WHERE GIANTS TREAD
Stone Age ea r’s Head’ weap‘B on
One of Paltamo’s mo st unique prehistoric finds is a we apon sculpted to resemble a bear’ s head. Jarkko Leinonen, the maste r of Autioniemi farm located in the village of Uura, found the weap on in his fields in 1938. One end of the soapstone weapon clearly de picts a bear ’s head and it was used as a ritual object. The bear’s he ad weapon is an exhibit in the care of the National Museum of Finland.
Tall people Pitkä-Taneli Daniel Cajanus (2.475 metres tall) was born in Paltamo in 1703. Known and respected as the Tall Finn, Pitkä-Taneli (Tall-Taneli) worked in several European circuses. In 1749, Cajanus died a relatively rich man at the age of 46, in Holland. Daniel Cajanus’ sister Anna Cajanus, who was 2.20 metres tall, travelled to Holland to claim her inheritance.
Moilas Lauri Lauri Moilanen (2.463 metres tall) was born in Puolanka, the rural parish next to Paltamo, in 1886. At the age of four he moved to America with his family. Moilas Lauri also worked briefly in a circus. This Finnish giant died young, as excessively tall people often did, in 1913.
Väinö Myllyrinne Väinö Johannes Myllyrinne (2.46-2.514 metres tall) was born in Helsinki in 1909. His mother was originally from Paltamo. Myllyrinne toured Europe in a circus and as a professional wrestler. He died at an exceptionally old age for a very tall person, at the age of 54, in Järvenpää in 1963.
Talas-Eera A popular local figure, Erik Karppinen, known as Talas-Eera (1859-1903), was a big, strong man. This peaceful and wellliked man of Kainuu worked as a market policeman in Kajaani. His older stepbrothers were pirates who sailed Lake Oulujärvi in the 1860s. Talas-Eera was laid to rest in the old Paltaniemi graveyard of the then parish of Paltamo, located in Kajaani.
PALTAMO WHERE GIANTS TREAD Tales recounting the giants of Paltamo and the area around Lake Oulujärvi are a mixture of truth and fiction. At least, it is true that five of the ten tallest men in the world were European and of that five, three were from Finland. The roots of all three men stretch all the way to their home municipality: Paltamo.
Mythical Kaleva
Kristfrid Ganander’s (1741-1790) Mythologia Fennica (1789) mentions the formidable and powerful giant, Kaleva. Kaleva was the father of 12 boys. It is believed that Väinämöinen and the smith, Ilmarinen, were Kaleva’s sons. They lived in their father’s home village: Paltamo.
Models for granite men
The story goes that the Lantern Carriers sculpture, which guards Helsinki railway station, is made from granite quarried in Mieslahti, Paltamo and according to another tale of lore the model for the Lantern Carriers was one Adolf Keränen of Mieslahti in Paltamo.
The giant lives!
The Paltamo based artist Jukka Laukkanen created our giant, the kid brother of Helsinki railway station’s Lantern Carriers. This little brother did not go south to look for work like his brothers, but remained in his home district of Paltamo. The tar boats cradled in the giant’s hands were previously known as ‘Paltamos’. These tar boats also decorate the municipality of Paltamo’s coat of arms.
Paltamo Bridge as seen from the main highway 22.
PALTAMO IN A NUTSHELL The administrative centre of the municipality of Paltamo is located in the village and central church parish of Paltamo. Here you will find supermarkets and several specialist businesses offering flexible local services. In addition, the health centre, library and schools are all within a short walking distance of each other.
Distances
Kajaani............................37 km Vartius............................112 km Oulu.................................143 km Kuopio......................... 206 km Joensuu.................... 250 km Rovaniemi...............300 km Jyväskylä.................. 344 km Helsinki....................... 588 km
There are several daily train services to the south and north. You can also catch express trains, either from Kontiomäki or Paltamo.
KONTIOMÄKI INTERCHANGE Kontiomäki used to be the most important interchange in Finland, with tracks going in five different directions. Even today, the interchange is still busy due to public transport, the timber terminal and transport from Russia. Cheap building land and the short distance to Kajaani are attracting new customers from neighbouring districts.
Öljymäki (Oil Hill) is a popular place to break your journey A popular place to break your journey, the Kontiomäki Shell service station, is located right by highway 5. This business hub, also playfully known as Öljymäki ‘Oil Hill’, includes not only shop and restaurant services but also sells an excellent selection of fishing tackle, equipment for outdoor pursuits, as well as offering a food, book and souvenir shop.
