Kuopio interesting information. Kuopio - a picturesque resort in 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 (Kallavesi), and most of it is located on the islands. This includes the still developing Archipelago Cities (Saaristokaupunki). Of the 1200 km2 area of ​​Kuopio, one third is water and half is forest; The local nature impresses with its splendor, diversity of flora and fauna.

Kuopio and its surroundings have something to offer tourists, namely many ways to spend leisure time, as in long summer days, and in snow-white winter time. In this area, dominated by lakes and islands, you can embark on one of the boat cruises, as well as try others. water activities: sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and jet skis. Visit the city center where the lively market square is surrounded by the best shops and shopping malls, as well as the magnificent Kuopion Kauppahalli (shopping center) where you can buy fresh goods of the 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 more. When you are in Kuopio, be sure to try the local delicacy Kalakukko, a Finnish fish pie, or one of the region's many specialties, variations on whitefish.

Winter in Kuopio is ideal for exploring the picturesque surroundings of the city. You can opt for snowmobile transportation and ride on well-paved trails, ski through forests or frozen lakes, or visit the very popular ski resorts of Tahko, Kasurila or Puijo. If you dreamed of more relaxing holiday Be sure to try ice fishing!

Puyo is particularly well known for its winter sports activities, including cross-country skiing, ski jumping and alpine skiing. Top international athletes train and compete in Puyo, where the main ski races take place every year. Puyo is well known for the World Ski Championships and national and international champion competitions. Even for those who are not interested in skiing, we highly recommend visiting Puyo Tower. You can enjoy lunch at the revolving restaurant serving local delicacies while admiring the breathtaking panorama. The top of Mount Pujo is one of the favorite places to visit in Kuopio. Here, especially for you, many tracks and a large network have been laid. tourist routes. Experience the diversity of the terrain for yourself on two hiking trails.

If you are traveling with children, a whole range of possibilities opens up for you. Just a few steps from the city center - and you are on the beautiful sandy beaches lakes where you can swim in warm water, use the platform for jumping or just lie in the sun. The Kuopio Zoo contains around 40 different species and over 200 animals for children to interact with. In nearby Leppävirta, there is the Pajaharju farm, which is open to you by reservation in the summer. From June to August, you can enjoy Hoksopoly Family Amusement Park, a unique life-size playground where children and parents can play together. On their way to the finish line, players solve puzzles and complete tasks that require different skills. If it rains, you can take the children indoors entertainment center HopLop, where they can frolic and have fun.

Kuopio is one of my favorite cities in Finland. I especially like that there are so many tennis courts available here, as well as 3 ski resorts! For active travelers there will always be something to do here.

And, of course, I love amazing mushroom forests, where you can pick up more than one basket of blueberries, lingonberries or cloudberries.

Come with the whole family to Kuopio, I am sure that you will like it here as much as I do!

How to get there

From Moscow, as well as from St. Petersburg, Kuopio can be reached by four main modes of transport:

• by plane - there is an airport where Finair flights arrive;
• by train - first you need to get to Helsinki, and from the capital already to Kuopio;
• by bus - most often tourist buses go here from Russia;
• by car - below in the relevant section I have indicated for you the most convenient option, which for some reason is ignored by navigators.

By plane

The city of Kuopio has its own airport, which is not so far from the city. The main airline operating flights from Helsinki is FinAir. Planes arrive here several times a day, and tickets are quite inexpensive.

For example, to fly from Moscow to Kuopio, you will need 170-250 EUR per person in both directions. The price depends only on the duration of the change in Helsinki: the less time you spend at the airport, the more expensive ticket. And the average duration of summer is 6 hours.

A flight to Kuopio from St. Petersburg with a transfer in the capital of Finland will take you about 5 hours one way, and the ticket price will be about 190 EUR per person in both directions.

You can compare prices on current dates. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Kuopio.

How to get to the city center

You can get to the city center by taxi, which meet arriving people right at the exit from the airport building. If suddenly there was not a single free car, then it is better to call them. Contacts are attached:

• Savon Taxidata Oy. Phone number +358 200 30 300.
• M. Niskanen. You can book a taxi in advance by email Iisal [email protected] or by the phone number already in place 0400-747056.

The cost of a trip to the center (in Finnish city center - Keskusta) will cost you 20-25 EUR.

In addition to taxis, buses run from the airport to Kuopio and nearby towns. You can check the timetable, as well as ticket prices on the website.

You can also rent a car in advance or upon arrival at the airport building.

