Things to do and see in Kuopio – 10 tips for travellers
An Oasis of Solace and Joy, away from the hustle and bustle of Modern Life
Talent First – collaboration across borders
“In Kuopio we want to believe the best of others.”
Editor-in-chief Kirsi Soininen
Executive editor Annika Parkkonen
Visual Designer
Jenni Loimulahti, Ahooy Creative Oy
English editing
ELSA kielipalvelut, Satu Heikkinen
Journal texts
Akiola Media Oy, Ahooy Creative Oy, KMG Turku, Maarit Mäkinen Patrick Halford, Tiia Hakolampi, Annika Parkkonen
Cover Sunset at Tahko, Photographer Wille Markkanen
Special thanks to: Reetta Airaksinen, Satu Hilden, Anne Vänttinen, Raija Korhonen, Henna Lindroos, Mirja Kolehmainen
Printed by Grano
Editorial office
City of Kuopio / Marketing and Communication Tulliportinkatu 31, P.O. Box 228, FI-70100 Kuopio
Feedback editor@kuopio.fi
www.kuopio.fi
www.kuopiotahko.fi
The city of Kuopio will be turning 250 years old in 2025. The anniversary year will kick off on 17 November 2024. Kuopio offers a setting for living your kind of life. A place of good living, laughter and feeling good, communal everyday life tinged with humour, caring and happy residents. Active people who get things done, but still have time to notice their fellow human beings. Children and young people will be an important target group during the anniversary year.
In Kuopio, we talk about the socalled “thriving index”, which measures the wellbeing, growth, activities and image, even the joy of individuals and the environment. Thriving involves a sense of endurance, and also a kind of expansion; its sparkly and bubbly in some way. Thriving means benevolence, working for the common good and a shared, communal reality. The desire to cherish, build and love. Thriving is more than just wellbeing. It means that we can all grow, learn and develop together. Our vision focuses on individuals and their wellbeing in all areas of life. Kuopio strives to be a place where dreams and goals have
room to soar, and where everyone feels like part of a big family, connecting across generations.
Kuopio has aspired to be the capital of good life for all the people living here while also setting an example for the rest of the world. Kuopio is also a pioneer in wellbeing and health competence, a leading city in safety and security of supply. For us residents, contentment is a matter of the heart. There are plans to establish a national competence centre for comprehensive security in Kuopio, which would focus on regional and local preparedness and enhancing security. The centre would improve the cooperation, management and communication of national and regional actors.
The 250th anniversary year of Kuopio will give us a chance to build a new and better tomorrow together, create new ways of thinking and new ways of doing things together. Please join us in planning the 250th anniversary year of Kuopio, the thriving city!
Kirsi Soininen Marketing Director City of Kuopio04 Experience nature your own way
07 Suvasvesi – a lake formed by two craters
08 Things to do and see in Kuopio – 10 tips for travellers
14 TikToks versus hillocks – what does nature mean for the younger generation?
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Talent First –collaboration across borders
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There is no one right way to enjoy nature and its rejuvenating effects. Whereas one person might roam the untamed wilderness for a week, another may admire their favourite view through a window. After all, studies show that simply looking at pictures of nature can calm you down, increase alertness and help build mental vitality.
TEXT PAULIINA AHONEN PHOTOS KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI, TOPIAS TÖLLI AND JUUSO HOLSTEIN
Of all the cities in Europe, Kuopio has the sixth cleanest air to breathe. A breath of fresh air is just a step outside your door. But you do not need to go far to get to nature – the door of every home in Kuopio is no more than 500 metres from nature.
People in Kuopio love outdoor activities, and there is an impressive range of activities and sports to choose from. We are especially proud of our versatile hiking trails. The nearest hiking trail you can find in pristine nature runs through the primeval forests of Puijo, quite literally in the middle of the city. There are dozens of other trails in and near the city and, depending on the season, hikers can not only enjoy the scenery, but also the movements of migratory birds, the bounty of the forest and the calming effects of nature.
Resort near the city centre and Panorama Landscape Hotel at the tourism centre of Tahko. Nature values can be seen at both hotels, not only in their stunning location and excellent services, but also in their sustainable construction methods, material choices and energy solutions that utilize geothermal heat or solar energy.
“Of all the cities in Europe, Kuopio has the sixth cleanest air to breathe.”
“Our lakeside suites at the water’s edge offer picturesque urban lake views, and they are complemented by the restaurant, spa, sports and culture services of Bellanranta,” says Resort Manager Sanni Kemiläinen from Bella Lake Resort.
Bella Lake Resort allows travellers to immerse themselves in a unique synthesis of a city break and a nature holiday. The lakeside experience is all about enjoying the peace of nature and the rejuvenating effects of water.
Last year, two hotels offering special nature experiences were opened in Kuopio: Bella Lake
“Our guests can enjoy nature on their private terrace through all seasons of the year. We offer highquality, personal service in a beautiful environment full of emotional experiences,” says Kemiläinen.
Panorama Landscape Hotel allows you to rest your eyes and calm your mind as your gaze at the horizon on top of Tahko Mountain. The unique scenic suites are nestled on a steep slope, enhancing the untamed beauty of the landscape.
The peaceful silence of the location is the ultimate luxury. Guests can fully embrace this tranquillity, as they may choose to spend their entire visit without any interactions. In addition to accommodation, meals and visits to the spa can be arranged privately.
“Our specialty is our forest spa, which is an outdoor spa with saunas and pools for relaxation. This is very much a unique concept in Finland and has been inspired by Japanese onsen, or hot spring baths,” says Harri Jokela, entrepreneur and managing director of Panorama Landscape Hotel.
Unlike Japan, there are no natural hot springs available in Tahko. The solution is still fairly close to the original idea, because one of the five pools at the hotel is a cold spring water pool and the other four are heated pools.
“We use natural water that is heated sustainably using geothermal heat,” Jokela explains.
There are many ways to enjoy nature. Have you tried these?
• Mountain biking
• Lake cruises
• Ice swimming
• Forest bathing
• Wild herb walks
• Disc golf
• Stand up paddleboarding (SUP)
• Panorama chairlift
• Skating on a frozen lake
• Campfire coffee at a lean-to shelter
A respect for nature and gratefulness for the opportunity to work in nature can be seen in the daytoday work of both hotels. The changing seasons and weather add their own flavour to the working days. No two days are the same, and you never get tired of the living workplace around you.
There are a couple hundred known impact craters around the world that have been caused by meteorites. Twelve of them are located in Finland, and finding two together is quite a rare coincidence.TEXT PAULIINA AHONEN PHOTO ANNIKA PARKKONEN
If you take a boat on Lake Kallavesi and travel southeast from the centre of Kuopio for about an hour, you will come to a lake with an unusual origin. The lake was formed over 700 million years ago when a meteorite hit the Earth. It became a rare formation about 600 million years later when a new crater was formed to the north of the first crater in a second meteorite crash. Today, these two differentaged, adjacent craters form the third deepest lake in Finland, Lake Suvasvesi.
The clear water, rock formations that extend far below the surface,
the labyrinth of islands and inlets, two impressively large lake bodies and the lush forests surrounding the lake will make anyone travelling in
“The lake was formed over 700 million years ago when a meteorite hit the Earth.”
the landscape of Suvasvesi sigh with admiration. Most of the shores and small islands are unbuilt and belong to the Suvasvesi Shoreline Protection
Programme. So, anyone travelling in these waters can truly enjoy the peace of nature at its finest.
There is also plenty of wildlife in the area, and you can find large communities of birds on the shores during nesting season. One of the most fascinating sights in the area is Paimensaari, an island with an old archipelago farm that was once home to the inventive siblings of the Hiltunen family in the 20th century. The yard of the traditional environment shows what it was like to live selfsufficiently, and the farm is now open to the public yearround.
PHOTOS KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI, WILLE MARKKANEN AND VICENTE SERRA
The most beloved landmark in Kuopio, Puijo, is well worth a visit throughout the year. Puijo hill, the beautiful primeval forest rising on its slopes and Puijo Tower standing at the top are located literally in the middle of
the city. In addition to the tower, Puijo is known for its ski jumping hills, yearround sports and exercise opportunities and nowadays also for its fun, seasonal, themed trails that have become hugely popular.