Distances from Kontiomäki Kajaani.............................21 km Vuokatti..........................26 km Paltamo..........................18 km Venäjä........................... 100 km
LAKE OULUJÄRVI AND ITS ISLANDS
The brigan of Kives ds
In the 1800s, a band of brigands notorious for steali ng tar, food and grain, roamed Paltamo. They were known as the Kives brigands because the y terrorised the tar workers in the environs of Lakes Kivesjärvi, from which the name was coine d, as well as Lake Oulujärvi. As far is known, they were the on ly pirates to have sailed the inl and freshwater lakes of Finland.
The birth of e Isle of Manamth salo and Lake Kivan esjärvi
The story goes tha t a giant created Lake Kivesjärvi and the Isle of Manamansalo by turning the ground with a massive manure fork in the area of Lake Kivesjärvi and then threw the fork into the middle of Lake Oulujärvi. A smidg eon of truth lies in this tale, since the Isle of Manamansalo is the sam e shape as Kivesjärvi which has “th ree score and seven islands” and likewise Manamansalo is said to ha ve “three score and seven ponds”.
The waves of Lake Oulujärvi break on the shores and beaches of the municipalities of Kajaani, Paltamo and Vaala, and it is known as the ‘Sea of Kainuu’ for good reason. Lake Oulujärvi is the fifth largest lake in Finland, with an average area of 887 km2 and a mean depth of 7 metres. It is located on the borders of two different landscapes: to the east of the lake tower the rolling hills of Kainuu. To the west, lie the great bogs and marshes of Vaala and the flatlands of Ostrobothnia. Most of the lake’s 650 islands are adjacent to Paltamo. Lake Oulujärvi is particularly well-stocked with fish. The most abundant fish species are vendace, perch, pikeperch, lake Even the most demanding of visitors will be charmed trout, pike, whitefish and a local variety of smelt. by the beauty, gigantic proportions and mysteriousness Every year, 150 bird species nest in and around of Lake Oulujärvi. Lake Oulujärvi.
Fishing is still a popular leisure pursuit.
Numerous tracks, paths and outdoor shelters on the islands, in the forests and on the riverbanks, are available for the use of everyone engaged in outdoor recreation.
Manly place
Paltamo has some names hil names! The word ‘kiv arious place es’ means testicle and it appears in names such as Lake Kivesjärvi, Kivesvaara (Testicle Hill), Kiveslah ti (Testicle Bay), Kiveskylä (Testicle Village). The word ‘mies’ means ‘man’ and it appears in the name s Miesjärvi and Mieslahti (Man Lak e an This manly swagge d Man Bay). r is if Pieni-Melanen an heightened d Iso-Melanen (Big Titchy Cock an d Little Titchy Cock) are added to the list as well as the group of three islands known as Mulkkusaaret in Lake Oulujärvi, which cheerfully tra nslates as the ‘Dick Isles’.
NATURE’S SWEET EMBRACE
The lure of lush green natural surroundings, as well as sunlit and frost-free hills for cultivation attracted Kainuu’s first inhabitants to settle in Paltamo. On Kiehimänvaara Hill stands a memorial commemorating Kainuu’s first settlers. It was inaugurated in 1952; 400 years after settlers from Savo first stood in the Lake Oulujärvi wilderness. Farming is still a local livelihood and there are many opportunities for equestrian activities: the area has several riding and harness racing stables as well as companies offering trekking on horseback.
FEEL THE THRILL OF THE HILLS
Climb to the summit…
…and enter the lan d of giants, the mysterious world of earth spirits, to be borne by the wi nd and powers of nature to where the stars shine and the Northern Lights shimmer. The Giant ’s Land Ad venture Centre is the party and fun ction facility of your dreams locate d just that bit closer to the heav ens. Giant ’s Land offers unforgettable accommodation with fabulous views , genuinely good home cooking and delicious homemade bakery produ cts and pastries, not to mention sce nic sauna and nature watching progra mme services.
Visitors will surely be thrilled by Paltamo’s fabulous forest and forested hill landscapes. In the area between River Kiehimäjoki and Lake Kivesjärvi tower the high hills of Paltamo, such as the Hills of Kivesvaara, Myhkyrinvaara and Varsavaara. Behold the giants’ very own playground, where among the thick cover of the spruce forests and hills, even giants play can hideand-seek. The Kivesvaara hiking area, chosen Hiking Location of the Year in 2015, starts from the top of Kivesvaara Hill. The hiking routes include information boards describing the flora and fauna of the area and there are bird boxes for 400 different species of bird along the way. There is a viewing platform at the top of the hill which marks the starting point of the hiking routes and the neighbouring Kota (tepee shaped shelter) is available for the use of all visitors alike.
