallavesi, while the entire area is surrounded by a large number of natural lakes and islands with coniferous forests. This location creates an excellent ecology - in these places beautiful nature and amazingly clean air. There is no season here - wonderful holiday guaranteed at any time of the year. In winter, more than 1000 kilometers operate in Kuopio and the surrounding area ski slopes, and in the summer-autumn season there is freedom for fans water activities: fishing, kayaking down river rapids, jet skiing. In addition to tourism, the city has well-developed chemical, woodworking, food and engineering industries. Kuopio has great developed infrastructure with many shops, restaurants, hotels and hotel complexes located on the picturesque banks of Kallavesi among pine forests.
general information
The city is quite “young” - the date of its foundation is considered to be 1775. In the 19th century it was the center of provincial trade, and construction railway and the Saimaa Canal, which provided communication with Gulf of Finland, served as a huge impetus for his economic development. Popularity ski resort Kuopio was acquired in the second half of the 20th century, when the tourism infrastructure began to develop: the construction of comfortable cottages, hotels and apartments, with water parks and a large range of SPA services, landscaping the territory and equipping it for various sports.
- Founded: 1775;
- Area: 1,730 km²;
- Time zone: UTC+2;
- Population: 111,400.
The region has a temperate continental climate with snowy, frosty winters and warm, sunny summers. So the weather in Kuopio is conducive to relaxation throughout the year: winter activities start in November, and in April give way to ecotourism.
There are no direct flights from Russia to Kuopio, so you will have to fly through Helsinki. There are direct flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg to the capital of Finland, from where the flight to Kuopio will take about an hour.
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What to see
The main attraction of the city is Mount Puyo, which is part of the oldest nature reserve in the country. It is located in the center of the resort and is covered with densely growing coniferous trees. In 1963, a 75-meter three-story tower was built on the top of the mountain, in the building of which there is a cafe, a revolving restaurant and Observation deck with magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. This place is ideal for taking photos of Kuopio's picturesque landscapes. In winter, Puyo turns into a ski entertainment center with a ski school. Here you can rent equipment, learn skiing and even ski jumping. At Christmas, Puyo becomes the main venue for the holidays; many colorful lights are lit on the top of the mountain, creating a mysterious and fabulous atmosphere of the celebration.
Fans of religion will be interested in visiting the oldest in the city Orthodox Cathedral St. Nicholas and the museum of church art housed there, with the chair of the Karelian Archbishop. 
Kuopio is home to the Orthodox Church Museum, the largest in Western Europe. Valuable icons, church textiles, sacred objects from monasteries, church items and ancient artifacts are exhibited here. Many exhibits were evacuated from Karelian parishes and monasteries during wartime.
The Kuopio Quarter museum, which is a block of several old houses, is popular among tourists. XIX century, in which the interiors of that time are reproduced with great accuracy. There is also a shoemaker's workshop, an old pharmacy, and a tailor's shop. And the antique-style cafe will offer delicious pastries and cakes.
Kuopio is becoming more and more popular every year not only among residents of Finland, but also among European winter holiday enthusiasts. The resort is well equipped, has a developed infrastructure, historical monuments and will undoubtedly give a lot of pleasant impressions to everyone who comes here to relax and have fun.
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