Beyond the Horizon Kuopio is surrounded by Kallavesi, one of the largest lakes in Finland. No matter from which direction you approach the city, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. You only get one chance to make that ever-important first impression, and in this sense, Kuopio has a great natural advantage. You cannot help but arrive in a positive state of mind.
TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO P H OTO S W I L L E M A R K K A N E N A N D T I I N A H A R I N G
Kuopio is a city by the lake, but that is only the start of it. When you board a ship at any of the various piers by Lake Kallavesi, the voyage can literally take you all the way to the other side of the world. While the distance of the voyage knows no limits, neither does the range of opportunities there is to enjoy in and on the waters in Kuopio. The city is known for its boat manufacturing business that goes all the way back to the year 1970. While the large lake and beautiful landscapes have inspired fishers and water skiers alike, boating has become an integral element of quality time in Kuopio.
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KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE
OUT OF THE BOAT, INTO THE CITY It might come as a surprise to visitors that there is a new breakwater and a guest pier right next to the city centre; only a few minutes’ walk from the pier and you find yourself in a buzzing downtown area with hotels, restaurants, cafés and shopping facilities conveniently close by. If walking is not your thing, you can opt for a city bike or a hop-on hop-off bus. In addition to the heart of the city centre, the coastline also provides plenty of wonderful sceneries and great spots to have a picnic or simply take a look around and enjoy the views.