Yölinnunkuru (Night Bird Gorge) is a 51-hectare nature destination of special scientific interest with species typical of old untouched forests. The name ‘Night Bird’ probably refers to the eagle owl which is known to have nested in the area. Kivesvaara Hill’s Pahalouhos (Quarry of Evil) consists of lush undergrowth, steep slopes and sturdy old hill spruce trees interspersed with numerous aspen and birch trees of considerable size.
Meet Näpp , our golf giais nt
Finland’s most fam ous amateur golf player comes from Paltamo and plays on his local golf co urse every day. Forestry worker Näpp is Leinonen has achieved an almos t cult-like status among Finnish am ateur golfers. Näppis fell for the spor t at the beginning of the ‘80s and ha s played or trained every single day for more than 20 years. In the autumn and spring, he uses the fields of his property and a magnificent field of snow for pra ctising his drives and shots. In the 20 08 season, Näppis toured all the golf co urses in Finland. To date, no one else in Finland has been able to do the sam e.
GOLF ON THE SHORE OF LAKE OULUJÄRVI Paltamo Golf Course, which was also voted Finland’s most beautiful golf course, and scenic restaurant, Paltamon Sydän (Heart of Paltamo) are located near the village itself in Metelinniemi. The Meteli area includes a marina with boat refuelling and septic tank maintenance facilities as well as electricity for overnighters. The Metelinniemi area also offers holiday-homes for rent and a 50-space motorhome/caravan park with a lake view. Visitors can also enjoy the sandy beach, disc golf course and use the slipways/ boat ramps. Paltamo Marina has facilities for boat refuelling and emptying septic tanks, and you can dine in the scenic restaurant. It also includes electricity points for overnight stays, with showers and saunas available downstairs in Paltamon Sydän’s sauna department.
ROOM TO LIVE AND BREATHE
Paltamo boasts several good places to live on a permanent basis or in temporary holiday accommodation. There are building plots available close to the golf course on the scenic shores of Lake Oulujärvi. You can even have your own business within the confines of your yard or garden because large plots permitting an extensive amount of building are also available. As well as private housing, Paltamo offers rented accommodation of different types and sizes, such as terraced housing and small flats, both in Kontiomäki and the village of Paltamo itself.
A spiritual giant: the poet Eino Leino
In 1878, one of Finlan d’s most significant writers, Ein o Leino, was born on the shore s of Lake Oulujärvi in Hövelö, Pa ltaniemi the then centre of the rural parish of Paltamo. Later Palta niemi became part of the City of Kajaani. Leino often stopped in Kainuu during his travels and the hilly landscape of Paltamo, Lake Kiv esjärvi and Oulujärvi are reflect ed in his work.
For the first half of the 19th century, Kainuu College schooled the young uneducated country folk of Kainuu. They did not come to the college to learn a trade but to gain necessary life skills and knowledge. Today Kainuu College is a folk high school and training centre offering general education and professional training.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE Families with children can thrive in Paltamo. The village provides education from pre-school to high school, all under the same roof in a modern education centre. Paltamo Open College is responsible for open education and its extensive range of courses provides the municipality’s citizens with excellent opportunities for training and recreation.
Tapani Homanen’s environmental work of art, Tervahanhet (Tar Geese)
Summer Theatre
Eino Leino Park
Kanerva Meteli Seis (Stop that Noise)
Kanerva
EVENTS ALL SUMMER LONG The smelt carnival in May, then the Paltamo-päivät and Eino Leino festivals in July, Meteli soi music festival in August… Fishing competitions, the most well-known of them being the Kuhakunkku Pikeperch King and many smaller events, get people moving. After a summer theatre performance, pop into the past and take a look at some old toys and a collection of plaster cast statues exhibited in Kanerva House.
Hakasuo Mill
Kuhakunkku, Pikeperch King Competition
Kainuu’s First Settlers Memorial
Eino Leino statue
Summer café, Jokivarren Marion (Riverside Marion) Local History Museum
NATURAL LEISURE PURSUITS Recreational pursuits in this area have an intense connection with nature and they vary according to the season. Thanks to some very active work by clubs and associations, there are supervised recreational activities to suit everyone and people of all ages.
