Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Kuhmo. Immerse yourself in the summer atmosphere near cultural events and sites at the most popular summer swimming spot in the city, Ruukinranta. Wade or paddle to Harakkasaari, known for its eskers and sandy beaches shaped by the Ice Age. In 2020, the island was incorporated into the Lentua Nature Reserve and became part of the Friendship Park. You can also take a walk along the shallow sandy beaches of Roukonpuro in Ontojärvi, which offers some of the best swimming opportunities in Kuhmo.
Kuhmo’s canoeing routes are excellent, spanning across numerous lakes, rivers, and rapids. Embark on a canoe trip starting from the heart of Kuhmo around Harakkasaari, where you can stop for coffee at Hotel Kalevala or enjoy burgers at Cafe Torilla for lunch. At Harakkasaari, you can also light a campfire at designated fire pits and have a picnic. The route is approximately 12 km long. Other routes include the journey from the city center to Lentuankoski and back (12 km), or from Hotel Kalevala to Honkinen Island’s lean-to shelter and back (12 km). You can also start from the Lentuankoski parking lot and choose Lentua Island as your destination.
EräPiira offers guided canoe trips and rents single kayaks and canoes. Kalevala Camping / Juhlatakomo rents out SUP boards, kayaks, and boats. Lentiira Holiday Village rents kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, rowboats, and motorboats. Lentuankoski Camping Area rents rowboats with electric motors.
Find more canoeing routes from this link!
Immerse yourself in the steam of the sauna. In Kuhmo you can find smoke saunas, wood-fired, and electric saunas, sauna therapy treatments, and sauna products. Experience the gentle steam of a smoke sauna at Lentiira Holiday Village or on the beach at Kalevala Camping. Alternatively, visit the wellness section of Hotel Kalevala, where you can enjoy a sauna, hot tub, and wellness and natural treatments. Hotel Kainuu features a sauna section with a private lounge area.
Kalevala Experience organizes sauna therapy treatments and cupping for individual travelers and groups at a wood-fired sauna in Kuumu located in North Kuhmo, along with traditional treatments in the estate’s traditional barn. All herbal and peat products used in treatments are locally sourced. Kalevala Camping’s smoke sauna offers public sauna sessions for both men and women, as well as private use.
Immerse yourself in Kalevala by exploring Kuhmo’s Kalevala-inspired offerings: experience Kalevala massage, Kalevala joint therapy, and delve into the roots of knowledge at Juminkeko – the information center for Kalevala and Karelian culture.
Journey to Uljaskanpirtti at Viena Gate, located in North Kuhmo, in the village of Rimmi, in the authentic Kalevala land of Viena. Take a pre-booked guided tour to the mystical Kultalähde, where Elias Lönnrot himself once visited. During your visit, you can also take a guided tour by wooden boat or on foot to the nearby cemetery. Akseli Gallen-Kallela discovered his Väinämöinen, Rimmi’s Uljaska during his honeymoon at the old cottage, which inspired his Aino triptych. Uljaskanpirtti’s café offers traditional pastries, and the cottage hosts a Rimmi photo exhibition in early summer and an icon exhibition later in the season. Check opening times beforehand.
Explore the literary sites of UNESCO Literature City Kuhmo. You can find more information about related sites and events at the Kuhmo City of Literature site. Kuhmo City Library also hosts a tourist information center where you can seek reading and travel recommendations.
Immerse yourself in the botanical diversity of the tree species park, garden spots, and heritage landscapes. Near the Jauhovaara nature trail and the former forest ranger’s cabin lies the tree species park. Besides Finnish tree species, the area also features foreign varieties planted between 1936 and 1942. Along the Jauhovaara hiking route, there is a scenic lookout platform as well.
Artist Urho Kähkönen’s Vanha Pihlaja Art Café and Garden are open during specified summer times. In addition to stunning gardens, you’ll find art, a flea market, and animals, like sheep for example.
You can experience restored traditional meadows and landscapes in Kuhmo along trails like Lauttavaara and Elimyssalo, passing through Levävaara and Latvavaara farms. Near Lauttavaara’s house foundation you can find old ornamental plants. The old cottages at Latvavaara and Levävaara are maintained with respect for tradition.
