Northern Savo Lakeland Product Manual 2020

Product Manual

PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI

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Breathe fresh air, walk in our pure nature, feel the serenity of our ancient forests, swim in our thousands of lakes, find out the secret of our sacred sauna.

See the cycle of the year, discover every season.

Find your own piece of lake and peace of mind.

Welcome to Northern Savo

Lakeland

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PHOTO: WILLE MARKKANEN

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CONTENTS FINDING • • • • • • • • • • •

Fly fishing in the footsteps of national author Juhani Aho Hunting wild vegetables and horta at Sahala Estate Self-guided kayaking tour in Southern Konnevesi National Park Day at the Alahovi Berry Wine Farm Discover the magnificent Puijo Tower Enjoy special experiences by fishing and bathing at Lumberjack’s Lodge Tasting Kuopio – sightseeing tour Distillery tour and dinner at Merchant’s Manor In a merchant’s footsteps: guided tour with lunch at Koivumäki Manor Scenic mountain bike tour at Tahko Dive into the cultural history of Kuopio

JOY • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

pages 28-33

The charm of the summer night, a 3-hour paddling trip in Southern Konnevesi National Park Open-fire dinner and traditional Finnish smoke sauna Decorate your own memento with local artist Smoke sauna of Hankaniemi elf and manor house dinner menu The world’s one and only Moomin ice cave A winter evening’s skiing excursion in Tahko’s scenery SUP trip on blue waves Bake your own traditional Savonian bread

PEACE • • • • • • • • •

pages 18-27

Grilling and chilling by the lake and enjoying traditional Finnish smoke sauna Enjoy the ride on nature’s own roller coaster!

Salmon angling – catch the prey and prepare it with our staff!

Savonian afterski at legendary Pehku Adventure in the deep shadows of the forest Three-course Kabiini dinner menu with panoramic views on top of Tahko Expert-guided lakeshore fishing trip Learn to paddle in the great outdoors Relaxing day of paddling at Tahko Explore nature by e-fat biking at Tahko Playful bowling competition at Tahko Bowling Row, row, row your church boat!

Conquering Kalajanvuori – A 4-hour hike in Southern Konnevesi National Park Tahko ski resort & Ski School

MAGIC • • • • • • • •

pages 10-17

pages 34-39

Minna’s boat trip Unique dining in the Byzantine hall and a visit to the Orthodox church Kuopion Saana – Finnish sauna paradise Hiking tour in the beautiful nature conservation area at Tahko Find inner peace in untouched nature Lake activities at Sahala Estate Public sauna evenings in a traditional Finnish smoke sauna at Jätkänkämppä in Rauhalahti Ice fishing trip – invigorating winter fishing Guided fishing trip on the Synne ferry

ACCOMMODATION .................................................................. pages 40-51 ITINERARY EXAMPLES ............................................................. pages 52-55 OUTDOOR ETIQUETTE ................................................................... page 58 FISHING PERMITS ........................................................................... page 59

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TEAM Sari Hyttinen

Elina Välkky

Teija Neuvonen

Tiina Kuosmanen

Project Manager +358 207 464 652 sari.hyttinen@savogrow.fi

Senior Advisor +358 207 464 653 teija.neuvonen@savogrow.fi

Project worker +358 207 464 615 elina.valkky@savogrow.fi

Project Coordinator, Savonia +358 44 785 6097 tiina.kuosmanen@savonia.fi

Sofia Tenhunen

Publicist +358 207 464 654 sofia.tenhunen@savogrow.fi

DMCs in Northern Savo Lakeland GreenEscape Oy

Dr. Parvathy Venugopal CEO, Product Development +358 407 508 009 parvathy@greenescape.fi info@greenescape.fi greenescape.fi

Wild Nordic Finland / Villi Pohjola Oy Ms. Anu Kärnä International Sales & Marketing/Lakeland lakeland@wildnordic.fi +358 40 565 8371

General info / Details of tours Commission for tour operators: Kindly contact the provider with regards to commission. The prices are valid in 2020-2021. For bigger groups and for more information, please contact the providers. We reserve the right to all changes.

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A Tokyo

10.5 h

G Paris

3h

B Beijing

9h

H London

3h

C Singapore 12 h

I Stockholm

1h

D Seoul

9.5 h

J St. Petersburg

1h

E Delhi

7h

K Frankfurt

2.5 h

L Rome

3.5 h

F New York 8 h

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HOW TO GET AROUND

FINLAND

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Northern Savo is a unique, easy-to-reach destination during all seasons.

Our region is known for its joyful activities, vibrant events, rich culture and friendly hospitality. Here you can experience nature and city life - all spiced with Savonian humour and a lively attitude.

KUOPIO

HELSINKI

HOW TO REACH FROM HELSINKI

ACCOMMODATION CAPACITY (BEDS)

• 1-hour flight. Seven daily flights.

• 4 hours by train • 4.5 hours by car

• Kuopio: 4,100 beds • Tahko: 8,600 beds • North Savo Region (Pohjois-Savo): 15,000 beds

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Railway station in Sukeva

Railway station

Ski Resort

Capital of North Savo • Airport • Railway station

Railway station

TRANSPORTATION • Flights: Finnair / www.finnair.com/en • Trains: VR / www.vr.fi/cs/vr/en/frontpage 9

FINDING

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FINDING FLY FISHING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF NATIONAL AUTHOR JUHANI AHO

HUNTING WILD VEGETABLES AND HORTA AT SAHALA ESTATE

In the late 19th century, the first professional Finnish author and local son Juhani Aho used to fish in the magnificent surroundings of Jyrkkä in Sonkajärvi – when he had time to spare from courting the daughter of the ironworks’ director. The powerful Jyrkänkoski rapids flow through the historic milieu of Jyrkkä ironworks.

Wild vegetables are very healthy, delicious when properly cooked and free for everyone. Horta is local food, basically wild herbs that only have to travel very short distances from nature to the plate, and with just a modest effort.

Today, the members of Juhani Ahon Perhokerho (“Juhani Aho fly fishing club”) continue to be engaged in the author’s dear hobby. They are set out to ensure that you will remember more of your day here than just the fishing and the terrace of Ruukin Tupa.

The guides will introduce you to the art of fly fishing with the mighty roar of the rapids in the background. Hopefully we will catch some of Jyrkkä’s famous trout or some delicious perch.

Duration: Approx. 4–6 hours Location/Starting point: Ruukin Tupa, Jyrkäntie 1881, 74380 Jyrkkä Group size: 4–8 persons Availability: 1 April–30 August 2021 upon request Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €99/person + fishing license What’s included? Fishing guide service, use of the equipment and picnic lunch How to get there: Arrival by own car or a pick-up service available on order. The nearest railway stations are in Sukeva (about 20 km away) and Kuopio (about 120 km away). The taxi connection from Sukeva to Jyrkkä takes about half an hour. The nearest airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Supplements: • Fly tying course €50/person • Fish soup with rye bread €15/person • Wood heated sauna and hot tub by the lakeside €200/group of 5-15 persons, incl. use of towels.

• Accommodation available in our log cabins. Cabin prices €100-€250/ night, sheets €13/person, final cleaning €100 (optionally, the guests can bring their own bedlinen and do the final cleaning themselves).

Bookings and enquiries: +358 50 353 1897, jauhiainenhenri@gmail.com

We all have a huge treasure trove of natural food available in nearby forests, meadows, beaches, swamps, fields, field boundaries and our own backyards. Horticulture helps us become part of nature, expands our awareness of the many beneficial effects of freely grown plants, revitalises our minds, cares for our brains and helps us maintain our energy and health.

During this programme, we collect horta to take home with us, guided by an instructor from a carbon-positive environmentally sustainable farm who tells us about the plants and their uses as we go along.