Golf
Paltamo Golf course is located in magnificent natural surroundings where rocks, small forests and the shoreline have determined how the fairways are situated. This fully sized 18-hole golf course is designed to challenge even the most skilful of golfers, but it is also easy enough for beginners. High standard year-round accommodation is available near the golf course. www.paltamogolf.fi
Disc golf
There are two disc golf courses: one near Paltamon Sydän, the scenic restaurant in Metelinniemi and the other is located in the centre of the village www.paltamo.fi
Hiking and excursions
Within the municipality, there are hiking routes of different lengths ranging from a few kilometres near the villages to the UKK route in the eastern part of the municipality. The Kivesvaara hiking area with its viewing platform is popular with day trippers and hikers. It is easy to get to know the region’s history and nature along the signposted and guided nature trails. www.paltamo.fi
Excursions and off-road biking
There are plenty of peaceful forestry roads, snow mobile tracks and marked off-road biking trails around Lake Oulujärvi, among others. www.oulujärvi.fi
Berry and mushroom picking
The natural surroundings of Paltamo offer the chance to enjoy nature’s gifts. According to the freedom to roam known as everyman’s rights, anyone can freely pick berries or mushrooms.
Hunting and fishing
Those interested in game will find that Paltamo has extensive hunting grounds. Lake Oulujärvi is famous among the trolling community. In the winter, locals fish through a hole in the ice either with a light fishing rod or using nets, as the ice allows, from January to April. A must for Fly fishermen is River Kongasjoki which flows towards the west of Paltamo along the top and end of Lake Kivesjärvi. This waterway is traditionally known to be a migratory fish waterway that flows into Lake Oulujärvi. River Varisjoki, which flows out of Lake Kivesjärvi, is an outflow river for this route and the most significant trout river flowing unrestricted into Lake Oulujärvi. www.kalallakainuussa.fi
Snow mobile excursions
From Paltamo, it is possible to go all the way to the Arctic Ocean by snow mobile if you so wish! Snow mobile tracks and trails going in all four directions of the compass start from the centre of the village. The winters of Kainuu’s hill areas favour this activity. The region’s entrepreneurs rent out snow mobiles and organise supervised safaris which initiate visitors into the secrets of snowmobiling safely. www.infokartta.fi
Indoor exercise
Paltamo gym and the sports halls of the village schools offer great exercise facilities. The open college, clubs and associations organise supervised indoor exercise from floorball to keep-fit boxing. www.paltamo.fi
Boating and canoeing
Metelinniemi marina has electricity and water supplies for boats and facilities for emptying septic tanks and refuelling. If the weather permits, take a day trip on Lake Oulujärvi to Mulkkusaari Islands. There is a shelter, a place for a camp fire and a supply of firewood ready for campers on the island. It is possible to spend several days boating or canoeing around the islands and overnighting in the shelters provided on the islands. Why not choose Manamansalo Island as your destination and overnight in the camp site there? The City of Kajaani is also a popular destination with boating visitors. www.oulujärvi.fi
Licenses and permits
Ask for information about licenses and permits at information centres or inquire with local entrepreneurs. Hunting, fishing and off-road transport licenses as well as other licenses/permits are sold by Metsähallitus (Finnish Forests and National Parks) customer service points. www.villipohjola.fi
Bird watching
Thanks to Lake Oulujärvi, Paltamo is a resting place for migrating birds and is thus popular with birders. There are ample numbers of birds all the year round, also outside the migration seasons.
Horse riding excursions and treks
Local entrepreneurs organise supervised trekking excursions on horseback and safaris all the year round. The length of excursion varies from two hours to several days. In addition to trekking, bridle-led riding, sleigh rides, camps and social pedagogical equestrian activities are also offered. www.paltamo.fi
Cross-country skiing
Paltamo has many well maintained ski tracks and some of them are flood-lit. When the lakes freeze over, skiing on the ice is also popular. In Paltamo, it is possible to access maintained ski tracks on lake-ice at several points when the ice situation permits. www. paltamo.fi
To the slopes!
It is only a half an hour journey to the nearest downhill ski resort in Vuokatti. The resorts of Ukkohalla and Paljakka are also just an hour away.
Downhill sledging
Hiihtomaa (Ski Land) and Pulkkamäki (Sledge Hill) are located in the centre of the village of Paltamo, where you can enjoy thrills and spills of the slopes, all for free! www.paltamo.fi
Ice sports
For those interested in ice sports, there is a natural ice rink, outdoor ice and an outdoor ice skating rink. www.paltamo.fi
Autumn morning, Kiehimänvaara Hill
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Leaflet design: Jukka Laukkanen & his team. Photos: Veli-Matti Oikarinen, Jukka Laukkanen, Samppa Homanen, Tiia Kuisma, Arto Laurikainen, Noora Sandgren, Saska Laukkanen, Eeva Käyhkö, Lotta Leinonen, Tuula Korvajärvi, Petri Möttönen, Paltamon Urheilijat. Drawings: Jukka Laukkanen.