By train

By train, you can only get to Kuopio from Helsinki. Flights are quite frequent, about every 3 hours.

A ticket for one person one way will cost about 20 EUR. And you can buy it on the website of the Finnish railway company VR.fi.

By bus

You can get to Kuopio by bus from Moscow or St. Petersburg, but it will be a tourist bus with a well-thought-out program, so I don’t like such routes.

By car

For lovers of traveling by car, I suggest a route that I drive myself. For some reason, navigators do not offer it to anyone, but in fact this is the shortest and shortest way!

Travelers from Moscow first need to get to St. Petersburg, they wrote about this in great detail in this one.

And already from the Northern capital, you need to go to the Western High-Speed ​​Diameter (the road is paid, prices are attached below) and then follow the A181 (E18) road to the Brusnichnoye checkpoint. Keep in mind that repairs are being carried out in Scandinavia (as the A181 highway is popularly called), keep track of changes in traffic on the Internet.

The navigator is confidently trying to guide you through Svetogorsk. Why do I stand up for Brusnichnoye so much?

You know, I really don’t like the Svetogorsk border checkpoint - because it’s just terrible roads and an indescribable smell from a paper and pulp mill. So don't spoil your mood! The travel time, as well as the length of the route, are the same... Feel free to head to the Brusnichka checkpoint (as the locals call it) and enjoy the journey along the beautiful Saimaa Canal.

To avoid queues at the border, I advise you to leave St. Petersburg early in the morning, at 4-5 o'clock. Because the main traffic jams appear from about 9 am and can stretch for the whole day. The most problematic days are before Christmas, in May, new year holidays and on March 8 or February 23, depending on which of them falls from 3 days of rest. On weekdays and in winter, the situation is much simpler, sometimes even at the peak hour - 9 am Saturday - there are 1 or 2 cars, but this is real luck!

After passing the border (marked on the map with a red dot with a black border), you will exit onto road No. 13. Remember her number, right after Lappeenranta you will return to her again. In the meantime, follow it to the intersection with road 6 (the next red dot on the map).

Once you have entered the 6th road, continue driving until you see the exit on the signs again to the 13th road. On it you will need to drive approximately 65 km straight ahead.

Then roads 13 and 15 merge into one (I marked it with a red dot on the map below), and after 40 km of movement you will arrive at.

What are the prices for holidays

Accommodation

Accommodation in the city or around the city for two for 6 days comes out to an amount slightly less than 450 EUR. For this money you can choose a cottage, apartment or hotel room. Renting a place in a hostel in the city will cost about 250 EUR for the same days.

Road

• A flight from Moscow, as well as from St. Petersburg, will cost you about 170-200 EUR in both directions per person.
• The train journey will cost about 130 EUR per person round trip.
• A green card for a week costs about 45 EUR, and you will need at least 2 tanks of gasoline, which is within 30 EUR. In this case, the car turns out to be the cheapest mode of transport: 75 EUR for the whole journey, regardless of how many of you are traveling, one person or four.
• Traveling by bus will not be cheap and very time consuming. The cost of the road for one person in both directions is 90 EUR, and on the way you will be almost 7 hours without long queues at the border.

Excursions

If you want to visit all the museums of Kuopio, you will only need 10-15 EUR. Therefore, spare no expense and see all the Kuopio exhibitions!

Leisure

For various activities in 6 days I spend an average of 50-100 EUR. If I play tennis only on asphalt courts (they are free), then I get a big savings!

Food

Breakfast or lunch will cost you around 10-13 EUR, and save for dinner already from 15 EUR.

I usually spend about 170 EUR on food for 6 days, if I don’t cook myself. But when it is possible to buy food in the store and cook at the hotel, then for the same 6 days it takes about 80-100 EUR. Therefore, try to choose hotels with self-catering or breakfast included!

Moving around the city

I usually save a lot on buses or renting a car. There are a couple good ideas to save:

1. Bringing your own bike to Kuopio or renting one here is very cheap. Around 5 EUR per day. Rental companies are on almost every corner, so finding a two-wheeled friend is very easy.
2. Hike. The city is small, and walking, you will see many times more than by bus or car.

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub

Main attractions. What to see

In Kuopio, it is interesting to walk through the galleries and look into the automobile museum.

Visit the churches of the city, they are very beautiful! In addition, believers will be especially interested here, because Kuopio is the center of Orthodoxy in Finland.

I have detailed everything below.