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A huge treasure trove of natural food Duration: Approx. 4 hours Location/Starting point: Sahala Estate, Rautalampi Group size: Min. 2 persons Availability: May–September Guiding languages: Finnish, English, Russian Price: €80/person What’s included? A guided tour to the wild nature and horta hunting, organic lunch and herbal sauna at Sahala Estate.

Supplements: A night’s stay can be arranged on request.

How to get there: The nearest railway station is in Suonenjoki (about 23 km away). A taxi ride from Suonenjoki to Rautalampi takes 20 minutes.

A drive from Kuopio airport takes about 1 hour.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Sahala Herbs, info@sahalaherbs.fi, +358 40 838 5599

FINDING | 11

FINDING SELF-GUIDED KAYAKING TOUR IN SOUTHERN KONNEVESI NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy the peacefulness of the national park, admire the lichen-covered rocky shores and rugged cliffs while experiencing the waterways with your group and advancing at your own pace. This perfect independent tour includes everything you need for a memorable nature experience on the beautiful waters of Southern Konnevesi National Park.

The route follows narrow straits and small bays around the island of Saukkosaari, in the south-eastern corner of the national park. During the trip, you get to paddle under the hanging cliff of Saukkosaari and go greet the rugged faces on the cliffside, Käpynä-Ukko and Käpynä-Akka, who watch over the peace of the national park.

The trip is well-suited for less experienced paddlers, because the route takes you on peaceful waterways, staying close to shore, but offers enough to see and experience even for a seasoned paddler. The route does not feature rivers to navigate or extensive water bodies to cross. It can be travelled in single or double kayaks or canoes. A rowing boat can be used as well, only with a slight route modification.

The basic route features approximately 5 km of paddling and takes 3–4 hours depending on your paddling speed and duration of breaks.

There is no campsite along the route, and when getting ashore, you should adhere to “Everyman’s Rights” that are in effect in Finland (for more information about these rights, see www.nationalparks.fi/en/everymansright).

The route can be extended to include a visit to Kaituri lean-to, which increases the length to approximately 14 km and the paddling time to 5–6 hours.

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Greet the rugged faces on the cliffside, Käpynä-Ukko and Käpynä-Akka, who watch over the peace of the national park.

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Duration: 3–4 hours / With a visit to Kaituri lean-to, 5–6 hours Location/Starting point: Hanhitaipale Harbour, Satamatie 143, 77700 Rautalampi Group size: 1–4 persons Availability: Available upon agreement, 15 May–31 September 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €40/single kayak (1 participant), €65/double kayak (2 participants), €40/canoe (2-4 participants), €40/rowing boat (1-4 participants). All prices include VAT 24% What’s included? Use of a kayak, canoe or rowing boat and related equipment. Use of paddling vests for paddlers or life jackets for rowers.

Route information, stories about places along the route and instructions for paddlers (delivered as an online link). Weatherproof map, with the route marked. Link to the electronic map (retkikartta.fi/mobile). Use of a trail stove, gas and a coffee pot. Use of a waterproof pouch for mobile phone/car keys, dry bags for gear. Safety gear packed in a dry bag (safety plan, first aid kit, hypothermia bag, backup compass and backup map, drinks and energy bars, matches and a knife).

For an additional fee: Packed lunch and travel utensils, a plate and a mug (€7/person).

Safety: The route is planned to suite even less experienced paddlers, with consideration to safety. The gear used is suitable for beginners and more experienced paddlers alike. If the weather conditions (wind speed over 8 m/s) do not allow safe execution of the trip, you can change the time of the trip without extra charge.

Requirements: The participants must be at least 18 years old. Children under 18 can participate in the company of a guardian. Renters of kayaks or canoes have to know how to swim; those who cannot swim can take the trip with the rowing boat.

How to get there: The distance from Jyväskylä city centre is 112 km and travelling time 1 h 30 min, from Jyväskylä airport 92 km and travelling time 1 h 15 min, from Kuopio city centre 85 km and travelling time 1 h 10 min and from Kuopio airport 100 km and travelling time 1 h 20 min.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: By phone +358 40 553 5975 or email info@kalajaretkeily.fi. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours before the start of the trip.

Additional info: Markku Utriainen / KalajaRetkeily tel. +358 40 553 5975 or info@kalajaretkeily.fi

FINDING DAY AT THE ALAHOVI BERRY WINE FARM

DISCOVER THE MAGNIFICENT PUIJO TOWER

Come and spend a marvellous and palatable day at a wine farm by Lake Kallavesi!

The peak of Puijo Tower pierces the sky at 224 meters above Lake Kallavesi and 306 meters above sea level. Perched on top of the Puijo hill, Puijo Tower stands 75 meters tall and overlooks the surrounding forests, central Kuopio and other city districts and Lake Kallavesi with simply outstanding 360-degree views.

Alahovi Berry Wine Farm is located on the island of Vaajasalo. At Alahovi, you can enjoy a selection of wines and foods at the restaurant or explore the island and take in the beautiful scenery. We offer an “Alahovi cruise” package that includes the cruises from Kuopio harbour to the island and back, a delicious meal on the ship, and wine tasting at the berry wine farm. To make the most of your experience, we heartily recommend you come by ship on beautiful Lake Kallavesi.

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Enjoy a selection of wines and foods at the restaurant or explore the island and take in the beautiful scenery.

Puijo Tower is one of the most popular landmarks in Finland. It stands within Puijo Peak – a nature activity park where the forest, fun and local food come together for unforgettable experiences. Come and try out exciting activities in different seasons, enjoy the world-class cuisine and marvel at the stunning panoramic Lakeland views extending as far as the eye can see from atop the tower in the heart of Kuopio, the culturally rich North Savonian city.

Welcome to explore the staggering views to a beautiful landscape with grand forests and blue lakes!

Entrance fees for individuals (no commission): • Adult €7 • Child 4-16 years €4 • Family ticket (2 adults+2 children 4-16 yrs) €16 • Student €4 • Entrance fee for groups €6/person. Min. group size 15 persons; tour leader and bus driver have free entry Open all year round. Check the opening hours online at www.puijopeak.fi/en

GUIDED TOUR ON PUIJO HILL AND VISIT TO PUIJO TOWER Duration: 4 hours Location/Starting point: Kuopio passenger harbour Group size: Starting from 1 person; for groups of more than 15 people, please ask about availability Availability: June–August from Tuesday to Saturday, also Sundays in July Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €35/person for groups of 15+ people. For smaller groups, €36/adult, €18/child of 5–17 years, and for children under 5 years of age, only a lunch fee of €1/each year of age.

What’s included? The cruises to the island and back / a delicious meal on the ship / wine tasting at the berry wine farm for people of age (min. 18 years) How to get there: Go to Kuopio passenger harbour in central Kuopio.

Kuopio airport is a 30-minute-drive away from the passenger harbour.

Kuopio railway station and bus station are a few minutes’ city bus ride or taxi ride away from the passenger harbour.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Lakeland Lines, info@lakelandlines.fi, tel. +358 440 266 330

This tour is organised by an experienced professional city guide who tells the guests about the history, nature and tower (including the previous edifices) of the Puijo area and about what Puijo has to offer today.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours Location/Starting point: Puijontie 135, 70300 Kuopio Group size: Min. 15 persons Availability: All year round upon request Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €15/person, minimum amount of invoice €225. The tour leader and bus driver have free access.