Kuopio is a port city surrounded by one of the largest archipelagos that is located inland. Visitors arriving in the city centre by water are welcomed by the guest boat harbour of Maljalahti; the exciting events and atmosphere of the passenger harbour; Luoto, a venue offering memorable experiences; the playground and sports park of Hapelähde and the atmospheric restaurants of the harbour.
When the lakes freeze over, the boats and ships in the harbour come to a stop, but only to give room for wintery experiences. An iceskating track created on the frozen lake, a winter café, leanto shelters on nearby islands and the winter events in the harbour are traditions that attract people from near and far.
“This year, we will be creating at least a Halloween trail, a Christmas trail, a surprise trail and, as a new addition, a friendship trail during Valentine’s week,” says CEO of Puijo Peak Pekka Niemelä
“Summer is the busiest season for Puijo. In summer, people from more than 60 countries come to admire the stunning lake and urban views from the tower. Popular yearround activities include hiking and moments spent at the new, grand leanto shelter of YläAntikkala. In winter, tourists and holidaymakers enjoy snow tubing and the chair lift, which is a great way to get to the top of Puijo. The atmosphere is quite special in the winters when the trees receive a magical crown snowload,” Niemelä adds.
In addition to fun activities and impressive views, you might also want to experience the delicious lunch served at Puijo Lodge and the highquality local food of the Tower Restaurant, served in the best scenic spot of the city.
People in Kuopio have mastered the art of taking it easy. This was also true back in the 1770s when a small error was made in the calculations for the grid plan made for the city. As a result, the plan, which was meant to be aligned with the cardinal points, ended up being slightly tilted. Fortunately, this mistake did not delay the formation of the city’s distinctive “rännikatu” streets, which added a special element to the street grid. These charming, narrow streets that are offlimits to cars radiate history and make all the hustle and bustle disappear.
Itkonniemi is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Some of the major figures in local industry enjoyed life there in their fancy villas in the late 19th century, and the working class lived there slightly later in their smaller wooden houses. Today, the district is home to idyllic streets lined by wooden houses and beautiful nature. A lovely nature trail runs along the shore of the headland, and hikers can spot charming stone statues along the way. Right at the tip of the headland, in its narrowest point, there is a breakwater and a scenic spot overlooking lake views towards the centre of Kuopio.
From the “rännikatu” streets, you can conveniently pop down to Vänäri, to the shores of Kallavesi to enjoy views of the lake. Vänäri, or officially Väinölänniemi, is the bestknown beach in Kuopio and a popular place to enjoy hobbies and pass the time. At the tip of the headland, you can find the rocky shores of Peräniemi and one of the three gazebos build in Vänäri in the late 19th century.
There are many good reasons why a person might wander into the depths of the forest in Kuopio. One of them is the new observation tower that stands on Vanuvuori Hill in Hiltulanlahti. Consisting of three peaks, the Vanuvuori Nature Reserve is a great place to go hiking. There is a circular route about 5 km long that winds around the area, allowing you to admire the biodiversity of the Savonian forest. The distance from the parking area to the peak of UkkoVanu, rising 200 metres above sea level, and its 20metre observation tower, is 2.7 kilometres.
Your heart starts racing and you can feel the excitement build up inside you as you gaze at the end of the zipline far in the distance, on the other side of the lake, 140 metres below you. You are about to glide for almost a kilometre from the top of the slopes to the centre of Tahko. The new Tahko Zipline is the longest one in Finland and, thanks to the parallel ziplines, you can enjoy the wind blowing through your hair together with a friend. You can admire the views along the way at an altitude of 6–40 metres and speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Kuopio Market Square, known among friends as “Mualiman napa”, or the Centre of the Universe, is a sight in itself, but few people have noticed that you can also find a lot of art near the square that is worth seeing. Next time you visit the Market Square, try a game of statue spotting, even with the whole family! See if you can spot all the works of art in the series of sculptures created by Pekka Kauhanen in 2014: Oksapoika (Branch Boy), Juhani Ahon virsut (Juhani Aho's bast shoes), the quirky little character Nalliainen, Pullopostia (Bottle Post), Reikäleipä (HoleBread), Siskon lisko (Sister’s Lizard) and Kuutar ja Päivätär (goddesses of the Moon and the Sun in Finnish mythology).
If you are exploring Kuopio by car or a city bike, take a turn to admire the stunning lake views of Saaristokatu. The scenic street runs along the islands for 4.5 km and is a truly impressive walking and recreational route. There are several rest stops along the street and a popular ice cream kiosk in the summertime.
Of the gorgeous parks in the centre of Kuopio, perhaps the most impressive is Valkeisenpuisto. Located on the west side of the grid, the park is about nine hectares in size, forming a beautiful green area and recreation zone. At the heart of the park lies the charming Valkeisenlampi Pond. The pond is surrounded by several historical buildings, lush plantings, playgrounds, playing fields and courts, beaches, pedestrian routes and works of art. An example of the latter is Mökit ja mäet (Cottages and Hills), created by Antti Immonen in 2004. The steel monument honours the postWW2 reconstruction effort.
Although the life of young people today revolves largely around mobile phones and social media, they still discover experiences in nature.
Anni Mikkonen, Elenoor “Elkku” van der Weij and Onni Partanen from Kuopio talk about why nature appeals to them and what nature experiences have to compete with in the lives of young people.
TEXT MIKKO JAAKKOLA PHOTOS KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI AND VICENTE SERRA
Nature and the experiences it can give mean a lot to each of the three individuals. The most important thing is that nature is close by and you do not need to travel far to get there. And since we are in Finnish Lakeland, lakes and rivers play a big role.
“At least when I think about nature, I imagine a beautiful forest by the lake. I’m very happy that we can enjoy clean nature that makes you feel good and helps you relax,” says Anni.
“Spending time in the forest makes you feel really good.”
Onni feels the same way.
“Yeah, nature is a big part of my life as well, starting with hiking and spending time with my dog. Pölhö Island is one of my favourite places to go fishing or ice fishing in the winter. And the views are really pretty, especially in winter,” Onni adds.
Elkku notes that nature offers much more than just a place for outdoor recreation, providing opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of hobbies.
“Spending time in the forest makes you feel really good, just walking or picking mushrooms or berries. Hobbies also thrive there, and you can end up trying new things, such as orienteering or skiing,” Elkku says.
“And it's even been scientifically proven that exploring nature improves your wellbeing. I for one
believe that it also changes your attitude, towards the weather, for instance. If it rains in the forest, it feels less miserable than it does in the city,” says Elkku.
What, then, is the main obstacle to exploring nature? The young interviewees have a clear idea of the answer.
“I don't necessarily like to say so, but social media is a pretty big factor for many young people. And sometimes for me as well,” admits Anni.
“And many young people like to just spend time indoors and play video games. And of course, school stuff and hobbies just take up a lot of time,” Elkku adds.
Friends also have a major influence on the nature hobbies of young people.
“In my group of friends, for exam
ple, few of us have a habit of roaming around nature,” says Onni.
The Youth Services in Kuopio organize a lot of activities for young people who are interested in nature.
“For example, we have summer camps and other camp activities that take place in nature. These three, for instance, took part in a twonight hiking trip in the Tiilikkajärvi National Park,” says Youth Worker Kimmo Pölkki from the City of Kuopio.
He believes that one way to encourage young people to experience nature is gamification and other tools to help lower the threshold for participation. The young people agree.
“For example, you could promote nature on social media and encourage people to try out new things with an open mind. After all, you’ve got nothing to lose,” they say.
Nature is second nature to Kuopio, a city nestled in the arms of Lake Kallavesi. Environmental values have been considered in urban planning, and all the residential areas are only a short distance away from local forests and recreational areas. In recognition of this, the Finnish Ministry of the Environment granted Kuopio the title of National Urban Park.
Plans are also being made to maintain the connection with na
ture in the future. The aim is a compact city, enabling the preservation of large natural areas for recreational purposes. Kuopio wishes to remain a versatile nature city for generations to come.
