Iisalmi Attractions

The industrial town of Iisalmi (pop. 24,000) is on the northern shore of Porovesi. This was the birthplace of the poet Juhani Aho (1861-1821), who founded the Realist school of literature in Finland at a time when the country was in the throes of industrialization. To the north of the town is the old wooden parish church of Iisalmi.

The town hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year including a day to sell items that are no longer needed, there is everything from sewing needles to restored cars or tractors.