What’s included? Services of a professional guide How to get there: The nearest railway station is in Kuopio (about 2 km away). The taxi connection from the railway station to Puijo takes about 5 minutes. A Kuopio city bus serves Puijo in the summer. The nearest airport is about a 30-minute drive away and is easy to reach with taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Bookings and enquiries: Puijo Peak Oy Ltd; Merja Syrjänen e-mail: sales@puijopeak.fi, tel. +358 41 317 9719 www.puijopeak.fi/en FINDING | 13

FINDING ENJOY SPECIAL EXPERIENCES BY FISHING AND BATHING AT LUMBERJACK’S LODGE Fishing guru Janne Parviainen takes you on the rich fishing grounds of Lake Kallavesi to enjoy the glistening lake and the beauty of the natural scenery. Lake Kallavesi abounds with fish, so why not try your luck at outwitting a perch or zander, for example? After the exciting fishing trip, you can relax in the gentle heat of a smoke sauna, reminiscing about the day’s catch. The day is rounded off by a delicious dinner at Spa Hotel Rauhalahti, prepared out of your catch by professional chefs.

Kallavesi is the tenth-biggest lake in Finland. Located in Northern Savo, it embraces the region’s capital city of Kuopio from different directions.

The surface area of Kallavesi measures about 480 km², and the lake is dotted with almost 2,000 islands. At the widest stretch, it extends to over 70 km in length. Kallavesi is a significant lake for recreational fishing, and the most common fish species found in it are pike, zander and perch. Its fish selection also includes burbot, bream, roach, ide, whitefish, vendace and lake trout.

The lakeside smoke sauna at Rauhalahti provides a fabulous experience that combines Finnish tradition with sauna bathing and well-being. The sauna seats 60 persons at a time, and in between sessions in the heat you can have an invigorating dip in the lake.

Come onboard and head out for new experiences!

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Lake Kallavesi abounds with fish, so why not try your luck at outwitting a perch or zander, for example?

Duration: Approx. 10 hours Location/Starting point: Jätkänkämppä Lumberjack Lodge, Spa Hotel Rauhalahti, Katiskaniementie 8, Kuopio Group size: Guide + 1–5 persons. For bigger groups, please ask for a quote.

Availability: During the ice-free period between 15 May and 30 November 2021 from early morning to late evening. Lumberjack’s Lodge is available on Tuesdays all year round and also on Thursdays in the summer. Note! On Tuesdays and in summer time also on Thursdays the smoke sauna is open to the public too; on other days it is reserved for the group only.

Clothing: Outdoor clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather; rubber boots on rainy days. A swimsuit/swim trunks for the sauna.

Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: Lumberjack’s Lodge is available on Tuesdays all year round and also on Thursdays in summer. Fishing trips are available from May to November on request for the price of €970 per boating party incl. VAT. On days other than Tuesdays and summer Thursdays, the price of a fishing trip is €1,345 per boating party incl. VAT. What’s included? Use of a boat equipped for both trolling and spinning, lifejackets, fishing gear (10 trolling sets, 5 pike fishing sets and 5 jig sets; note that the lures have been made by your fishing guide), fishing licences, services of your expert fishing guide, rainwear for five persons, insurance, snacks for the boat trip (a filled bread roll prepared out of the best local produce, coffee, tea, water and lingonberry juice), sauna bathing (towels included), and dinner at Spa Hotel Rauhalahti prepared out of the day’s catch.

For extra charge: Lunch around a campfire at a lean-to shelter, including the firewood and services of a chef: • Creamy salmon soup, warm rye bread with butter €22 per person • Sautéed game, mashed potatoes, lingonberries, pickled cucumber €26 per person • Fire-roasted salmon, lingonberry sauce, campfire potatoes with herb filling €28 per person • Coffee brewed over a fire + sweet bun + campfire sausage €9 per person • Coffee brewed over a fire €4 per person Extra options: Accommodation: Hotel, apartment hotel or studio hotel. Ask for a quote.

Farewell souvenir: You can buy a lure made by fishing guide Janne Parviainen as a souvenir for €15.

Bookings and enquiries: myynti@rauhalahti.fi Tel: +358 306 0830 Spa Hotel Rauhalahti Katiskaniementie 8, FI-70700 Kuopio

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FINDING TASTING KUOPIO – SIGHTSEEING TOUR

DISTILLERY TOUR AND DINNER AT THE MERCHANT’S MANOR

Join us on the ”Tasting Kuopio” sightseeing tour, where we’ll enjoy local tastes at restaurants outside the city centre, such as the revolving Puijo Tower Restaurant and Saana on the shore of Lake Kallavesi. You can follow the footsteps of the legendary merchant Gustav Ranin on a tour of the Lignell & Piispanen distillery and hear more of his story at the historic Koivumäki Manor.

Gustav Emanuel Ranin (1825–1896) was one of the first wholesalers in Kuopio and also a shipowner. He started his business by buying products from the countryside, such as butter, tallow and tar, and exported them to Vyborg and St. Petersburg where they were exchanged for salt, sugar and coffee. As a shipowner, he had a fleet of several vessels, one of which is still in traffic.

On the bus tour, you’ll hear about Kuopio and its notable attractions such as Puijo, Lake Kallavesi and Saaristokaupunki – the town of islands – as well as about the restaurants and their owners.

In 1852, he founded a distillery in Kuopio to produce liquor, and he also imported quality whiskeys and cognac. The distillery was named Lignell & Piispanen, and it is still in business today. We get an opportunity to visit one of Finland’s oldest family businesses. On this distillery tour, we will hear how berry liqueur and other high-quality Finnish alcoholic drinks are made. Additionally, we learn about the history of Kuopio’s oldest commercial house. The story continues with a seasonal three-course dinner at Koivumäki Manor.

Duration: The bus tour takes about 4 hours Location/Starting point: The tour starts at 11.30 am from Kuopio City Hall, Tulliportinkatu 31, 70110 Kuopio Group size: 10–30 persons Availability: On request Guiding languages: Finnish, English, German Price: Scheduled tours €68/person (VAT 0%). Booked tours: €68/person (VAT 0%) if the group has its own bus; €88/person (VAT 0%) if the bus is provided by Kuopion Oppaat ry (local tourist guide association). The prices are net prices.

What’s included? Three meals. Welcome drink and plate of local food at the Puijo Tower Restaurant, lunch at Saana, dessert and coffee at Koivumäki Manor. Non-alcoholic drinks. Tour of the Lignell & Piispanen distillery. At the end of the tour, we’ll take the customers to Kuopio Market Hall. The group is accompanied by an expert guide during the tour.

For an extra charge: Customers can buy wine and other drinks in the restaurants.

Bookings and enquiries: Kuopion Oppaat ry (local tourist guide association), www.kuopionoppaat.com, guideskuopio@gmail.com

Duration: The tour takes about 45 minutes, the transfer to the manor about 30 minutes and the dinner about 2½ hours Location/Starting point: Distillery tour: Gust. Ranin / Lignell & Piispanen, Siikaranta 20, 70620 Kuopio. Dinner: Koivumäki Manor, Koivumäenkuja 18, 70800 Kuopio Group size: 10-50 people Availability: Tours are available for groups all year round on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Not available on public holidays.

Advance booking required.

Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €110/person incl. VAT What’s included? Guided tour of the distillery and a small tasting.

Bus transport from Lignell & Piispanen to Koivumäki Manor and back.

Three-course dinner prepared out of seasonal local ingredients at Koivumäki Manor, including drinks (aperitif, 2 x 12 cl of wine and dessert drink) and table service.

For an extra charge: You can buy the distillery’s products to take with you at the distillery shop. Bus transport from Kuopio city centre to the distillery and/or back. Additional drinks with dinner.

Bookings and enquiries: Koivumäen Kartano Oy, tel. +358 17 361 4291, www.koivumaenkartano.com or kartano@koivumaenkartano.com

FINDING | 15

FINDING IN A MERCHANT’S FOOTSTEPS: GUIDED TOUR WITH LUNCH AT KOIVUMÄKI MANOR Gustav Emanuel Ranin (1825–1896) was one of the first wholesalers and also a shipowner in Kuopio. He started his business by buying products from the countryside, such as butter, tallow and tar, and exported them to Vyborg and St. Petersburg where they were exchanged for salt, sugar and coffee. As he was also a shipowner, he had a fleet of several vessels, one of which is still in traffic.