Master Planning Manager Heli Laurinen, City Planning Manager Annika Korhonen and Development Manager Katri Hiltunen
Kuopio offers young people experiences that tickle all the senses. Keep your eyes and ears open, feel new winds blowing in the air, and you might bump into all kinds of experiences:
Turmion Kätilöt, Tarot, Reckless Love – Kuopio has produced a number of wellknown bands and artists. And more will come, as the Kuopio Rock Academy propels aspiring young bands into stardom.
“In addition to musical advice, the Academy coaches young people on various other themes related to band activities,” says Youth Instructor Sakari Hietala, one of the coaches at Rock Academy.
The Academy's periods are two years per band, and the goal is to produce at least one profes
sionallevel recording in this time. There are currently nine bands on the roster, and the latest addition is Jatkoroikka666, which plays metallic punk.
“Or fiercely aggressive crossover trash, as our drummer describes it,” explains Lauri Karttunen, the bassist of Jatkoroikka.
“The Academy has given us a lot of help with making music. The plan is to release a debut album at some point, but first we need to get our act together well enough so that we can be happy with it,” says Karttunen.
You can find water almost anywhere in Kuopio. There are beaches all around the city, so there is no need to go to an indoor swimming pool in summer – after all, swimming in the lake feels more liberating than in a closed pool. The most popular beach in Kuopio is Väinölänniemi, associated with many good summer memories.
Nature caresses all your senses, but especially in the forest, you can pick up on a variety of scents with your nose. So go ahead and shake the city dust off your feet and head out to enjoy the resinous odour of a coniferous forest in early spring or the fragrance of the forest floor dampened by autumn rain.
Kuopio once had the highest number of restaurants per capita in Finland. Whether this is still true is uncertain, but you can still find a wide variety of restaurants for every taste. In addition to the traditional kebabs, pizzas and hamburgers, you can now also enjoy sushi and other Asian foods.
Urbaani is a street art association that supports, promotes and records street art. Among other things, it has organized the LAINIT street art festival since the year 2016. The association has also created several custom works and murals.
“Street art brings life to the urban landscape, the middle of the concrete greyness and flood of ads. Legal graffiti walls are currently used actively and the number of artists is growing, so things are looking good,” says Chair of Urbaani Mikko Parviainen
How does an artist feel about street art?
“Street art is an important part of youth culture and belongs to the urban landscape. What appeals to me personally is the continuous development, seeing as every single letter can be created in numerous different styles,” says street artist Cute.
“A successful work makes you feel awesome, and the same goes for when you see a great work done by a friend,” they say.
Kuopio is a port city lying in the embrace of Lake Kallavesi, surrounded by one of the largest archipelagos that is located inland, consisting of 1 964 islands to be exact. There are almost 1 000 lakes in the Kuopio region of which Lake Kallavesi is the largest. The lake also holds the 10th spot on the list of the largest lakes in Finland. Our lake nature is quite special, and when you combine it with the four seasons in our country, you have a unique setting for an active lifestyle.
TEXT PAULIINA AHONEN PHOTOS TIINA KILVENSALMI, PAVEL KASINSKI AND VINCENTE SERRA
In winter, Lake Kallavesi invites you to go ice fishing, skating, skiing or snowmobiling. When the ice road is open, you can also travel on the ice by car. A slightly less common winter hobby is kiteboarding or wingboarding on ice, also known as ice winging, which swept photographer and entrepreneur Pavel Kasinski off his feet some twenty years ago: “These are types of sports where you use the power of the wind to propel you forward across the ice or snow, or across the water in the summertime.
The seasonal changes in nature may seem perfectly ordinary for Kuopio locals, but travellers coming from afar may find the experience exotic. Even a seasoned observer can still always discover something new and surprising when experiencing nature. That is why Kuopio’s City Forest Officer Heikki Soininen encourages people to enjoy the different seasons mindfully: “It’s wonderful to see how different everything looks and how you can sense all the seasons differently when exploring the outdoors.”
In spring, Soininen especially enjoys the wood sorrels blooming under old
spruces and the sturdy, majestic appearance and cool microclimate of our forests. The movements of migratory birds are also nice to track, because due to our various types of waterways, these feathered friends descend in large flocks for a rest in and around Kuopio.
One of the finest places to enjoy springtime nature can be found in Maaninka, 60 km northwest from the centre of Kuopio. That is the location of the Korkeakoski rapids, which, with their nature trail, form one of the most picturesque hiking destinations in our region. The rapids flow freely in their natural state at 36 metres, making them the highest unbroken waterfall in Finland. The Korkeakoski rapids have been a natural attraction since the early 19th century.
What I find most exciting is the speed and spending time in nature, surrendering yourself to it. This is a hobby that you can’t schedule into your calendar,” says Kasinski.
Another large lake in the region is Syväri, and on its shore rises Tahkovuori hill, the gem of tourism in Kuopio. People in Tahko also know how to make the most of the wintery lake. In addition to downhill skiing, the most popular winter activities are snowshoeing, ice karting, winter biking, snowmobiling and skiing.
There are plenty of activities to choose from in summer. Popular sports and activities include swimming, boating, canoeing, standup paddleboarding, cottage living, fishing, various beach games and lake cruises.
For Kasinski, Lake Kallavesi in summer represents an escape from everyday life and, again, a great place to enjoy hobbies. He swaps his snowboard for a surfboard, which is propelled across the water by a kite or a wing, and the family’s island cottage becomes an important base. “Kitesurfing is a bit more challenging in Kuopio in summer because of the forested shores, but wingsurfing is great even when the weather is tricky and the type of shore varies,” he says.
For those interested in the hobby, Kasinski recommends a course for beginners. “You should try these activities with someone who knows what they’re doing. These are not hard to do, but you should learn all the safety precautions first.”
Soininen recommends Hietasalo Island on Lake Kallavesi as a nice summer destination. The island has
some gorgeous beaches that you can access not only by boat, but also by a lake cruise ship during the summer holiday season:
“The hiking opportunities offered by the city are worth checking out. For instance, you could visit the various leanto shelters in the archipelago and on the mainland.”
In autumn, the best moments of the city surrounded by water are created by the darkening evenings, misty mornings and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. The autumn foliage first
reaches the islands, and the migratory birds gather once again in large flocks. This is the perfect time to head out to the outdoor routes that run along the shoreline to admire
the beautiful nature and marvel at its power.
“The best thing about living near a lake are the views, which change with the seasons. You will also learn to respect Lake Kallavesi if you are ever out on the lake when an autumn storm hits,” says Soininen and shares a useful tip: “I believe you should enjoy nature with no rush, but embrace its calming effect and prescribe yourself a dose of nature as often as you can. Dressing appropriately for the weather will ensure that you can stay comfortable outdoors no matter what the weather.”
Nature & Travel
THE 5TH
SURROUNDED BY
100
LAKES
6340
5
SHORELINE BEACHES
SPAS
KM
31
OVERNIGHT STAYS IN KUOPIO-TAHKO
1.6
DIFFERENT FIRE PITS, GOAHTIS (FIN: KOTA) FISHING LODGES AND LEAN-TO SHELTERS (FIN: LAAVU)
M 500
FINLAND'S BEST DISC GOLF TRACK AT
100 HECTARES MILLION MILLION
600
KM OF SKI TRACKS
TAHKO STEPS
1054 800M LONG
THE DISTANCE FROM YOUR DOORSTEP TO NATURE IS NEVER MORE THAN TOURISTS IN KUOPIO
3.9
NATURE CONSERVATION AREAS
2
THE LARGEST NATIONAL CITY PARK WITH A SURFACE AREA OF
7,300
Minna Canth (1844–1897) was a writer and the first Finnish-language newspaperwoman, a courageous reformer and a hard worker. She raised seven children on her own, ran a shop and wrote texts that changed the position of women in the Finnish society. The year 2024 will mark the 180th anniversary of Canth's birth, and her home town of Kuopio will be honouring the life's work of this strong woman as an advocate for equality, equity and education.
Sometimes a courageous narrator can make the world a fairer place. They can leave behind a glimpse of hope and a cherished memory that passes from one generation to the next. Minna Canth, born Ulrika Wilhelmina Johnson, is the most famous and most highly respected figure from Kuopio. Generation after generation continue to cherish her living legacy in Kuopio.
