Post code: SF-70100
Telephone code: 17
Kuopio is beautifully situated on a peninsula projecting into the Kallavesi, with Puijo Hill rising above the town to the north. It is the economic and cultural center of the province of Kuopio, the see of a Lutheran bishop and of the Orthodox Archbishop of Finland, and has a university
, founded in 1972. Kuopio is the focal point of both boat and land traffic in the flat but richly diversified region of Savo with its intermingling of woodland and water. It is linked with the Gulf of Finland by Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal.
History
Kuopio received its municipal charter from Per Brahe in 1654. After losing its municipal rights for a period it was granted a new charter by Gustavus III in 1782. During the 1808-09 war the town surrendered to the Russians without a fight, but was later recaptured in a surprise attack by a Finnish force led by Colonel Sandels.
Kuopio is also noted for the many events and the busy cultural life. The Kuopio Dance Festival in June is one of the major events.
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