Top 3

I will briefly describe for you the most interesting places Kuopio, and detailed information you can read about them in the relevant sections below.

Beaches. Which is better

There are about 20 public beaches in Kuopio: clean, well-maintained, the quality of the water is checked daily, so you can swim freely without worrying about your health and the health of your children.

Almost all beaches are sandy. When entering the water, sometimes there are small pebbles, they are almost not felt. Umbrellas and sun loungers on the beaches are usually not rented.

I would like to recommend you three of my favorite places:

Sarkiniemi

It is very comfortable, there are changing rooms and toilets. Come here if you like to be alone with nature. In addition, you can rent a boat or a boat and ride on the lake.

The beach is sandy, but there is also a part where you can lie down on the grass. The entrance to the water is shallow, but there are pebbles, so watch your step!

To get to the beach, you need to move along Särkiniemi street to the lake.

Sammakkolampi

It is located right in the center of the city. To find it, focus on the school on Nuolitie street. The beach is grassy, ​​there are toilets, changing rooms, in summer you can buy ice cream in a small cafe. The depth of entry into the water increases slowly, so you can even just wet your feet.

Vainolanniemi

This beach is very popular among the locals and is even the first to appear on Google maps! The place is good, a lot of people, but due to this and more fun.

On the beach there are two beach volleyball courts, changing rooms, toilets, a small cafe, boat rental. All in all, a great place to stay.

And how not to say about the tennis courts just a couple of steps away. I advise those who like to play to definitely go to them, they are open, inexpensive - about 10 EUR per hour. But for the price, specify additionally, I have not gone there for a long time.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Kuopio is the center of Orthodoxy in Finland.

• Here in Bishop's Square you can find an insanely beautiful Church of St. Nikola.

• In addition, in 1995 the architect Juha Leiviska received an international award for the design of the church. Saint Johannes. Here she is in the picture.

• And given that more than 90% of the population of Finland profess Lutheranism, it is worth seeing the main cathedral for local believers - Stone Cathedral in the very center of the city. It was built in 1806-1815 and is simply amazing in its beauty!

Museums. Which are worth a visit

The city has 5 main museums worth visiting.

Kuopio City Museum

Working hours:

• Monday-Friday 9:00-15:00;

Ticket price: adults - 4 EUR; children 7-12 years old - 2 EUR.

Kuopio Art Museum

It exhibits works by local Finnish artists, mainly the von Wright brothers and Juho Rissanen. is located in the city center and its main activity is art education. if you love art then be sure to visit it.

Working hours:

• Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00;
• The rest of the days the museum is closed to the public.

Ticket price: adults - 6 EUR; students, military, pensioners, groups of 5 people - 4 EUR; children 7-12 years old - free of charge.

Museum G12

Exactly the same museum is located in Helsinki, but it is located in Kuopio. I really love this place because interesting exhibitions are constantly held here. I advise you to go!

Working hours:

• Tuesday-Thursday 12:00-18:00;
• Friday-Saturday 11:00-16:00;
• Sunday - closed.

Ticket price: Admission to the gallery is free.

House-Museum of J.V. Snellman

Johan Wilhelm Snellman was a Finnish philosopher who worked as a school rector in 1843-1849 in the city of Kuopio. He published the newspaper "Saima", which had a very great influence on the development of national identity and the formation of the Finnish language.

Bar SporttiPubi Futari

Good bar with an average price tag - 15-20 EUR for dinner, open until 2 am every day, except Monday and Tuesday. Various sports events are broadcast here and there is an opportunity to drink a beer or a cocktail, the choice of which is amazing.

Clubs and nightlife

Club Viihdemaailma Ilona

The dance floor in this club is the largest in the city! In addition, there is an excellent DJ and musical groups often perform. There are bar tables and regular sofas. There is also a karaoke room where you can shout your favorite songs with friends.

Is there a dress code here, like in all real nightclubs? light, bright and beautiful, the so-called club.

The entrance ticket here is not cheap, from 10 EUR (depending on the performing group or DJ) and at the same time there is always a queue at the entrance ...

You will definitely have a great time!

extreme sports

If you like to tickle your nerves, then you should come to Kuopio in winter. Ski resorts open in December, where you can go snowboarding or skiing along the slopes. I wrote about them below.

How to move around the city

Considering that the city is not very big, it is best to move around it on foot: see it, as they say, from the inside.

In addition, the city has a fairly inexpensive taxi, I often use it when I return late from friends or from a bar, incredibly convenient!