Canth was born in Tampere and her family moved to Kuopio in 1853. Canth went to preparatory schools and a Swedishlanguage girls’ school in Kuopio. She moved to Jyväskylä to study and started a family with Johan Ferdinand Canth. The couple had seven children. Throughout their time in Jyväskylä, she actively wrote for newspapers.
der her leadership, the business known as the Tampere Yarn Store (Tampereen lankakauppa) overcame its problems and began to thrive.
“Minna Canth made an impact on the people of Kuopio that extends across the centuries.”
Canth’s shop and home, Kanttila, is still standing in its original spot in the centre of Kuopio, at the address Minna Canthin katu 22. The extensive renovation of this culturally significant building is being prepared, and future plans are well underway. Kanttila is hoped to become a crucial cultural center for the entire Northern Savonia region. The aim is to revive it as a center for literary culture.
After being widowed, Canth moved to Kuopio in 1880 and took over her late father’s shop. Un
Canth reformed Finnishlanguage literature. She introduced European ideas about equality and realistic art to Finland. She was an important Finnishlanguage playwright and her newspaper articles made sharp observations about issues such as girls’ access to education, political reforms and inventions, including the telephone.
Cultural figures who were born or have lived in Kuopio who are worth keeping an eye on:
Originally from Kuopio, author Oona Pohjolainen won the Savonia Prize in 2022 together with Adile Sevimli for their book Kärsimyskukkauuteaddiktio. The young adult novel is enchanted by the forest and nature.
Nanna Hänninen is a photographer living in Kuopio who is carving out an international career
for herself. The visual storytelling of her photographs is appealing.
Musician, actress and playwright Paula Vesala, a former student of the Kuopio Senior High School of Music and Dance, actively engages in the debate on equality and is currently one of the bestknown figures in the cultural scene of Finland.
Discussing important matters is crucial even today Women's equal opportunities, suffrage, and equality are Minna Canth's gift to the young people of this era.
"The city has a tolerant, encouraging spirit," says Jari Eskola.
Kuopio is the beloved hometown of author Sirpa Kähkönen, also the winner of the Finlandia Book Prize in 2023.
She observed and carefully recorded the development of her home region and the circumstances of people in a vulnerable position.
She was a brave woman at a time when women were expected to accept their fate. But Canth was not disheartened by criticism. Her persistent belief in a better tomorrow created new opportunities for generations to come.
It is fortunate that Canth decided to settle specifically in Kuopio due to her family ties. She made an impact on the people of Kuopio that extends across the centuries, and locals still talk admiringly about Canth and her home town.
A feeling of love for the home region comes across in the conversations with Kuopio locals. People value the fact that nature is present
everywhere and the atmosphere is tolerant. Cultural life is rich, and the city emanates education of the heart.
Director Jari Eskola from the Kuopio City Orchestra and the Kuopio Music Centre sees this phenomenon as Canth's intellectual legacy.
“The city has a tolerant, encouraging spirit – we want to believe the best of others,” says Eskola.
Both the Kuopio City Orchestra and the Music Centre promote gender equality in their programmes. This does not require particular courage, but simply doing the right thing.
“For example, it’s important that we invite female conductors to Kuopio to conduct the orchestra,” says Eskola.
Kuopio is the beloved home town of author Sirpa Kähkönen, now living in Helsinki. She has a special bond with the city and has written historical fiction that is set here. Kähkönen believes that it is important for Kuopio to cherish the legacy of Minna Canth.
“Everything that Canth achieved and the life's work that she represents has transformed our society. That is valuable in this day and age.”
Juuso Partti from Kuopio is a direct descendant of Canth in the fifth generation. He sees people in Kuopio boldly following their own path, without thinking too highly of themselves, but still addressing problems and boldly seizing opportunities to make a difference. Just like Canth did.
“The city has a tolerant, encouraging spirit.”
Canth's influence not only extends to culture, but also sports – after all, Canth also spoke in favour of physical education for girls in school.
"Minna Canth’s House Association has a tradition of awarding the Minna Canth Trophy to the best player of the football club KuPS," Partti says.
Canth's texts have stood the test of time, because they embody the values of equity and truth. Diligence combined with empathy – that may be the secret behind the positive spirit of Canth and Kuopio. Canth demonstrated unlimited love for one’s neighbour. Everyone has the opportunity to focus on helping others instead of worrying about the circumstances in their own life. This ensures that each and every person will get the care they deserve. This is the path that Kuopio is following, and the city is proud to celebrate the life’s work of this courageous Finnish woman.
This famous recipe is from Minna Canth's own hand-written recipe book.
2 dl sugar
2 eggs
4 dl whipping cream
6 dl wheat flour
1 tbsp grated bitter orange peel
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp baking soda
2 dl syrup
4 tbsp melted butter
PHOTO ANNIKA PARKKONEN
Whip the cream. Beat the eggs and sugar until foamy. Gently combine the whipped cream with the egg and sugar mixture.
Mix the dry ingredients together. Gradually add them and the syrup to the batter, alternating between the two. Finally, add the melted butter.
Pour the batter into a greased, approximately two-liter mold.
Bake for the first half-hour at 175 degrees Celsius and then for an additional half-hour at 150 degrees Celsius.
Enjoy your spice cake!
The roots of photography in Finland go back to the 19th century when the art form was still young. As photography quickly spread throughout the world, several photography studios were also established in Finland and local photographers developed their skills. This also marked the beginning of the culture of photography in Kuopio, which remains rich and versatile to this day.
Victor Barsokevitsch was a photographer who owned a studio in Kuopio. He was one of the bestknown photographers in Finland at the turn of the 20th century. The wellknown photographer captured the essence of Kuopio and its residents in a quintessentially Savonian style, without any forced poses or pomposity.
According to Exhibition Director Laura White from the VB Photographic Centre in Kuopio, the photographs taken in Barsokevitsch’s studio of 19th century Kuopio locals are unique on a national level. “The poses and the subjects portray a sense of humour, and the sessions were not taken too seriously. The shots
are quite experimental compared to studio photographs taken in other places around the same time,” says White.
“Kuopio has quite a large photography scene.”
White believes that this easygoing approach can perhaps be seen even to this day. “People in Kuopio have the courage to try things out, even in a big way. In Victor’s time, the photographer would climb the cathedral tower to capture the townscape of the time. In 2023, the view from the tower was quite different as nearly one thousand naked people gathered for Spencer Tunick’s photoshoot in the summer night of Kuopio,” White says, recalling the exceptional event.
Kuopio has quite a large photography scene, including both amateurs and professionals. That is why the VB Photographic Centre also wants to showcase the work of local artists in its exhibitions. One of them is photographic artist Nanna Hänninen whose first solo exhibition was back in 1996 at the VB Photographic Centre.
Hänninen says that the region and the opportunities it provides have influenced her art throughout her career. “The proculture policies of Kuopio were important especially in the beginning of my career. Kuopio can also be seen in my artwork, even though it is abstract. For example, the Kuopio City Hall and the Puijo Tower have inspired some of my pieces, which have also been named after these places. Tower of Puijo is a piece that can also be seen in Stockholm on the façade of a large building,” says Hänninen.
Hänninen considers herself a photograph maker rather than a photograph taker. The photographic artist has always wanted to create experimental photographic art. “I’m constantly testing the limits of photography as a medium. I've even
taken photographs without a camera,” Hänninen explains.
Another Kuopio local who is famous for his photographs, retouching skills and stretching the boundaries is digital artist Antti Karppinen. Unlike Barsokevitsch, Karppinen does not depict reality. “I’m not a documentary photographer, but I depict stories. I compress stories into an image, or several images, that help convey a message to the viewer,” says Karppinen, explaining his method.
Karppinen is a pioneer in creating illustrations using artificial intelligence. “It's different from creating images with a camera and will not replace photography, but I enjoy it. I now have a tool that creates images of whatever situation I want exactly how I want them to be,” says Karppinen.
The local community of photography and visual arts in Kuopio is still just as versatile and experimental as it was 150 years ago. Although technology, styles and the world are changing, the culture of photography is alive, well and thriving in Kuopio.
Kuopio is a genuinely international city and provides unique opportunities for living, studies and business alike.