Come and learn about the merchant Gustav Ranin and his magnificent family manor at Hiltulanlahti in Kuopio. The history of the Björkbacka estate dates back to 1792 when the estate was founded by the Swedish Crown. Mr. Ranin bought the estate at a forced sale in 1869.

After learning about the history of the man and the estate, you can enjoy a delicious summer lunch in an exquisite manor setting.

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Merchant Gustav Ranin and his magnificent family manor

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Duration: The guided tour takes about 45 min with an additional 15 min for questions/discussion; lunch 1-1½ hours Location/Starting point: Koivumäki Manor, Koivumäenkuja 18, 70800 Kuopio Group size: A minimum of 6 people is required for the guided tour; the maximum is 50.

Availability: All year around by arrangement for groups Guiding languages: Finnish, English, German Price: €30/person incl. VAT. Payment on arrival by cash or card.

What’s included? Guided tour of Koivumäki Manor with historical background on Gustav Ranin and summer lunch at the manor with starters, your choice of hot dish (meat/fish/vegetarian), non-alcoholic drinks, dessert and coffee/tea.

For an extra charge: Alcoholic drinks How to get there: Participants should make their own way to the manor.

No. 31 city bus from Tulliportinkatu in Kuopio city centre: departure 9.15 am, arrival 9.59 am. Return departure 1.02 pm, arrival 1.43 pm.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Bookings in advance by 3 pm on the previous day (Monday) with Koivumäen Kartano Oy, tel. +358 17 361 4291, www.koivumaenkartano.com or kartano@koivumaenkartano.com

FINDING SCENIC MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR AT TAHKO

DIVE INTO THE CULTURAL HISTORY OF KUOPIO

Tahko offers many great and peaceful nature trails for bikers of all skill levels, not to mention the cleanest air in Europe. Spend a thrilling day in the outdoors riding on tracks along lovely forest paths and countryside gravel roads while enjoying spectacular vistas on Tahko’s hills.

Minna Canth (1844–1897) was an author and journalist who changed the world with her work. She defended women’s rights in her texts, and her life’s work significantly contributed to Finland’s rise as one of the pioneering countries in education and equality. Finland enfranchised women (i.e. gave them the right to vote) as the third country in the world in 1906.

On this guided tour, we get to know more about her life and her home, Kanttila.

The mountain bike route begins at Skimac Tahko at the end of the pontoon bridge and ends at the bay of Tahkolahti. Take a rest by a campfire next to an old quarry or on top of the hill for a nice view. The route is varied with ascending and descending sections and is wellsuited for moderately experienced riders. Remember to always bring water with you and dress appropriately for the weather.

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Tahko offers a variety of routes for bikers of all skill levels.

Duration: 4 hours Location/Starting point: Bike Rental Skimac Tahko Group size: 2-11 persons Availability: On request in May–October 2021, weather permitting Guiding language: Finnish, English Price: Mountain bike rental €70/person, accommodation at Hotel Ukko for two nights €465 in a room for two persons, €600 in a room for 3-5 persons (including the bedlinen, towels, final cleaning and a 4-hour guided tour of Rahasmäki) What’s included? Cosy accommodation in the centre of the Tahko area.

Hotel Ukko features a total of 15 unique rooms: eight quadruple rooms with sauna and balcony, six terraced twin rooms and one terraced family room for five.

For extra charge: Dinner available at Restaurant Mosquito in the heart of Tahko, trail snack €15/person, extra night from €45/person How to get there: A 1-hour drive from Kuopio city centre and from Kuopio airport. (Address: Hotel Ukko, Ukontie 7, FIN-73310 Tahkovuori) Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Tahko Chalet sales office: sales@tahkochalet.fi, Tel. +358 17 483 200 www.tahkochalet.fi

The tour continues across the road, to Finland’s first regional photographic centre, VB Photographic Centre, which was the home and atelier of photographer Victor Barsokevitsch (1863–1933). His extensive photography archive included over 70,000 glass negatives, a part of which still remain to be digitised.

Our third destination is Kuopio Art Museum. Landscapes, nature, and man’s relationship with the environment are central themes in the museum’s collections and exhibitions, where we explore Finnish art from the late 19th century until the present day. The art museum’s changing exhibitions show us Finnish modern art from paintings and sculptures to installations, photography and media art.

The last stop on our tour is Kuopio Marketplace, located on its present site since 1818. There are merchants on the marketplace all year round, and they are especially active in the summer, selling local products such as vegetables and berries. You can also snap a selfie at the official “Mualimannapa”, considered by many as the centre point of the world!

After the tour we have the change to dive even deeper into Kuopio’s history by visiting the Riuttala Farmhouse Museum. The farm’s history goes all the way back to 1657, when the place was first mentioned in then-Governor General of Finland Per Brahe’s provincial maps. The farm reflects the past of the Finnish countryside in the early 20th century.

Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours Location/Starting point: Kanttila, Minna Canthin katu 22, 70100 Kuopio Group size: 10-20 persons Availability: Bookings for the year 2021 can be made from 1 August 2020 onwards.

Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €25/person What’s included? A tour in Kanttila, visits to VB Photographic Centre, Kuopio Art Museum and Kuopio Marketplace For extra fee: Brochure €3 Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Bookings and enquiries: www.minnanpuoti.fi, info@minnanpuoti.fi, tel. +358 44 241 2170

FINDING | 17

JOY

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JOY GRILLING AND CHILLING BY THE LAKE AND ENJOYING TRADITIONAL FINNISH SMOKE SAUNA

ENJOY THE RIDE ON NATURE’S OWN ROLLER COASTER!

Come and spend a nice relaxing summer day in the beautiful shore landscape of Lake Haapajärvi. Experience the thrill of fishing, enjoy the gentle steam of a traditional Finnish smoke sauna and refresh yourself in a clean lake away from disturbing city noises and rush!

Let the peacefully flowing rapids of Äyskoski take you for a water adventure of a lifetime.

Try out fishing on shore rocks with a basic fishing rod and worms as bait or row the boat a little further out on the lake. You can also swim and enjoy the gentle steam of our smoke sauna.

Finally, together with the chef of Haapaniemi, we will grill local fish dishes, meat delicacies and seasonal vegetables.

For an additional cost, you can enjoy the hot tub to take your sauna experience to the next level.

The activity starts from Haapaniemi, a 20-minute drive from Iisalmi, where you can arrive with your own transport. We can also arrange transportation both ways upon request.

Meet your Haapaniemi host and learn to fish like a local!

Duration: 5 hours Location/Starting point: Haapaniementie 173, 74150 Iisalmi Group size: 5-15 persons Availability: June–August 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €125/person What’s included? Guiding, private beach, use of fishing equipment and rowboat with life jackets. Traditional Finnish yard games, traditional smoke sauna for 3 hours, towels. Outdoor grilling including fish, local meat, potatoes, vegetables, bread, cheese, berries for dessert, coffee and tea.

For the outdoor activities, dress up according to the weather.

For extra fee: Hot tub €160, alcoholic drinks from the bar, accommodation from €85 to €550 How to get there: A 20-minute drive from Iisalmi. You can arrive with your own transport. We can also arrange transportation both ways upon request. For example, for a group of 5-8 persons, transportation from Iisalmi railway station to Haapaniemi and back is available for €120 or from Kuopio airport to Haapaniemi and back for €380.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: +358 440 207 701 info@haapaniemenmatkailu.fi, www.haapaniemenmatkailu.fi

Safety is our first priority – the instructors will show you everything you need to know during your ride. Wearing a wet suite, helmet and lifejacket, you won’t feel cold or wet while riding down the rapids.

