Kuopio

Experience the lively heart of Kuopio at the historic Market Hall, surrounded by Finland's biggest market square. This cherished landmark reveals the soul of Savo culture, where locals gather to share stories over coffee (torikahvit) and trade the region's finest foods in the summer. Explore stalls brimming with traditional delicacies, meet welcoming vendors, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of Kuopio's most beloved meeting place. In December, the square comes alive with a charming Christmas market.

Kuopio’s reputation as a picture-perfect lake and island city is best understood from the panoramic café or restaurant at the top of Puijo Tower in the heart of the city on top of the Puijo hill. Surrounding the tower lies a protected old-growth forest, offering dozens of kilometres of nature trails and longer routes for walking and jogging. Enjoy your picnic at your own pace at the forest shelters, or stop by the atmospheric Elämystila Konttila café for local treats. For something more playful, head out for a round of disc golf, take a ride on the chairlift, or discover Finnish wildlife on an engaging AR nature walk.

No visit to Kuopio is complete without tasting the flavours that define Savo cuisine. Start with kalakukko, the region's most iconic dish – a hearty rye bread typically filled with fish and pork, baked for hours until the crust turns dark and tender. You'll find authentic kalakukko at the Market Hall and Square, where local vendors like Hanna Partanen and Irene Partanen sell them warm, ready to slice and enjoy with heaps of butter. Sample small, fresh vendace (muikut) from Kallavesi's pure waters, lightly fried to golden perfection or smoked at the market square. When it's time for dessert, try mustikkakukko, the sweet version of kalakukko filled with Finnish bilberries.

When it comes to restaurants in Kuopio, head to the iconic local establishments like Musta Lammas or Sampo, known for its mouth-watering vendace dishes. For more info on dining in Kuopio, Hellokuopio.fi is your go-to guide.

Kuopio has a rich cultural heritage. The city was the home of Minna Canth, Finland's first significant female writer and a pioneering voice for women's rights and social justice in the late 19th century. Today, Kuopio's cultural life thrives with the Kuopio Art Museum KUMMA showcasing Finnish and international contemporary art, the annual Kuopio Dance Festival, one of the world's leading contemporary dance events that draws artists and audiences from across the globe each summer, as well as the vibrant Kuopio Wine Festival taking place annually right after midsummer. The beautifully renovated Kuopio Museum, set in an elegant Jugend-style building near the market square, offers fascinating insights into North Savo's cultural history and natural heritage through both permanent and rotating exhibitions.

After a day of exploring Kuopio's culture, lakes and flavours, there's no better way to unwind than the Finnish way – in a traditional sauna. The Kuopio-Tahko region offers authentic sauna experiences that capture the heart of Finnish culture.

Visit Jätkänkämppä, a beloved public smoke sauna on the shores of Lake Kallavesi, where you can experience the gentle heat of a traditional savusauna before cooling off with a dip in the lake. Try Saana, a modern lakeside sauna with stunning views, or Luoto, another excellent option for a refreshing sauna experience by the water. In Tahko, Tahko Rooftop Spa offers sauna facilities with views of the surrounding nature, perfect after a day on the slopes or trails. For all saunas in the region, go to Hellokuopio.fi.