76%
OF YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR LIVES
25,000
APPROXIMATELY
3,200
FOREIGN NATIONALS LIVING IN KUOPIO
DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES LIVING IN KUOPIO
1,000 STUDENTS
FOREIGN STUDENTS
32%
HAVE A DEGREE FROM A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTE
76%
FROM SECONDARY EDUCATION
A UNIVERSITY CITY AMONG THE TOP 300
IN SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS
THE HAPPIEST RESIDENTS AMONG THE LARGEST CITIES IN FINLAND
TOP 3
AROUND 112 A 10-MINUTE
THE MUNICIPALITY WITH THE MOST SUMMER HOUSES IN FINLAND
10,800
MIGRATORY MUNICIPALITY IN FINLAND
77%
OF THE POPULATION LIVES IN THE URBAN AREAS
23%
IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
WALK FROM ONE’S FRONT DOOR TO THE NEAREST OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITY
What kind of events energize you? Do you thrive in the hustle and bustle, savoring delicacies or cheering for your favourite artist in a crowd. Or do you find peace in the forest, hearing only your footsteps and the wind in the eternal treetops? In Kuopio, both are possible.
TEXT MARJAANA ANTTILA | PHOTOS WILLE MARKKANEN, TOUHO HÄKKINEN AND EVE TUPPURAINEN
Various events are a key attraction in Kuopio. They build a sense of community, and it’s no wonder that the happiest residents in Eastern Finland can be found in these regions. Events take place yearround at Kuopio’s market square and in the downtown area. There is something for culture enthusiasts, athletes, and gastronomes alike.
”Events bring joy, a sense of community, and experiences into people’s everyday lives. They are a reason to come together, meet friends, and encounter new acquaintances,” describes Tilla Martikainen, the Excecutive Director of Kuopio Centre Association.
Events in Kuopio foster a sense of community, brought to life through local collaboration, without sparing
time and effort. In addition to ticketed events, there are plenty of free events available.
“Events take place year-round at Kuopio’s market square and in the downtown area.”
In Tilla’s heart, the Christmas Market holds a special place. ”I am very much a Christmas person, and I start getting into the Christmas spirit as early as October. The splendid lightning of the Christmas Market, beautiful light displays, and the festive atmosphere never fail to delight me every year.”
Would you rather head to the forest?
Jaana Turunen, the chairperson of Kuopio Orienteering Club, invites everyone to participate in the open orienteering events on Thursday evenings. For foreigners and visitors, it has been a wonderful discovery that anyone can easily try orienteering.
”A firsttimer can choose the shortest course, which is about a kilometer long, with controls placed in easily identifiable locations. With experience and improved fitness, one can progress to more challenging courses.”
Orienteering events are a great way to get to know the locals, with many participating as families. In an atyp
24.–25. February 2024
Cross-country skiing Finnish Cup
23.–24. March 2024
Finland Ice Marathon
3.–4. April 2024
Tahko Ski Lift Pitch
24.–25. May 2024
Osuma Weekend
13.–15. June 2024
Kuopio Comedy Festival
12.–18. June 2024
Kuopio Dance Festival
28.–29. June 2024
Tahko MTB
28. June–6. July 2024
Kuopio Wine Festival
13. July 2024
Kuopio Swimrun
25.–27. July 2024
Kuopio Rock
9.–10. August 2024
Hoodfest
10.–25. August 2024
Our Kuopio Festival: Satoa Food Festival, Harvest Festival, Night of the Arts
September 2024
ANTI Contemporary Art Festival
17. November 2024
Kuopio250 Anniversary year begins
November 2024
Kuopio 250-celebration with light artwork and music
December 2024
Kuopio Christmas Market
ical Finnish fashion, participants at the finish line engage in conversation with others, discussing not only their own performance but also evaluating the success of the course setter.
There’s no need to fear getting lost in the woods during orienteering events. Many others are moving at the same time, providing an opportunity to ask for help, and the organizers ensure that every participant makes it out of the forest. In addition to people, mushrooms are among the highlights of Jaana’s own orienteering adventures.
”I was at the orienteering event in rainy weather, and collected blackhorn mushrooms and chanterelles inside the map’s protective plastic. The soaked map split in half, but I found
the control points and even made it to the finish in unfamiliar terrain. The mushroom harvest was five liters!”
You get to explore the same forests as the world’s top orienteers in the autumn in Nilsiä, when Lastukoski hosts the final race of the Orienteering World Cup. In 2025, Kuopio will host the World Orienteering Championships, where you can participate as a spectator, volunteer, or in the open category as an orienteer.
If orienteering feels too tame, you can put on a wetsuit and slip into lightweight, grippysoled shoes. First, you run along a trail, then you
Swimrun combines adventure, moving in nature and pushing one's limits.
swim across a body of water, and from the shore, you continue along the trails again. That’s what swimrun is all about.
Sampo Hyyppölä from Kuopio Swimrun, is fascinated by the opportunity to combine adventure, moving in nature, and pushing one’s limits. In the summer, swimrun races bring together about 80 enthusiasts from different parts of Kuopio to the forests and waters around Neulamäki.
Kuopio will be proudly celebrating the 250year journey of the city in 2025! The anniversary year will kick off in November 2024, providing unique opportunities for local residents, various partners and companies to help organize this joint celebration. Kuopio will officially turn 250 years old on 17 November 2025.
The aim is to make the anniversary year a shared experience for all residents, a celebration that can be seen on the streets, neighbourhoods
and rural areas of the city in the form of a wide range of events. All ages are welcome to join the festivities, but the focus will be on children and young people.
In addition to events, the idea is that the anniversary year will also leave behind something permanent and concrete for future generations. The 250th anniversary of the city of Kuopio will not just be a series of events, but a chance for everyone to
The terrain is tailormade for swimrun!
Sampo recommends beginners to take a course where there is guided running and swimming in short segments. ”In Kuopio, swimrun is easily achievable. There are readymade trails in all the forests, and there are free shores scattered around the city.”
participate, engage and get together to create something exceptional. The programme of the anniversary year will be planned in cooperation with various partners, companies, communities and residents. The anniversary year will invite locals to cherish their community, celebrate the past, live in the present and build a future together. It will be an opportunity to create memories that will carry on through the generations.
Kuopio is a hub of dance as an art form with a distinctive reputation and high quality that stand out on a national level. Every year, the city hosts the largest dance event in the Nordic countries, and also provides excellent opportunities to enjoy dance as a hobby or even pursue it as a career.
TEXT SUVI NOPANEN PHOTOS VICENTE SERRA, ULLA-MARI LINDST RÖM AND KAI KUUSISTO
Kuopio has been known as the capital of dance in Finland for a long time. Director Salima Peippo from the Kuopio Dance Festival, an event dedicated to the art of dance, believes that the development of Kuopio into the city of dance probably began when the festival was first held, and the popularity of the event continues to boost the dance scene in Kuopio.
“The secret to the success of the festival is that dance belongs to everyone and there is no one right way to dance. The festival has contributed in one way or another to the development of many dancerelated elements in Kuopio.”
The Kuopio Dance Festival has a long history. The idea for the festival was born in 1969 when the city wanted to host a summer event that would
attract attention around the world. Today, the festival is the largest, oldest and bestknown dance event in the Nordics. Tens of thousands of people visit the festival every year.
“Dance belongs to everyone and there is no one right way to dance.”
In addition to the festival, dance has a strong presence in Kuopio throughout the year. The city is home to Dance Theatre Minimi, the only statesubsidised professional dance theatre in eastern Finland. Also located in Kuopio is the Regional Dance
Centre of Eastern Finland ITAK, which is celebrating its 20year journey in 2024. ITAK promotes the availability and accessibility of dance as an art form and facilitates the activities of dance professionals in the region. In addition, Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Kuopio offers a dance teacher programme.
Dance is great way to improve your wellbeing, because it has been proven to be one of the best forms of exercise for promoting health. It not only boosts your mood, but also reduces stress. Dance is also a social activity, bringing people together,
building interaction, empowering and developing a sense of empathy.
“Especially during these times of crises, cultivating empathy is vital for maintaining a sense of community, among other things,” says ITAK’s Managing Director Eeva Eloranta.