Taxi. What features exist

Buses

There are many bus routes in the city and a detailed schedule is indicated.

But since the buses run at a certain time, be sure to take this moment into account: as soon as he stopped and gathered people at the bus stop, he immediately leaves. It is very rare to see a situation where someone is running, waving to be waited for, and the driver is waiting. Most often this does not happen.

Transport rental

You can rent a car in Kuopio not only at the railway station or at the airport. There are also very Internet resources for booking cars, which you can use in advance and just pick up the rented car upon arrival. The rental price per day will be at least 80 EUR. Also keep in mind that many companies have a discount when ordering a car for more than 7 days. You can see the options and cost.

Gasoline in Finland is quite expensive compared to prices in Russia: on average, you will give 1.3 EUR per liter of 95.

Kuopio - holidays with children

With kids, you will love it here! good beaches with a shallow entrance to the water, interesting museums, beautiful hiking trails where you can pick berries and mushrooms together with the whole family.

Also in shopping centers there are various entertainment programs for children, where they will definitely never be bored.

And finally, in winter you can teach your child to ski in the ski center!

Ski holidays

Takho Ski Resort

Not far from Kuopio there is a famous ski resort Takho .

It is incredibly popular with tourists from Russia for its proximity, cheapness and the opportunity to catch the winter (especially important for travelers from St. Petersburg).

The resort offers rental equipment for skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers. And, of course, in Takho they will help you put your skis or snowboard in order: there is an excellent repair shop here!

For those who, in addition to skiing, like to go to cafes to eat or just warm up, there are several pretty decent restaurants at the top. And in the evening you can get to the After Ski party. Be sure to join the festivities!

Kasurila Ski Slope

In addition, Kuopio itself also has its own small ski slope - Kasurila .

The resort offers good rental conditions for skiing and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and other equipment. There is very good service to service your skis at affordable prices.

Puyo ski slopes

And in the heart of the city a couple of slopes are organized Puyo (Puijon Rinteet) . Here you can rent equipment, as well as order an instructor in order to learn ski jumping!

I wrote about the slopes and prices for ski passes below.

Ski passes

Takho and Kasurila use keyCards, which are valid throughout Finland and around the world. If you have not previously purchased a card, then this can be done at one of the resorts for 5 EUR. The cards are all identified (your photo is printed on it), keep this in mind and do not pass it on to anyone else!

For those who have been using keyCard for a long time: be sure to take it with you. If her number starts with 14 or 08, then she will be exchanged for you here, because such cards are no longer used!

Prices for ski passes in Takho:

• 3 hours: adults 33 EUR, children (7-12 years old) 23 EUR;
• 6 days: adults 157 EUR, children (7-12 years old) 115 EUR.
• Ski passes are free for the following categories:
  • adults over 75;
  • children under 7 who must ride only with a helmet and with an adult
• There is also a belt lift for beginners, it is free.
• You can see the rest of the prices for the lift here.

Prices for ski passes in Kasurila:

Prices for ski passes in Puyo need to find out on the spot at the beginning of the season. They do not have a website and information is posted at the checkout only during the season. But the fact is that they are very cheap.

Tracks

Ski slopes

Takho

On takho ski resort 24 slopes work. All of them are wide, smooth and are divided according to the levels of skiing: for beginners - green, for advanced - blue, for confident - red and for extreme - black. The resort also has a snowpark with street, pipe - a great place for snowboarders!

Here is the route diagram.

Rent a Car- also aggregation of prices from all distributors, all in one place, let's go!

Have something to add?

Kuopio is the capital of the North Savo province in Finland. The main attraction of the city is the stone Tuomlokirkko Cathedral, built in 1815. Also in Kopio is the main Orthodox cathedral in Finland - the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.

Copio has 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 used to be the dwelling of a priest. Before that, the building was a cowshed. In the museum you can look at the exhibits of cultural and historical heritage, including those created by hand. There are also exhibits of cattle breeding, fishing, wartime school items.

The main purpose of the museum is to demonstrate the prehistory, history, life and culture of the city of Kuopio and Northern Savo. The museum was founded in 1884.

Regional Museum in Kuopio

The local history museum in Kuopio focuses on the nature of Northwestern Europe. But the collections are dominated by exhibits from eastern Finland. The collection of the Kuopio Local History Museum was created 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 samples of plants, minerals, insects, birds, and eggs. When the building for the museum was ready, in 1907, the Kuopio Naturalist Society began to collect materials for the collection and organized the first exhibition.

