If you love sports, then you’ve come to the right city! Apart from football which is an important part of the locals’ daily life, it has ski slopes, ski resorts, water sports due to the lakes and hiking exploring nature. The verdant beauty of the local environment and the endless blue of Lake Kallavesi will enchant you. It is a modern city with a high index of technology, gastronomy and entertainment.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +358
Nearest airports from city center: Kuopio Airport (17km), Joensuu Airport (132km), Savonlinna Airport (174km), Oulu Airport (282km), Tampere Airport (309km), Helsinki Airport (386km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** PUIJO TOWER (Puijontie 135, 70300 Kuopio)
Ski lovers will know it at first sight! The Nordic Skiing World Cup and top events of the competition are hosted there. It is considered one of the most famous places in the country and a trademark of Kuopio.
*** MUSEUM OF KUOPIO (Museokatu 1, 70100 Kuopio)
The impressive Art Nouveau castle houses the three-story museum that has cultural history and natural science exhibits. See the History of Northern Savo since the Stone Age, exhibits on the History of nature in Eastern Finland and exhibitions on folklore myths and beliefs.
*** KUOPIO ART MUSEUM (Kauppakatu 35, 70100 Kuopio)
Enjoy works of art (paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc.), mainly relating to Finnish art from the late 19th century to the present day.
*** OLD KUOPIO MUSEUM (Kirkkokatu 22, 70100 Kuopio)
The block of eleven old wooden houses depicts the living conditions and lifestyle of various families from 1800 to 1930.
*** J. V. SNELLMAN HOME MUSEUM (Snellmaninkatu 19, 70100 Kuopio)
This is the home of one of Finland’s greatest philosophers and statesmen, J. V. Snellman (1806-81) and all the objects and furniture you will see belonged to his family.
*** SNELLMAN PARK (Kauppakatu 25, 70100 Kuopio)
It is the oldest park in the city and is a landmark for locals and tourists alike.
*** KUOPIO MARKET (Kauppakatu 45, 70110 Kuopio)
It is one of the most famous sights in Finland. The stalls with fresh farm produce and the traditional Savonian fish pies ‘kalakukko’, the huge variety of handicrafts and the market full of cafes and restaurants will fascinate you.
*** NIIRALA ROHDODENDRON PARK
It is one of the nicest parks in the city and worth a visit to relax.
*** VB PHOTOGRAPHIC CENTER (Kuninkaankatu 14-16, 70100 Kuopio)
If you are a photography lover then you have come to the right place. It is the country’s first photography center and is housed in the old wooden house of the well-known photographer Victor Barsokevitschin (1863-1933).
*** SAINT NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL (Sepänkatu 7, 70100 Kuopio)
It was built in 1903 in neo-Russian architecture, including western architectural features. The building material is baked red brick and the upper part of the interior is clad in wood. See the bell tower with its seven bells of different sizes.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Kuopio Cathedral is worth a visit.
*** About 50 minutes drive is Korleakoski Waterfall in a magical landscape.
*** Of particular interest is the Kuopio Automobile Museum. If you have time, visit it.
*** RIISA- Orthodox Church Museum of Finland is a museum that we would also recommend you put on your agenda when you come to Kuopio.
FOOD AND DRINK
Kuopio is a fantastic city for foodies. Fresh meat, fresh fish, farm products, cheeses, spices will seduce you. Locals are proud of the local delicacy which is a Finnish fish pie called Kalakukko. Other local foods are also Karjalanpaisti, Karjalanpiirakka and Mykyrokka soup. Also try Sultsina for a snack. Of course you can eat other foods that give the character of Finland. Of course you can eat other foods that give the character of Finland. Order Kaalikääryleet (Cabbage Rolls), Poronkäristys, Karjalanpiirakka and Mustikkapiirakka pies among others, while don’t forget to eat Lohikeitto which is salmon soup. We would also recommend that you give arctic forest berries a try. Accompany your food with beer or wine. Their traditional sweets or desserts are Kainuun rönttönen and Lörtsy.
WHERE TO STAY
Kuopio offers many hotels and apartments for your stay in the city center and a distance of 10km from the center.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Matkus Shopping Center is one of the best in the country for your shopping.
*** If you like music or shows, then check out the Kuopio Music Center for a show.
*** HopLop is a great place to spend good times with your kids.
*** Apaja Shopping Center, The shopping center Minna and Kauppakeskus H-Talo are three great options for your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike or by bus.
CITIES NEAR KUOPIO
Major cities close to Kuopio are Joensuu (111km), Savonlinna (160km), Oulu (285km), Tampere (293km), Helsinki (392km), Espoo (402km), Saint Petersburg (436km).
