Kainuu

Visit Sotkamo for the Vuokatti tourist centre and Hiidenportti National Park.

Kajanni, Kainuu’s main city, conjures up the past with memories of famous Finns such as Elias Lönnrot, Eino Leino and Urho Kekkonen. Its wonderful forests beckon visitors to its nearby national parks.

The series of forested hills (or ‘vaara’ in Finnish) in Vuokatti, is a winter’s paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. In summer, you can climb Naapurinvaara, or hike in the Hiidenportti National Park.

Located near the Russian border, Suomussalmi hosts Finland’s most impressive rock paintings, and is the former home of author Ilmari Kianto.

Surrounded by coniferous forests and waterways, Kuhmo is an easy-going country village and an international centre of culture where over 200 events are held annually.