Collection of exhibits continued until 1960. By this time, the museum's collection already included about 1,500 vertebrates, 22,000 insects and eggs of 300 different bird species.

What sights of Kuopio did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

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 big islands, and the water basin stretches from the northwest to the 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 virgin and untouched, due to the fact that there are few cottages and other buildings. Lake Keitele is notable for its excellent water quality.

The navigable canal, built twenty years ago and connecting Lake Keitele with another lake - Päijänne, provided great opportunities for lovers of water tourism. Since then, cruises on the lakes and the canal have been held to introduce those who wish to the amazing and beautiful country of Finland. The lake is freed from ice already in April, and then the golden time for tourists begins. Although, this does not beg the merits of the lake in winter. In winter, there are also plenty of opportunities for a wonderful pastime - for active winter holiday And winter views sports, as well as for a fun holiday with the whole company or family.

Children's toy farm is amusement park attractions in the city of Kuopio, in 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, you can get riding lessons in the estate. There is also a toy store at the estate, where there are the most different types toys, which means that everyone can find something for themselves. Children can also play different kinds games.

At Christmas time, as expected, miracles come to life here. Santa Claus himself (though Finnish) arrives on a sleigh, and together with his faithful helpers - gnomes, pleases and amuses children. Gnomes entertain the kids and arrange contests, and Santa Claus listens to the wishes of the kids and gives them gifts. Parents can safely leave their children in such safe hands and find entertainment for themselves, especially since there are plenty of them in the Rauhalahti complex too.

A visit to the children's toy farm in Kuopio will leave children with the most positive memories of themselves, as well as a desire to visit it again.

Cathedral of Kuopio

The Cathedral in Kuopio is beautiful architectural monument XIX century, and part-time - the main cult attraction of the Finnish city of Kuopio. The Cathedral is located in a very picturesque area, attracting a huge number of 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 Pehr Palmrut. The cathedral is a prime example of this architectural style like neoclassicism.

Currently, the Cathedral in Kuopio belongs to the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church and is listed as a functioning 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

Port of Kuopio is a major lake port that connects 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 marinas, a 600m quay and a large terminal. with total area 5450 square meters. In the midst tourist season in the port you can see the most unusual lake vessels that 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 of key importance for the region's industries. The port has the most modern loading equipment that allows you to work with timber, bulk cargo and containers.

Kuopio railway station

Kuopio railway station is one of the central transport hubs in the Finnish city of Kuopio, serving tens of thousands of passengers every day.

Kuopio Railway Station is located less than a kilometer from the city center in a beautiful two-storey building with light colours. There is a bus station next to it, and a car rental service is located 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 country's capital and surrounding cities.

Kuopio railway 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 schedule of transportation 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 in addition, it is popular among hikers.

Snellman Park is located in the heart of the city, close to the city museum and Cathedral. This place got its name in honor of Johan Wilhelm Snellman, an outstanding Finnish public figure of 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.

If you love outdoor recreation, surrounded by forests and beautiful clean lake, then you should definitely go to Finland, and more precisely to its ninth largest city, Kuopio, founded in 1652. It is the center of the region called Northern Savonia. A little less than 100 thousand people live here. Currently a large number of tourists and residents of Finland are sent to rest in this cozy city, the territory of which is half occupied by picturesque forests, and it is located on Lake Kallavesi. Kuopio is also a popular winter tourism destination for skiing and skating fans. Therefore, the city will offer a different holiday.

The most famous landmark of the city is the 75-meter-high Puijo Tower, located on the mountain of the same name in Finland's oldest protected area. Its construction was completed in 1963. On the first floor of the tower there is a cozy cafe, on the second - a restaurant rotating in a circle, and on the third - Observation deck. You will get a lot of pleasure from contemplating the blue lakes and green dense forests that stretch out before you. The spectacle, indeed, is impressive. In winter, when a lot of fluffy snow falls here, Mount Puyo and the entire reserve transform into a first-class ski resort with wide trails between tree trunks. deserves special attention.

Of the cultural places that are also worth your attention, you can highlight the Museum Orthodox Church. Its history began in 1911 in Valaam. Only in the 5th years of the 20th century the museum with all its relics was moved to Kuopio. It contains many cultural and religious values: ancient icons, samples of special ceremonial fabrics, as well as priceless items from Valaam and Karelia. Read about on our website.

