Kuusamo Attractions
Post code: SF-93600
Telephone code: 8
Kuusamo lies on a plateau at the northwest end of the Kuusamojärvi, a lake from which a number of rivers flow in different directions - eastward into the Gulf of Dvina on the White Sea, westward into the Gulf of Bothnia. The extensive area included within the commune of Kuusamo, with its lakes and rivers, attracts many visitors in both summer and winter - in summer it draws anglers and walkers, and in winter it offers excellent skiing (ski-jump, a ski-lift and good pistes and cross-country trails on Rukatunturi).
As early as the 15th century Kuusamo was an important meeting place of the two cultures of Sweden from the west and Russia from the east.
A quarter of the population live by agriculture and forestry, including reindeer-herding and the breeding of animals for their fur. The local industries are mostly small-scale (manufacture of timber products and angling equipment, fish-processing). Only about half the population of the commune live in the town of Kuusamo, which is fairly loosely built-up.
Telephone code: 8
Kuusamo lies on a plateau at the northwest end of the Kuusamojärvi, a lake from which a number of rivers flow in different directions - eastward into the Gulf of Dvina on the White Sea, westward into the Gulf of Bothnia. The extensive area included within the commune of Kuusamo, with its lakes and rivers, attracts many visitors in both summer and winter - in summer it draws anglers and walkers, and in winter it offers excellent skiing (ski-jump, a ski-lift and good pistes and cross-country trails on Rukatunturi).
As early as the 15th century Kuusamo was an important meeting place of the two cultures of Sweden from the west and Russia from the east.
A quarter of the population live by agriculture and forestry, including reindeer-herding and the breeding of animals for their fur. The local industries are mostly small-scale (manufacture of timber products and angling equipment, fish-processing). Only about half the population of the commune live in the town of Kuusamo, which is fairly loosely built-up.
International Clown Meeting
The event brings clowns from around the world to the Finnish country-side. Children can have fun and learn about nature in this week-long event which takes place in mid-July.
The festival also includes a "parent and child camp," seminars, concerts and other cultural events.
The festival also includes a "parent and child camp," seminars, concerts and other cultural events.
Read MoreKuusamo Surroundings
Bear Trail
At the Oulanka National Park Rapids the road cuts across the Bear Trail (Karhunkierros), a waymarked footpath some 70km/45mi long, with shelter huts, which ends at Rukatunturi. Experienced walkers can begin the walk there; others should start from the Suorajärvi bus stop on Road 950, from which the going is easier. Since the trail is never too far from human settlement it is possible to take a break at any time.
Juurna
From Rukatunturi take Road 5 for 10km/6mi and then turn right into Road 950, which in 5km/3mi after passing a side road to Säkkilänvaara, reaches Juurna, with the Jyrävä rapids (good fishing).
Oulanka National Park - Rapids
From Juurna drive to Road 950, which comes in 9km/5.5mi to the village of Käylä; then turn right into the road to Liikasenvaara. 15km/9mi along this road are the Oulanka National Park information center and the Kiutaköngäs rapids on the Oulanjoki, which here flows between sheer rock walls with a fall of 14m/45ft over a distance of 600m/660yd.
Oulanka National Park is a notable hiking destination and exceptional landscape consisting of pine forests, river valleys and rapids.
Oulanka National Park is a notable hiking destination and exceptional landscape consisting of pine forests, river valleys and rapids.
Rukatunturi
For an attractive excursion in the country around Kuusamo, leave on Road 5 (E 63), which runs 25km/15mi north to the hill of Rukatunturi (462m/1516ft), which has 25 pistes and 18 lifts for skiers. The chair-lift also operates in summer, offering visitors panoramic views. The longest bobsleigh run in Finland returns to the starting-point of the lift.
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