Professional guides will keep you safe the whole time.

Afterwards you can enjoy hot beverages or cold drinks depending on the weather.

Option: Enhance your experience with the sauna and outdoor hot tub for €220.

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Let the peacefully flowing rapids of Äyskoski take you for a water adventure of a lifetime.

Duration: 2 hours Location/Starting point: Lohitie 701, 72210 Tervo Group size: 4-10 persons (minimum age 18 years) Availability: May–September Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €70/person What’s included: Guidance in English, equipment for the activity How to get there: About a 1-hour drive from Kuopio city centre or from Suonenjoki.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Lohimaa Fish & Travel, tel. +358 29 193 5071, myynti@lohimaa.fi

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JOY SALMON ANGLING – CATCH THE PREY AND PREPARE IT WITH OUR STAFF!

SAVONIAN AFTERSKI AT LEGENDARY PEHKU

The diverse Lohimaa fishing centre is located in a great milieu in Tervo, by the free flowing shore of Äyskoski rapids. The place is excellently suited for fishing enthusiasts, whether beginners or experts.

Pehku is a unique slopeside restaurant on the top of Tahko, one of the most popular holiday resorts in Finland. It boasts a breath-taking scenery 300 meters above sea level and a relaxed atmosphere with walls full of history.

Lohimaa’s own salmon pond offers you a guaranteed fish catch! When you feel the line tightening and see the rod bending under the weight of a 2-kg rainbow trout, you can surely feel the adrenaline pumping!

After catching your prey, you can prepare your fish for a meal with the help of our professional staff. It can be smoked or blazed (i.e. cooked on a plank) at an open fire. Then you just enjoy your delicious self-prepared fish with local potatoes and salad while admiring beautiful summer views by the rapids.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours Location/Starting point: Lohitie 701, 72210 Tervo Group size: 2-10 persons Availability: May–September 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €35/person incl. the fish meal What’s included? Guiding, use of fishing equipment, fish preparation, meal ingredients.

How to get there: About a 1-hour drive from central Kuopio or from Suonenjoki.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Lohimaa Fish & Travel, tel. +358 29 193 5071, myynti@lohimaa.fi

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Pehku is a truly beautiful place all round the year, but it is mostly famous for its after-ski parties. In late evenings, Pehku is taken over by music, rhythms and dancing, as skiers come in to dance, the most daring ones even on the log tables, having the time of their lives.

You can customise your after-ski experience to also include a visit to a wood-heated sauna with a view, and after relaxing in the sauna, you can enjoy a delicious Savonian fondue dinner at Pehku. These services are available on request at separate prices.

Duration: 3 hours Location/Starting point: On top of the Tahko hill Group size: Sauna max. 20 persons, bar about 120 persons Availability: 31.12.2020–15.4.2021 on Fridays and Saturdays Service languages: Finnish, English Price: No entrance fee to the restaurant, other services charged separately.

How to get there: A 1-hour drive from Kuopio city centre Accessible for people with disabilities: No. Bookings and enquiries: Pehku Bar; pehku@tahko.com, tel. +358 44 048 1488

JOY ADVENTURE IN THE DEEP SHADOWS OF THE FOREST

Come and join an adventure in the deep shadows of the forest at Metsäkartano Youth and Nature Centre, where the air is as clean as it gets and where you really can hear the sound of silence. Go on a guided nature expedition snowshoeing or hiking on forest trails and have a rest by a campfire after a relaxing visit to the sauna. Feel energy running through your veins after dipping in the lake, or let the gentle waves carry your canoe on a warm summer day.

Adventures for friends and families are available all year round at Metsäkartano. Cosy high-quality accommodation, tasty local delicacies, friendly service and an assortment of outdoor and indoor activities guarantee unforgettable experiences for you. Metsäkartano is the perfect place to have an active holiday! Small wonders of nature are present right at the doorstep. Explore Finnish wildlife with snowshoes or try out real off-track skis. Take a kicksled and go for a meditative session of ice-hole fishing.

Summer days are perfect for mountain biking, hiking and swimming in the clean lake.

After a good dose of fresh air and outdoor exercise, go and relax in the sauna and enjoy hearty local delicacies. Metsäkartano is located only a 1.5-hour drive from Kuopio airport and is suitable for groups (10–80 persons) and FITs. Services: Accommodation, restaurant, cafeteria, snack & souvenir shop, equipment rental, guided activities. Accommodation is available in five holiday apartments for families, with sleeping facilities for up to 11 people. The apartments include 1–3 bedrooms, a sleeping loft (with 4–5 beds and a toilet), kitchen, living room, bathroom/sauna and balcony. Additionally, there are two guesthouses (wilderness hotel rooms) available.

Winter activities: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, kicksledding, alpine curling.

Summer activities: Mountain biking, hiking, swimming, canoeing, listening to the silence

Duration: Packages of 3–5 nights (variations between 1–14 nights available) Location/Starting point: Metsäkartanontie 700, 73900 Rautavaara Group size: 4–35 persons Availability: Around the year in 2021 and 2022 Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: 5-night package €575/adult; €370/child (5-14-year-olds); children under 5 years for free; 3-night package €419/adult; €302/child (5-14-year-olds); children under 5 years for free What’s included? Accommodation, full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), three activities with guide services (approx. 5 hours divided over 3 days, for example) How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 100 km away) and in Kuopio (about 127 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Metsäkartano takes about 1.5 hours. The nearest airport is 1 hour 45 minutes away by car and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Clothing: For the outdoor activities, dress up according to the weather and season.

Bookings and enquiries: Metsäkartano, tel. +358 40 839 6352, myynti@metsakartano.com, www.metsakartano.com/en

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Metsäkartano Youth and Nature Centre, where the air is as clean as it gets and where you really can hear the sound of silence.

Indoor activities: Sports hall, gym, climbing wall, yoga, archery, handicrafts (bone, stone, willow, pottery, silk printing, felt work etc.)

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JOY THREE-COURSE KABIINI DINNER MENU WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS ON TOP OF TAHKO Panorama Bar is situated at the Tahko ski resort, on top of the Tahko hill.

The restaurant is open all year round, during the days for the skiers and during the evenings based on prior table reservations.

Panorama is a restaurant built of logs and has seating for 90 persons inside and for a further 110 persons in the warm pavilion. Panorama also has a scenic terrace, sauna and spring-water hot tub. The water comes straight from a spring situated at the top of the hill.

Dine in the fabulous scenic surroundings on top of the Tahko hill, overlooking Lake Syväri. You do not have to climb the hill yourself – just enjoy the ride on board the big red snow groomer, the king of the slopes.

The tasty dinner menus take you on a delicious food journey based on Finnish culinary traditions, and the gorgeous scenic restaurant is an ideal place for those who love great views. The dishes available on the menu are made of Finnish ingredients.

You can come to Panorama by car, by climbing the formidable Tahko stairs, by riding the chairlift and during wintertime by riding Panorama’s own snow groomer. The snow groomer seats 16 people and reaches the top of the hill in about 15 minutes.