If you come to rest with children, then the best place for their entertainment will be the Toy House, located in wellness center Rauhalahti. In addition to playing with chic toys, children can also become spectators of an interesting children's theater performance and learn to ride a pony or clown. And on Christmas Day, the real Santa Claus comes here.

In addition, tourists often visit the house-museum of the famous Finnish writer Minna Kant and the house of photography, where exhibitions of contemporary photographers are held.

Hotel prices and shopping

There are 16 hotels in Kuopio, all of them with a service level of 3 or 4 stars. The atmosphere there is very pleasant, always cozy, clean and bright. The staff is unobtrusive, but happy to serve you at any moment. Among the 4-star hotels, Rauhalahti can be distinguished Spa Hotel(located on the shores of Lake Kalavesi and has the popular Rauhalahti Spa division), Hotel Atlas Kuopio (in the city center) and Best Western Hotel Savonia, having positive reviews from tourists. Prices for a double room range from US$150 to US$200 per night. In three-star hotels with excellent service, Scandic Kuopio (located on the waterfront), Original Sokos Hotel and Cumulus Kuopio Hotel (in the city center), prices for a double room are approximately at the same level of US$150-170 per night.

If you want to buy something unusual with a national Finnish flavor, then go to Kalakukkoleipomo Hanna Partanen, where guests of Kuopio can buy very tasty and hearty Finnish pies stuffed with fish. They are called kalakukko and are prepared by chefs according to old Finnish recipes. The traditions of making this pie are carefully preserved and passed on to posterity. Of course, you need to buy gifts and souvenirs for family and friends. For this purpose, it is worth going to Hallin käsityökammari or the popular Pikku-Pietari street. Items needed for a Finnish sauna are sold in mall cities. In addition, if you find yourself in the Kuopio Quarter museum, you can buy something from shoes and national clothes Finns, and in a local cafe they will treat you to delicate pastries.

Winter paradise in Kuopio

Most of all, this fabulous city attracts with its winter landscapes and of course the ski slopes that run through the entire city and the reserve on Mount Puyo. Before you go on the track, be sure to consult with the guides regarding the lighting of the tracks, as in winter it gets dark here by lunchtime. But, fortunately, most of the paths are brightly lit by spotlights. Almost all trails start from the mountain and have a gradation according to the complexity of the slopes. There are also "black slopes" with steep slopes for professionals, as well as more gentle "blue" ones - for beginners and inexperienced skiers. The resort is constantly staffed by trainers who will help you get on the skis and learn how to manage them. All equipment can be rented.

Cuisine and restaurants in Kuopio

In this city, there are both expensive restaurants offering gourmet dishes and wines, as well as budget ones. Among the high-class restaurants that have earned excellent reviews from tourists, Musta Lammas and Ravintola OS can be distinguished, offering dishes of European, Scandinavian and French cuisines. For a full meal in these establishments, you will have to pay an average of 50 - 100 dollars per person.

Try Finnish fish dishes in a pleasant atmosphere at Sampo Restaurant. In addition, in Kuopio you will find inexpensive restaurants and cafes where you will be treated to Italian, Mediterranean and Chinese cuisine. Dine in them will cost you about 10-20 US dollars.

You can taste aromatic wines made from berries according to northern traditions by going to the island of Vaayasalo. After the tasting, you will be offered to buy your favorite species in the wine cellar.

Ways to get there

The most comfortable way to get to Kuopio is to fly there from the capital of Finland - Helsinki by plane.

This flight will take you 50 minutes. Every day 5-8 aircraft arrive from the capital to Kuopio, including from Riga. You can get from the airport to the city by taking a bus (cost 14 euros) or a taxi (about 18-20 euros). In addition to the airport, the city has a large Train Station. Trains from Helsinki arrive at the station 6-9 times a day. By the way, high speed trains The Pendolinos are very modern and well equipped and are a pleasure to travel with. The time that will have to be spent on the move is four hours and 50 minutes according to the schedule.

If you are driving to own car, then the fastest way to get there is on the fifth highway, which connects the capital of Helsinki with fabulous Lapland.
From Moscow and St. Petersburg there is a permanent railway connection. To get to Kuolio from Moscow, take the Leo Tolstoy train, and from St. Petersburg you can get by the same train or Allegro, which will take you to the Kouvola station. On it you should transfer to the local train, which will bring you to the appointed place - the station of the city of Kuolio.

Since 2011, a bus connection has been established between Peter and Kuolio. The bus departs from the bus station number 2 on Mondays and Saturdays. The travel time to the destination is about 10 hours.