Dance is something you can enjoy throughout your life, and Kuopio has taken advantage of this fact by offering a variety of dancerelated hobbies. There is a wide array of courses available, featuring different dance styles from wheelchair dance to street dance and ballet. There are courses for toddlers and for adults who decide to take up dancing as a hobby, so it is never too late to start. Dance your way through life!
KUOPIO CONSERVATORY offers dance education according to the extended syllabus for basic education in the arts and dance studies in the open conservatory.
kuopionkonservatorio.fi/en
KUOPION TAIDEOPISTO
offers dance education according to the extended and the general syllabus, and students can choose the level and number of hours they want to study.
kuopiontaideopisto.fi
KUOPIO DANCE STUDIO
offers dance education according to the extended and the general syllabus for basic education in the arts either as a hobby or to pursue a career in dance.
kuopiontanssistudio.fi
TEXT EUGENE TZIGANE
PHOTO SAMPO JAAKKOLA
In our Technological Age, the omnipresence of smartphones and social media in particular can make life terribly noisy and busy. Perhaps this is why there is a need more than ever for a place in which people can find solace, relief and joy. So where can we go to find this place where we can be with ourselves, but also commune with others? Fortunately for those of us in Northern Savonia, we have the Kuopio Music Centre and the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra.
But before you rush out hoping to hear some 'pretty music', we should warn you.
tion of the human experience stems from the ideals of the Romantic Era and manifests in Kuopio as a Romantic Rebellion. We embrace the sublime power of art and its ability to transcend the quotidian. With Nature as our muse, we believe in the spiritual necessity to experience art music communally. It can allow us to see life through the eyes of others, nurture understanding, and remind us of our shared humanity. At its core, 'classical' music is not only entertainment. It is food for the soul.
Where can we go to find this place where we can be with ourselves?
At the KSO, we do things differently! As beautiful as most 'classical' music performances are, they have generally lost their edge, their directness and vitality. In their pursuit of perfection and objectivity, they've become predictable, simultaneously lacking artistic imperfections, in humanity and in spirit.
That's why we at the KSO are constantly striving to break free of these algorithmic shackles. This rejection of perfectionism and the mechaniza
Thus we look forward to welcoming you to the Kuopio Music Centre to share in beautiful, lifeaffirming music with the KSO. Just like in the city of Kuopio, we at the KSO also share the passion for life, living in the moment, collaboration and connecting with one another. We hope our concerts can be your oasis away from the noise of modern life. Perhaps they can even give you a feeling of catharsis, or joy, or peace.
Eugene Tzigane Chief Conductor & Artistic Director Kuopio Symphony OrchestraIn the report of the vision working group of eastern Finland, one of the measures to increase the vitality of the region is the establishment of a comprehensive security competence centre in Eastern Finland. Kuopio is ready to take on the responsibility for initiating the preparation process and offer its strong expertise in the development of comprehensive security for the benefit of Finland.
TEXT MINNA AKIOLA | WILLE MARKKANEN AND TIINA KILVENSALMI
Comprehensive security is Finnish preparedness and cooperation in which the vital functions of society are looked after through cooperation between the authorities, business community, organizations and citizens. The goal of preparedness is to safeguard the vital functions of society and ensure their ability to function in disruptions to normal conditions and in emergency conditions.
If the comprehensive security competence centre proposed by the vision working group of eastern Finland were established in Kuopio, it would increase the vitality of all of Eastern Finland and enhance regional security. Through its functions, the centre would improve the preparedness and security of Finland as a whole. It would also produce nationally and internationally highlevel research and training in the various areas of comprehensive security.
security of supply that are significant on a NATO and EU level,” says Mayor of Kuopio Soile Lahti.
The functions that are vital for Finland have been divided into seven categories in the Security Strategy for Society. Kuopio possesses exceptionally strong expertise in many of them. For example, several educational institutions conduct research on comprehensive security either independently or together with others.
A key national actor that is based in Kuopio is the Emergency Services Academy Finland, which trains professionals in safety and security. The Academy is also the only educational institution in Finland that has a statutory mandate to provide preparedness training.
“We engage in research, development and innovation activities and can directly apply the findings and results of these activities in our training,” says Principal of the Emergency Services Academy Finland Mervi Parviainen
Several educational institutions conduct research on comprehensive security.
In addition to conventional training, the Academy also has the capacity to organize drills to see how various approaches work in practice, for instance. The national role of the Academy is crucial in terms of the competence centre, as it supports regional thinking and vice versa.
“We could turn the concept into an international export, if we wanted to. Our worldclass competence centre could produce scientific knowledge on issues of comprehensive security and
In addition to various educational institutions, there are also research and expert organizations in Kuopio that could support the activities of the competence centre. These include the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and the Finnish Meteorological Institute, which all produce knowledge in areas that are relevant for security of supply and comprehensive security. The Karelia Air Wing also has its base in the region, and the authorities work in close cooperation.
Soile Lahti has established a working group to prepare the comprehensive security competence centre. Individuals from various organizations have been invited to join the group. The group is currently working on a potential approach and a societal narrative for the competence centre.
“What this means in practice is defining the societal problem that the centre will address, how it would respond and what would be the next steps in the short and long term. We want to make things more concrete and lay the groundwork carefully,” says Lahti.
The centre would bring vitality to the region – both to Kuopio and to the wider Eastern Finland. The idea is not to just bring together the expertise that the region has to offer, but to also invite other partners from all over Finland to get involved.
Source:
The Security Committee / Vital functions
Comprehensive Security Cluster, a project managed by the Regional Council of PohjoisSavo, and the competence centre, which may be established in the city of Kuopio, support each other and are both based on the concrete measures proposed in the vision for Eastern Finland. The Comprehensive Security Cluster project of the Regional Council of PohjoisSavo has received earmarked funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland.
“Various securityrelated themes come together in this project through different business
es and educational institutions,” says Chair of the Regional Board Mira Kokkonen from the Regional Council of PohjoisSavo.
Development focuses primarily on the perspective of industrial policy and is based on the priority industries and the existing clusters in North Savo. According to Kokkonen, the food safety and water expertise in the region, for instance, are directly linked to comprehensive security.
A unique rock cave is under construction in the district of Savilahti and will hold a sports and event centre and a civil defence shelter.
Known as Luola (the Cave in Finnish), the centre is expected to open to the public in late summer 2024.
Built in what used to be the depot of the Finnish Defence Forces, the sports and event centre and civil defence shelter is exceptional even on a global scale. A centre this big has never been built inside a cave in Finland, probably not even in the Nordics. Constructing such a big cave presents its own challenges for rock engineering and excavation.
“Ultimately, there are no readymade solutions for building sports facilities inside a rock and fitting in a civil defence shelter as well,” says
During times of crisis, Luola will serve as the civil defence shelter for the entire district of Savilahti. As a shelter, it is more robust and has a higher safety rating than a traditional civil defence shelter. The cave lies beneath at least 15–20 metres of rock. The explosionproof walls are also twice as thick as normal.
“Representatives from Kuopio's sister city, Minneapolis, attended the toppingoff ceremony of Luola and said that they could take some of the safety knowledge relating to its construction home with them,” says Väätäinen.
Luola ties together sports and exercise, wellbeing, various events and public safety. It therefore embodies communality, which is at the heart of Savilahti as a whole.
Talent First activities enhance collaboration between various actors in North Savo to attract talent to the region. The aim of this collaboration is to work together towards common goals on a regional, national and international level.
The labour shortage has been making headlines for some time now, and the latest studies suggest that the situation will not improve in the next few years. This could lead to different regions in Finland competing over talent. The strength of North Savo is that the region embraces a culture of doing things together, unreservedness and the ease of networking among companies, municipal organisations and educational institutions.
The aim of Talent First activities is to make North Savo an attractive and interesting region that offers plenty of opportunities while taking all areas of life into account when it comes to skilled professionals.
CEO of Savon Yrittäjät Paula AikioTallgren is pleased to see that the focus is not only on the potential mover, but also on what their family might need.
each municipality complement what the other municipalities in the region have to offer. AikioTallgren believes that North Savo has nothing to be concerned about in terms of its pull factors.
“We offer comprehensive education in English, education at different levels, versatile career opportunities as well as public health care, which is appreciated not only by many international talents, but also companies moving to the region.”