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The gorgeous scenic restaurant is an ideal place for those who love great views KABIINI DINNER Appetizer: Cured whitefish tartare, whitefish roe and Scandinavian malt and rye bread, sour cream, red onion, dill and lemon OR Wild mushroom soup with bacon, churned butter and rye bread OR Antipasto à la Savonia: smoked cold cuts, perch tart, smoked vendace, pickles, venison tartelette, cheese and carrot compote Main course: Robber’s roast (in Finnish “rosvopaisti”; pork that has been cooked for at least 8 hours in the earth oven), thyme and red wine sauce and oven-roasted vegetables OR Blazed salmon (i.e. cooked on a plank at an open fire) with ovenroasted vegetables and chanterelle sauce Dessert: Finnish blueberry pie with rye crust and vanilla ice cream OR Cloudberry tiramisu 22 | JOY

Duration: 3–4 hours Location/Starting point: The station at the foot of the Tahko hill Group size: Min. 4 persons Availability: All year round, during the winter the availability of snow groomer transportation depends on the weather Guiding languages: Finnish, English, Italian, German Price: • €59/adult • €29/child of 10–15 years • €15/child under 10 years What’s included? A served three-course menu, transportation to Kabiini from the foot of the hill and back down. The prices do not include alcoholic drinks.

How to get there: During the winter by the snow groomer or by an 8-seater minibus, in the summer you can also climb up the Tahko stairs or come by car.

Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Other options: Scenic sauna and spring-water hot tub • Duration 2 hours • Max. 12 people • Price €300 (plus a towel for €10/person and swimsuit or swim trunks for €7/person) Scenic sauna and spring-water hot tub + Kabiini dinner • Price €95/person • Min. 4 people Bookings and enquiries: Harri Jokela +358 440 493 462, info@panoramabar.fi

JOY EXPERT-GUIDED LAKESHORE FISHING TRIP

LEARN TO PADDLE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Have you ever put a worm on a fishing hook? On this excursion, you will get to know essential methods of traditional lake fishing in a leisurely way, instructed by an expert fish guide. The excursion takes place in the magnificent lake landscape of Kuopio, where you can enjoy the surrounding nature.

Have you ever dreamed of sitting in a canoe, embraced by water, feeling at one with nature? All this comes true on this paddling experience!

Excursion programme: We will meet at the Boutique Hotel Sawohouse, to get together as a group and to pick up the fishing equipment. Then we will walk to the shore of Lake Levänen situated nearby to get to a suitable spot for fishing. Once there, you will receive an introduction to the lake destination and the most typical Finnish fish species suitable for catching.

We will go over the principles of the traditional shore fishing methods of angling and cast fishing, get familiar with the fishing gear and baits and prepare ourselves mentally for fishing. In the winter, we also check the strength of the ice, find a good spot for ice-fishing and drill a hole in the ice.

You will be taught a proper fishing technique, after which you can try out angling or casting on the shores. Once we catch fish, we will identify the species together.

Halfway through the fishing trip, we will take a short lunch break, enjoying fresh coffee and juice and stuffed oat rolls baked locally at the hotel (with a ham-cheese-vegetable filling).

During this trip that is suitable for beginners, you will get acquainted with paddling safely with a guide. We will focus on paddling equipment, a proper way to pack a kayak and safety on water. Together we will practise paddling on Lake Syväri, on waters sheltered by small islands, or on the bay of Tahkolahti.

This trip is aimed at those who have little or no experience of paddling.

Children are also welcomed to try out paddling in a canoe or a kayak.

All our guides are experienced paddling trainers with appropriate first aid skills.

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Have you ever dreamed of sitting in a canoe, embraced by water, feeling at one with nature?

At the end of the trip, we will take with us the fish we caught and get acquainted with how to clean, gut and cook the catch.

Duration: 3 hours Location/Starting point: Boutique Hotel Sawohouse, Tarhakuja 1, 70780 Kuopio; fishing at Lake Levänen or Lake Kivilampi Group size: 1–5 persons Availability: All year round Guiding languages: Finnish, English. (Russian on request for an extra charge) Price: €280 (1-5 guests) + Picnic lunch €10/person What’s included: Guidance to the fishing place and use of the equipment (fishing gear, baits, cooler bag, fish bucket). Information about the fishing place and fish species. Picnic breads + coffee/juice.

Supplements: Accommodation available at SawoHouse for a separate price How to get there: A 10-minute drive from Kuopio city centre Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Boutique Hotel Sawohouse, sales@sawohouse.fi, tel. +358 10 338 9490, www.sawohouse.fi and www.kalaopas.fi

Duration: 3 hours Location/Starting point: Tahkolaaksontie 6, 73310 Tahkovuori Group size: 4-–8 persons Availability: June–July 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €75/person What’s included? The use of a kayak or canoe (single/double) + all the other gear needed + guide services. Dress for the weather and bring your own water bottle.

How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. The nearest airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: info@tahkoapartments.fi, tel. +358 400 640 628 JOY | 23

JOY RELAXING DAY OF PADDLING AT TAHKO

EXPLORE NATURE BY E-FAT BIKING AT TAHKO

Come and relax on the water and at an open fire in the stunning sceneries of Tahko! This trip takes you to a typical lake landscape of the Northern Savonia region, with its clean waters and countless small islands. The silence that you find there is only broken by the occasional cry of an aquatic bird and the lapping of waves.

An exciting way to explore nature. Experience the e-fatbike, an electricallypowered winter bike that will let you enjoy the pleasures of winter in a whole new way.

Before the trip begins, our guide will tell you about the equipment needed for paddling. We will put on life jackets and go through the programme of the day. Then we will paddle off the shores of the Tahkolahti bay, on waters sheltered by the hundreds of small islands of Lake Syväri, towards the island of Aholansaari. At the islet of Kammonluoto, we will go ashore to have our lunch by a campfire at a lean-to and take a rest. It’s all about enjoying ourselves!

Duration: 6 hours (including the 1-hour break ashore) Location/Starting point: Tahkolaaksontie 6, 73310 Tahkovuori Group size: 4–8 persons Availability: June–July 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish and English Price: €120/person What’s included? The use of a kayak or canoe (single/double) + all the other gear needed + guide services. A light lunch by the campfire, sausages to grill, coffee or tea, traditional Karelian pies and buns freshly baked at a nearby bakery. Dress for the weather and bring your own water bottle.

How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. The nearest airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: info@tahkoapartments.fi, tel. +358 400 640 628

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Cycling on a snow-covered path is probably easier than you think.

Thanks to this innovative e-bike, you will get to see more of Tahko’s beautiful landscapes in less time. Even the highest hills can be easily conquered. We are certain you will be smiling throughout the ride, even when climbing the hills!

An instructor will show you how to use your bike and other gear.

Duration: 2 hours Location/Starting point: Nipasentie 2, 73310 Tahkovuori Group size: Min. 3 persons (bikes may also be rented for independent use, in which case the bike rental includes an initial instruction) Note: All participants must be at least 152 cm (5 feet) tall.

Availability: December 2020–April 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €70/person Difficulty level: Easy What’s included? e-fatbike, helmet, guide and access to the otherwise payable biking trails. A drink of juice on a break.

How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. The nearest airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: www.tahkosafarit.fi/en

JOY PLAYFUL BOWLING COMPETITION AT TAHKO BOWLING

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR CHURCH BOAT!

Who is the bowling champion of your team?

Törmälä has a long history, going back to the 18th century, when it served as the local vicarage, known in Finnish as Kosken pappila. The vicarage was home to chaplains for 250 years. In those days, most of the travelling and cargo transportation in Finnish Lakeland took place on waterways. Big boats with up to twenty oars carried families and village people to church on Sundays.

Bowling is great fun and even more so when you can compete with each other. We can promise cheerful shouting, in-game and winning celebrations and laughter. How about a few drinks during the competition?

Afterwards, enjoy tasty food at Restaurant Riemu.

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Bowling is great fun and even more so when you can compete with each other.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours Location: Tahko Spa Group size: 6–12 persons Availability: All year round Guiding language: Finnish, English Price: €30/person What’s included: Guided playful bowling competition, competition host/hostess services, use of bowling shoes, competition planning, prizes and a ceremonial announcement of the winner.

