15 Best Things to do in Kuhmo, Finland

Kuhmo is one of the most unique travel destinations in eastern Finland. Located in the beautiful region of Kainuu near the Russian border, Kuhmo is famous for its untouched wilderness, thousands of lakes, and authentic Finnish culture.

Whether you visit in winter or summer, Kuhmo offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, photographers and travellers looking for peaceful northern landscapes.

Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Kuhmo.

1. Experience Finnish Sauna by the Lake

No visit to Finland is complete without a traditional sauna experience.

At Hotelli Kalevala you can enjoy a relaxing lakeside sauna surrounded by peaceful nature. After the sauna, many visitors cool off with a refreshing swim in the lake or even try ice swimming during winter.

This authentic Finnish experience is one of the highlights of staying in Kuhmo.

2. Go Bear Watching in the Wild

Kuhmo is internationally known as one of the best places in Europe to see wild brown bears.

Guided bear-watching excursions take visitors deep into the forests where photographers and nature lovers can safely observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Summer is the best season for bear watching.

3. Explore the Arctic Lakeland Nature

Kuhmo is part of the region known as Arctic Lakeland, famous for its lakes, forests and wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy:

· hiking
· canoeing
· wildlife photography
· bird watching

The peaceful wilderness is one of the biggest reasons travellers visit this part of Finland.

4. Visit the Juminkeko – Culture center

Kuhmo is strongly connected to the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. Juminkeko is one of the biggest national centres dedicated to the Kalevala. It aims at preserving, treasuring and spreading the cultural heritage related to the Finnish national epic.

The Kalevala spirit can be experienced through local culture, events and exhibitions that celebrate Finnish folklore and mythology.

5. Attend the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival

Every summer Kuhmo hosts the internationally known Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival.

Musicians and visitors from around the world come to enjoy high-quality chamber music concerts in a unique natural setting.

6. Try Snowmobile Safaris in Winter

During winter the forests and frozen lakes around Kuhmo become perfect terrain for snowmobile adventures.

Guided safaris take visitors across snowy landscapes and through quiet northern forests.

7. See the Northern Lights

From late autumn to early spring visitors may be lucky enough to see the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Because Kuhmo has very little light pollution, it is an excellent place for aurora viewing. Did you know, that statistically best chance to see Auroras in Finland is September/October and February/March?

8. Go canoeing on the Lakes

Kuhmo is surrounded by beautiful lakes and waterways that are ideal for canoeing and kayaking.

Paddling through calm waters surrounded by forests is one of the most peaceful experiences in Finland.

9. Discover Local Wildlife

The forests of Kainuu are home to many wild animals such as:

· moose
· wolves
· lynx
· brown bears

In Kuhmo area you can also find wild deer, which is a wild relative of the reindeer. Guided wildlife tours give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the region’s nature.

10. Enjoy Cross-Country Skiing

Finland is famous for cross-country skiing, and Kuhmo offers excellent trails through forests and frozen landscapes.

This is one of the most popular winter activities for visitors.

11. Experience Midnight Sun in Summer

In summer the sun barely sets in northern Finland. The long bright nights create a magical atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities.

12. Taste Local Finnish Cuisine

Kainuu cuisine includes traditional dishes such as:

· fish from local lakes
· wild berries
· mushrooms
· game meat
· traditional pies – for example karelian pie and local “rönttönen”, Consisting of rye dough (or barley-rye) and a sweet potato-lingonberry filling, Rönttönen is a sweet-savory, round treat that is often enjoyed with coffee.

Local restaurants offer authentic Finnish flavours made from fresh regional ingredients.

13. Go Hiking in the Forests

The forests surrounding Kuhmo offer endless opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.

Visitors often enjoy peaceful walks while listening to birds and experiencing the silence of the wilderness.

14. Visit Local Museums

Kuhmo has several small museums and cultural sites that tell the story of the region’s history, traditions and folklore. The Kuhmo Winter War Museum allows you to learn about the military history of the area and the historical events related to it. In the center of Kuhmo, there is the Tuupala Museum, which displays life in the past.