In addition to soft values, Talent First activities focus on highlighting regional competence and career opportunities. Key themes include matching the priority industries in North Savo with the needs of talent, improving the growth conditions of companies and regional attraction and retention.
The priority industries – or socalled expertise scenes – in North Savo represent the broad range of industries and businesses in the region and their strengths. There are several priority industries in North Savo, and the first scene networks will be built around the industries where talent is most urgently needed. These are the health tech, wellbeing and pharmaceutical industry; ICT; technology industry; the tourism sector and security.
”Talent First activities help us attract talent to the region and give them a chance to find their mental home here.”
“Versatile career opportunities and services that support personal life, such as hobbies and health care, are all part of the big picture that ultimately ensures that the professional and their family enjoy living in North Savo,” says AikioTallgren.
Through this collaboration, North Savo will focus even more on how the superiority factors of
“They offer a variety of career paths. In the tech industry, for example, you can go from smaller companies to bigger ones. Or you can work in the health, wellbeing and pharmaceutical industry either in a startup or a big, global organisation,” says Managing Director Kaija Savolainen from the Kuopio Region Chamber of Commerce.
North Savo provides plenty of opportunities to land a job at a global company if you want to pursue an international career. These companies
allow you to work abroad and then return to Finland, if you want. Here, you can choose to be a part of this internationality.
There are several multinational companies in North Savo, each with its own cultural nuances.
All the parties engaging in collaboration exchange best practices on how we could lower the threshold for international talent to come here. We want to make international talent feel accepted, like they are part of the community, and to consider this region their home, because home is where the heart is. All areas of life need to be covered.
“Talent First activities help us attract talent to the region and give them a chance to find their mental home here. How the newcomer and their family manage to integrate into Savo and build communities here is important,” says Savolainen.
Savolainen mentions that newcomers can expect a warm and considerate welcome in North Savo. Help is available to new arrivals and people are easy to reach.
“Your background doesn't matter; what matters is that you feel welcome and enjoy equal treatment with everyone else.”
This article is one of the measures conducted under Talent First (“Talent attraction model of North Savo –impact through collaboration”). The project is funded by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of South Savo (North Savo ESF+) and the European Union and 13 partners from North Savo (1 September 2023 – 31 August 2025).
More information about the project: Project Manager Reetta Airaksinen, reetta.airaksinen@kuopio.fi, and as of April 2024, www.talentfirst.fi
• Talent First is the project's brand for collaboration, activities and measures
• The primary aim is to attract new talent and labour to the region by enhancing regional attraction and retention.
• During the project, a collaboration model and tools are built for the partners and other actors in the region.
• The project will involve close cooperation with companies and educational institutions in North Savo, regional projects and municipal partners. There are 13 partners in total.
• The measures are based on the perspectives of the talent and the priority competencies.
• The lead partner and coordinator of the project is the City of Kuopio.
• The project period is 1 September 2023 –31 August 2025. Activities will continue after the project.
• The project is part-funded by the European Union (North Savo ESF+).
Angelika Krieger moved with her family from the UK to Kuopio in 2023. Her husband was offered a great opportunity to work in the cutting-edge biotech industry. The whole family has enjoyed life in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland.
TEXT MINNA AKIOLA | PHOTO ANGELIKA KRIEGER
Angelika Krieger is thrilled about the great leisure opportunities that Kuopio has to offer and appreciates the many investments that are being made in the city for the benefit of its residents. Kuopio really strives to be the Capital of Good Life!
The community is very nice and childfriendly. It’s great that Kuopio is overall very safe. We appreciate the unspoiled nature. Finns have a very friendly attitude and are very welcoming to children. We really enjoy culinary experiences, and the restaurants here often have a whole area for children to play in. That is unique compared to other countries.
I’m also very intrigued by the Finnish culture. Even though we haven’t spent much time in Finland yet, I’ve already learned a lot about Finnish history.
The leisure options are excellent. My husband, our son and I love the outdoors. There are many things we’ve already enjoyed, such as swimming in the lakes in summer and going mountain biking through the forests.
There are also lots of things we’re very much looking forward to, such as crosscountry skiing in the winter once Lake Kallavesi freezes over. We also enjoy hiking and therefore highly appreciate the pristine Finnish nature.
We’ve had lots of memorable experiences so far. Our favourite bike route makes a loop around the southern part of Lake Kallavesi. The scenery
along the way is beautiful and the ferry crossing at Puutossalmi is a nice highlight every time.
As for our son, he loves the Moomin Ice Cave and the Kuopio Animal Park in Vehmasmäki. And we look forward to discovering the sports activities that KuopioTahko has to offer yearround.
I believe that Finland is on the bucket list for many people as a destination to travel to. It’s worth visiting, and I hope more people will discover Finland as a hidden gem. And personally, I’d like to learn more about the Finnish "sisu".
Kuopio actively invests in sister city activities, and collaboration is now more valuable than ever. In recent years, the city of Kuopio has particularly focused on the Nordic network with Jönköping in Sweden, Bodø in Norway, and Svendborg in Denmark. The core of Nordic cooperation lies in shared values: freedom of speech, democracy, equality, responsibility, and sustainability.TEXT ANNIKA PARKKONEN | PHOTOS ADOBE STOCK
"At the moment, the aim is to particularly strengthen various aspects of residents' wellbeing and different areas of sustainable development," says Pirjo Kolari, the contact person for Kuopio City's sister city activities. "At the core are, for instance, the wellbeing and involvement of children and youth, expertise and business, as well as arts and culture."
For a long time, culture and youth exchanges, as well as language courses, have been in a central position. Nowadays, there is a desire to involve young people more in planning and communication as well. This has been implemented in practice, for example, through the produc
tion of videos and social media content.” Meeting people and getting to know other cultures has always been the starting point for collaboration.
The history of sister city activities dates back over 80 years.
Nowadays, there are more opportunities than before, for example, with the advent of video calls," adds Johanna Liukkonen, responsible for Nordic cooperation.
The history of sister city activities dates back over 80 years when a co
operation agreement was made with Jönköping during the Winter War in 1940. 'The goal from the beginning has been to create a connection between citizens. It is important to us that we together defend Western democracy and the welfare state,' summarizes Kirsi Soininen, the marketing director of the city of Kuopio.
In recent years, Kuopio has strengthened collaboration not only with the Nordic countries but also with Minneapolis in the United States. The cities visited each other in 2023, celebrating 50 years of ongoing sister city activities.
The water connects us. It feeds, serves and binds our industries, social systems and wellbeing. As we look out from our beautiful Kuopio region, our minds gravitate towards great friends with similar values. I’m talking about the Nordic cities of Svendborg (Denmark), Bodø (Norway) and Jönköping (Sweden).
In Kuopio we understand that the richness of diverse culture, experience and expertise, comes from building bridges between similarminded regions. Not only does that allow us to reflect our own unique perspectives into the mix, but it helps us project our common Nordic perspectives on equality and trust out to the wider world.
ing themes of wellbeing, sustainable development and expert collabora tion. So lets dive below the surface.
There is much to learn from our Nordic friends.
Lets start with Svendborg. Did you know that for several years they have been piloting the transfer of blood samples and medical supplies on the island of Fyn between Odense, Svendborg and Ærø? That has re quired collaborations between the University of Southern Denmark, the Odense drone ecosystem, hospitals and healthcare authorities, traffic management and emergency services commercial entities (Falck).
we have in the Kuopio region that we could offer, and how could we benefit from learning from Bodø’s sustainable infrastructure projects?
This allows us to tap into global spheres of business, technology, science and culture. By combining Kuopio’s blossoming capabilities with our Nordic sister cities, we open up our North Savo welcoming arms to greater opportunity.
There is much to learn from our Nordic friends, and much we can contribute to, especially in the converg
Lets reflect on that. What type of benefits could Kuopio achieve from similar approaches? Combining robotics, AI and organisations of all types to solve distributed healthcare challenges. And maybe add on a few extra services. Those drones could be scheduled for multiple purposes. What kind of adjacent innovation would projects like this drive in the Kuopio region?