Supplements: Drinks during the competition at extra cost at Bowling Bar. How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. The nearest airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Bookings and enquiries: Tahko Spa Hotel / Sales Department, Tel. +358 20 747 9910 or e-mail: sales@tahkospa.fi

Nowadays, the Törmälä Holiday and Course Centre is privately owned, and the long history of the place is treasured in the peaceful ambiance that invites you to relax amidst the daily grind.

At Törmälä, you have a unique chance to try out the legendary church boat on the clear waters of Lake Hankavesi.

The traditional church boat, baptised Alfrid, has seven pairs of oars and carries 14 people plus the steersman. On a 30-minute boat trip to Rajasaari Island, you can admire the magnificent nature of Finnish Lakeland while learning to row the church boat together with your teammates. On the island, we will have coffee made on a campfire and freshly baked traditional Finnish sweet buns. After learning the secrets of rowing, you will have time to enjoy the tranquillity of nature while making your way back.

Duration: 2 hours Location/Starting point: Konnekoskentie 552, 77700 Rautalampi Group size: 8–14 persons Availability: June–October Guiding languages: English, Finnish, German, Swedish Price: From €30/person What’s included? Use of the church boat, life jackets (must be worn at all times on the water), rowing guidance, steersman service, coffee with sweet bun Option: Sauna by the lake €10/person, lunch €10/person, a night’s stay from €40/person How to get there: A 15-minute drive from Rautalampi town centre (10 km away), a 1-hour-drive from Kuopio (92 km away) and Jyväskylä (88 km away), the two cities where the nearest airports are located. A half-anhour drive from Suonenjoki railway station (30 km away).

Accessible for people with disabilities: No. Also suitable for families with children.

Bookings and enquiries: Bookings to be made at least two days in advance: info@tormala.fi, www.tormala.fi, tel. +358 40 558 2439

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JOY

CONQUERING KALAJANVUORI – A 4-HOUR HIKE IN SOUTHERN KONNEVESI NATIONAL PARK Come with us to enjoy the rugged scenery and conquer the highest point of the national park, the top of the 77-metre high Kalajanvuori, overlooking Lake Vuori-Kalaja.

On the trip you get to see great views on a cliff and at the top of the hill, as well as smaller miracles of nature. Along the route you get to know some fascinating local history and enjoy delicious coffee and a snack consisting of local products.

The hike starts from the Kalaja parking lot, from where we walk 900 metres with the guide to the Kalaja lean-to. Along the way we stop at the ruins of an old cottage, where we learn about the lifestyle of sharecroppers of old.

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The tale of Mr. Tarasoff, who came to Rautalampi from Karelia when fleeing the Second World War

At the Kalaja lean-to we take a small break before starting our climb towards the top of Kalajanvuori. On the way we stop a few times to catch our breath and admire the wilderness.

At the top, we get to enjoy wonderful views to the national park and Lake Etelä-Konnevesi, and on the other side there is a nice view down the cliff. On the way back we get to hear the whispering of great aspens in the old forest and we stop at an old forest cottage. While there, we are told the tale of Mr. Tarasoff, who came to Rautalampi from Karelia when fleeing the Second World War. Once we get back to the lean-to, it is time to enjoy delicious coffee and a snack consisting of local products.

Duration: 4 hours, length 5 km.

Location/Starting point: Törmälän metsätie 136, Rautalampi Group size: 1–20 people Availability: 1 May – 30 September Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €80/person, minimum price €240 for 1-3 participants.

For groups of over 8 people, the price is €55/person What’s included? Guide services, use of the Kalaja lean-to and fireplace as well as a delicious snack: coffee/tea, sandwiches, spread, salad, local cold-smoked salmon and Finnish squeaky cheese with local sea buckthorn-raspberry jam. All food is lactose-free, but please mention any other food restrictions when making your reservation.

For extra fee: With the extra price of €5/person, you also get crepes cooked on open fire and served with jam.

How to get there: The closest airports are in Jyväskylä 90 km away (travel time with car 1 h 15 min) and in Kuopio 98 km away (travel time 1 h 25 min). There is no public transportation from the airports to the Kalaja parking lot. In Jyväskylä or Kuopio, you can rent a car or get a taxi.

The closest railway station is in Suonenjoki 35 km away (travel time 35 min). You can also take a taxi from the railway station.

Difficulty level: From the starting point to the Kalaja lean-to we walk along an easy path, but when getting up and down Kalajanvuori, we go through rocky and steep spots.

Requirements for participants: The trip requires sturdy shoes suitable for the terrain and weather-appropriate clothing.

Bookings and enquiries: KalajaRetkeily, tel. +358 40 553 5975, email info@kalajaretkeily.fi

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JOY TAHKO SKI RESORT The Tahko ski resort is famous for its perfectly groomed slopes.

The downhill skiing season starts here in December and lasts until April.

Tahko boasts different slopes ranging from easy ones suitable for beginners to those used for international competitions.

There are 15 lifts available to conveniently take you up to the top. The longest slope is over 1 km long, and the biggest vertical drop is 200 m.

If you prefer freestyle skiing, Tahko Freestyle Park and Tahko Park have rails and boxes where you can put your skills to the test. For beginners, Tahko offers many safe and fun snow activities available at Tahko Kids Slopestyle.

FACTS: • 24 slopes, 11 illuminated • 15 lifts: 8 T-bar lifts, 4 button lifts, 2 chairlifts, 1 carpet lift • Lift capacity 18,500 skiers / hour • Elevation difference 200 m • Longest slope 1,200 m • 6 campfire places • 6 slopeside restaurants

TAHKO SKI SCHOOL Guided skiing courses and private lessons are arranged daily for people of all ages, so don´t hesitate to contact Tahko Ski School for your own instruction that is guaranteed to be fun.

The ski school is about learning new skills and experiencing unforgettable moments on the snow. Let’s improve your technique – and most of all, have a great time on the snow together with our skilled instructors.

We give lessons in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, telemark and adaptive skiing at all skill levels.

Our friendly and supportive instructors will be happy to help you achieve your goals. What would you like to learn next?

Duration: 50/100/150 minutes Location/Starting point: Ski school meeting point, Tahkonrinteet.

Tahkolaaksontie 1, 73310 Tahkovuori Group size: Private lessons 1–3 persons, group lessons min. 4 persons Availability: Winter season, December–April Guiding languages: English and Finnish, during the holiday seasons also Russian, German, Estonian and Swedish Price: Private lessons 50 min/€55+€20 for each extra person, 100 min/€100+€40 for each extra person, Group lessons 100 min/€50 per person and 150 min/€70 per person What’s included? Instruction and ski pass during the lesson Additional fees: Rental equipment at SkiMac Tirol or Hill Ski rent Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes, adaptive alpine skiing on request Bookings and enquiries: skischool@tahko.com / +358 400 681 792 Additional information: www.tahkonrinteet.fi/en/tahko-ski-school

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MAGIC

PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI 28 PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI

MAGIC THE CHARM OF THE SUMMER NIGHT, A 3-HOUR PADDLING TRIP IN SOUTHERN KONNEVESI NATIONAL PARK Join us on a paddling trip into the dusk to enjoy the twilight.

The peace of the national park, waves splashing on the sides of the kayak, red hues of the setting sun and the delicious snack consisting of local products enjoyed on a small island. These elements create their own unique atmosphere, which is sure to be remembered for many years to come.

The first people to move to Southern Konnevesi came right after the Ice Age. Ever since, the lake has been both a fairway and a source of food for distant travellers and locals alike. On this trip, we get to look at the same lakeside cliffs by this ancient waterway as those travellers of the past and paddle in their wake.

Trip description: After a short initial instruction, we will paddle under the cliff of Saukkosaari, look for signs of beavers and greet the old man, Käpynän Ukko, whose face can be seen on the cliff as he watches over the peace of the park.