Now lets fly northwest to the beautiful city of Bodø, European Capital of Culture in 2024. Up here they
Next stop is a historic trading centre, the great city of Jönköping, nestled on the southern shores of Vättern. Here, fine foods mix with centuries of industrial and social evolution, taking advantage of both it’s local diverse culture, and also it’s proximity to the east, west and south of Sweden.
Now we are back in Kuopio region. By building on collaborations with our Nordic sister cities, we can help accelerate our sustainable agendas, promote wellbeing, and maybe do a little business too!
Patrick Halford Kuopio entrepreneur, speaker & author
Cooperation is what fuels the construction of the future district and creates impact. We are seeing greater achievements in Savilahti than any of the partners could produce on their own. The idea is to further enhance these joint efforts.
TEXT MINNA AKIOLA PHOTOS VICENTE SERRA, AKSELI MURAJA, TIINA KILVENSALMI AND OHMIO
The purpose of the community art piece is to highlight the joy created by collaboration and working together as a group, serving as a reminder for future students, scientists, and city residents of what can be achieved through teamwork.
One example of the communal spirit and experimental approach in Savilahti is the ongoing robot bus pilot, which would not have been possible were it not for the excellent cooperation between the City of Kuopio and the University of Eastern Finland, the University Properties of Finland and KPY Novapolis, as the robot bus will run through their properties. Furthermore, at Savo Vocational College in the region, training for safety drivers of robot buses has been launched.
“Not only is the robot bus pilot an experiment with new technology, but it’s also a feat
a joint demonstration of capabilities by stakeholders in the Savilahti area and an excellent example of the expertise cluster's ability to adopt new innovations.
of strength from the group of partners based in Savilahti. The city can only do so much, but when you include the entire community of Savilahti, we can achieve a lot more together,” says Retu Ylinen, Development Specialist at the City of Kuopio.
Business Stage, a new event organized in Savilahti, brought together companies, educational institutions and others in the area to talk about
concrete measures that could be taken to promote communality in Savilahti and the things they believe would facilitate their wellbeing and success. One of the ideas that came up was the need for more extensive networking and a way to compile the various operations together.
“Whether it’s art, events, technology or something else, we need concrete things to build communality and interesting content. We want to write the common story of Savilahti through these concrete steps forward,” says Ylinen.
The discussions at Business Stage made it clear that the entire community hopes to apply skills and knowledge in practice even more efficiently. For example, if the community is
presented with a problem to address – related to, say, health, wellbeing or climate challenges – their combined skills and knowledge can help address the issue. However, the participants acknowledged that a business community is never ready, but there is a constant need for development.
Things in Savilahti also have a deeper meaning. Known as “Valon kaava”, or “Concept of Light”, the lighting, design, culture and arts programme in the district is not just about creating art, but memorable experiences and communality through art and light. Similarly, the Valosali Bridge in Savi
lahti is not just a bridge. It not only serves motorists, but also pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport, forming a logistical junction that enables the activities of the Savilahti community.
“Design and art elements have also been incorporated into the bridge through the Concept of Light, for example in its lighting and structure. The pedestrian and bicycle underpass near the university has received a new, cheerful look thanks to an idea that came from the students,” says Development Specialist at the City of Kuopio Eeva Lehtomäki
.
The students had the idea of creating a muraltype painting and they contacted the city, after which the two parties started working on the idea together. Eventually, it became a painting event that involved students from various student organizations.
In the future, we hope to see more events like this and diverse urban culture in Savilahti. The City of Kuopio provides socalled communityboosting event support, which is specifically aimed at Savilahti.
“Through these support elements, we want to help ensure that individual, active people have the tools they need to organize various activities in the area,” says Lehtomäki.
”Design and art elements have also been incorporated into the bridge through the Concept of Light.”
Lehtomäki is pleased to note that this is an excellent example of how a community and its various members can work together. The Concept of Light is not just about an artist creating a piece of art, but a community working together to create content and life in the area.
The painting project did not have a lot of resources to start with, but it still became a big event. An artist was hired by the Concept of Light to design a rough sketch of the painting and the paints were donated by a sponsor. With its bright and cheerful colours, the underpass is now a delightful, welcoming sight for everyone travelling in the area.
“An environment that creates memorable experiences also serves as a meeting place. If we make the environment more stimulating and get people moving, we can facilitate encounters between different groups,” says Ylinen.
Bellanranta serves as the setting for the Art Park, which creates memorable experiences through art. The park and its works of art have been produced in collaboration by the artist and the entrepreneur.
Back in the early 2000s, one of the partners of the tourism destination Bella Lake Resort, business owner Raimo Sonninen had a vision of a great, golden swan that would catch people’s eye as they drive along the motorway. But nothing became of the idea back then and the thought was left to brew for many years, until Sonninen came across the drafts for the piece in his archives a few years ago. With newfound enthusiasm, he started working on a swan over six metres tall for the Art Park in Bellanranta in cooperation with artist Pekka Jylhä
“I thought I never get excited about anything but boats, but this project has swept me away,” says Sonninen with a laugh.
Sonninen’s idea of a golden swan was initially inspired by the golden
“I thought I never get excited about anything but boats.”
deer sculpture which is designed by Jylhä and located in Siilinjärvi. However, sculptures these days are usually made with polished stainless steel rather than a gold finish, since steel will always stay shiny. That is why it was also chosen as the material for the Swan sculpture.
Sonninen envisioned the Swan as a crowdpuller of Bella Lake Resort. The terrain, plantings and trails of the Art Park are all part of the piece.
Jylhä, the artist, also had a previous design for a fivepart piece depicting flying swans, and this was incorporated in the artwork.
“The lighting and design brought it to life and create an impression of a swan taking flight,” says Sonninen.
Jylhä took his time designing and drafting all the elements of the piece. Amending the city plan also took some time, which Sonninen believes was a good thing. Art is something that needs to be brewed in your mind for a while, just like boat designs.
“First you create one draft and then you let the idea mature in your head. You cannot complete a piece of art in one sitting,” says Sonninen.
The opening ceremony of the Art Park will take place in late spring once the garden starts to bloom.
Success stories emerge from places where they have room to grow. The attitude of Kuopio’s residents is built on courage, persistence and, above all, collaboration.
A POPULATION OF RESIDENTS
124,000
200,000
RESIDENTS LIVING IN ITS COMMUTING AREA
8,000
55,000 COMPANIES
JOBS
EMPLOYMENT RATE
71%
No1
THE CITY CENTER OF KUOPIO IS THE LIVELIEST IN FINLAND
TOP 2
RECOMMEND LOCATION FOR COMPANIES AMONG LARGE CITIES IN FINLAND
200
EXPORT COMPANIES
300
IMPORT COMPANIES
NATIONAL AGREEMENT
IN HEALTH AND WELLBEING ECOSYSTEM AND WATER CLUSTER
Kuopio is the center of Eastern Finland – the Capital of Lakeland – and one of the most dynamic cities when it comes to residential development, attractiveness, job opportunities and population growth.
THE 8TH LARGEST CITY IN FINLAND
A POPULATION OF
124,000
THE CITY CENTER OF KUOPIO IS THE LIVELIEST IN FINLAND
KUOPIO IS KNOWN FOR
THE MARKET SQUARE, PUIJO AND TAHKO
112 STUDENTS
DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES
OVER 2
MILLION LOANS FROM LIBRARIES
OVER
200
SURROUNDED BY OVER
100
RESIDENTS LAKES
THE IMAGE OF KUOPIO
THE 2ND MOST POSITIVE (AMONG FINNISH CITIES)
25,000 ANNUAL VISITORS IN MUSEUMS
72
MUSEUMS
47
& THEATERS
IN NORTHERN SAVO
129,000 EVENTS
THE LARGEST NATIONAL CITY PARK WITH A SURFACE AREA OF
7,200
MILLION SQUARE METRE
Winnipeg
Stockholm
Copenhagen
London
Minneapolis 12 h 16h 2 h 3 h 4 h
New York
Paris
Milan
Barcelona
Madrid
Vienna
Zagreb
Rome
Tallinn
Minsk
Kiev
Budapest
Bukarest
Kuopio will turn 250 years on 17 November 2025. We celebrate the anniversary for an entire year, starting from November 2024. Participate in the program at kuopio250.fi