During the trip, we will stop at a small rocky island called Varpusenlinna, where we will enjoy some coffee, tea and a snack consisting of local products. During this break, we will have time to settle down for a moment and listen to the story of iron, about how local people collected iron ore from the lake and produced it into iron over many centuries. The trip is suitable also for less experienced paddlers and for those who want to enjoy the peace of the national park, because we will paddle slowly in the calm waters.

Duration: 3 hours, length 5 km Location/Starting point: Hanhitaipale harbour, Satamatie 143, 77700 Rautalampi Group size: 1–10 persons Availability: The trip is available during the paddling season between 1 May and 30 September.

Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €77/person, minimum price €231, which includes 1–3 paddlers.

Group size 1–10 people.

What’s included? The price includes VAT, the use of the kayaks or canoes, the services of the guide and the snack including coffee/tea, sandwiches, spread, salad, local cold-smoked salmon and Finnish squeaky cheese with local sea buckthorn-raspberry jam. All food is lactose-free, but please mention any other food restrictions when making your reservation.

For extra fee: For an extra €20/person, the trip can be extended to 5 hours, during which we paddle approximately 14 km and return around midnight.

How to get there: The closest airports are in Jyväskylä 90 km away (travel time by car 1 h 15 min) and in Kuopio 98 km away (travel time 1 h 25 min). There is no public transportation from the airports to the Kalaja parking lot. In Jyväskylä or Kuopio, you can rent a car or get a taxi. The closest railway station is in Suonenjoki 35 km away (travel time 35 min). You can also take a taxi from the railway station.

Requirements for participants: All participants must know how to swim, and children under 18 years can only participate together with their guardian or by their guardian’s written permission. Weather appropriate clothing is required.

Bookings and enquiries: KalajaRetkeily tel. +358 40 553 5975, info@kalajaretkeily.fi.

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MAGIC OPEN-FIRE DINNER AND TRADITIONAL FINNISH SMOKE SAUNA

DECORATE YOUR OWN MEMENTO WITH LOCAL ARTIST

Experience an atmospheric evening in the peace of the countryside of Iisalmi away from disturbing city noises and rush! Enjoy the freshness of Finnish winter weather outdoors by walking in the woods and dining in a hut by an open fire. The evening is crowned by a visit in a traditional Finnish smoke sauna.

On arrival at the Lassila farm, the participants will be given a short presentation on the farm and Jenni Linnove Ceramics Studio. In the workshop, each participant will decorate a mug from the studio’s collection by hand. The participants design their own decorations while Jenni (ceramic artist) provides help and guidance.

The activity starts from Haapaniemi, a 20-minute drive away from Iisalmi, and you can arrive here with your own transport. We can also arrange transportation both ways upon request. Meet your Haapaniemi host who will guide you in the use of the equipment and tell you about the evening’s programme. We will take an atmospheric walk down a candle-lit path to our forest hut. Don’t worry, the activity is not physically demanding.

The walking distances are short (200–300 m) and the walks are aimed at relaxation and enjoyment together in a group.

The decorated mugs will be glazed and fired after the workshop. The finished mugs can be collected from the studio or delivered by arrangement. The mugs withstand normal use and are dishwasher proof.

Our chef has prepared you mouth-watering dishes using local ingredients.

Everything is cooked and served by the campfire. You can just sit comfortably on a warm wool blanket and enjoy the experience – there’s no rush.

After the delicious dinner, the traditional Finnish wood-heated smoke sauna is waiting for you. Finnish winter sauna culture involves a quick refreshing dip in the water through a pre-cut hole in lake ice or simply rolling in snow.

For an additional cost, you can use the hot tub to take your sauna experience to the next level. If there is enough snow, we can also try kicksledding our way from one place to another.

Duration: 5 hours Location/Starting point: Haapaniementie 173, 74150 Iisalmi Group size: 5–15 persons Availability: From December 2020 to March 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €125/person What’s included? Guiding, cold weather clothing and shoes. Dinner cooked on the open fire consisting of fish, local potatoes, vegetables, berries, bread, cheese, campfire coffee and tea. Traditional smoke sauna for 3 hours, towels.

Requirements for participants: Dress for the outdoor activities according to the weather For extra fee: Hot tub €160, alcoholic drinks from the bar, accommodation from €85 to €550 How to get there: A 20-minute drive from Iisalmi; you can come with your own transport. We can also arrange transportation both ways upon request. For example, for a group of 5–8 persons, transportation from Iisalmi railway station to Haapaniemi and back costs €170 and from Kuopio airport to Haapaniemi and back €420.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: +358 44 020 7701 info@haapaniemenmatkailu.fi, www.haapaniemenmatkailu.fi 30 | MAGIC

Duration: The workshop itself lasts just under 2 hours. With lunch or coffee at the farmhouse approx. 3 hours.

Location/Starting point: Ceramics Studio Jenni Linnove, Kaatrontie 13, 71820 Pöljä.

Group size: 4–12 persons, but can be adjusted to some extent as necessary Availability: Bookable all year round on request Guiding languages: Finnish, English (some help can also be provided in Swedish and German) Price: Mug decorating €28/person (incl. VAT). For groups, mug decorating and a light lunch at the farmhouse €44/person or mug decorating with coffee at the farmhouse €38/person What’s included? A half-finished mug from the Ceramics Studio collection, guidance, required colours, use of tools and aprons, glazing and firing of the mug after the course. For groups with an advance booking, a presentation on making mugs and light refreshments at the workshop.

For an extra charge: Additional ceramic articles, mugs and plates for decorating €8/item. By arrangement, lunch or coffee at the farmhouse with a presentation on the history of the house.

Supplements: The Ceramics Studio shop sells the studio’s own products and those of local design/craft businesses. In July and early August, a Summer Exhibition in the studio loft. In December, Lassila’s Christmas events. The studio’s other workshops, such as raku firing.

How to get there: Jenni Linnove Ceramics Studio is located a 30-minute drive from Kuopio (30 km north of Kuopio) and 7 km north of Siilinjärvi Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Bookings and enquiries: info@jennilinnove.com

MAGIC SMOKE SAUNA OF HANKANIEMI ELF AND MANOR HOUSE DINNER MENU In 1877, Kalle Peter Lappalainen built the Hankaniemi manor house in a beautiful scenery by Lake Kiurujärvi and has proudly governed his estate ever since. Even though several generations have passed, it is believed that Kalle still keeps an eye on the estate in the figure of the Hankaniemi elf. Hankaniemi is currently managed by a new generation alongside with the elf.

Experience the soothing warmth of the smoke sauna while surrounded by a scenic lake view and enjoy the local delicacies of the manor house menu in the atmospheric log room!

When a group of guests arrives at the almost 150-year-old Hankaniemi manor, the “resident elf” greets them there and toasts them welcome.

The welcome toast is Willimaku, a non-alcoholic sparkling drink that tastes like meadowsweet and is made locally in Kiuruvesi. Once the guests have enjoyed their drinks, the elf guides the group to the saunas waiting for them with their warmth. An important part of the Finnish sauna experience is to intermittently cool oneself down outside; in the winter, you can have a dip in the ice hole in the lake or roll in the snow, and in the summer, you can swim in the refreshingly cool lake. During the bathing, you can enjoy lingonberry juice and a small snack prepared by the Hankaniemi elf.

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According to the legend, the Hankaniemi elf himself collects the forest berries needed in the house.

To cap off the evening, the elf guides the group into the manor house, where dinner is waiting for them in the atmospheric log room.

The Hankaniemi elf’s sauna menu contains locally produced foods and pure and tasty delicacies. After the dinner, the Hankaniemi elf tells stories about the manor house’s history, present day and future.

According to the legend, the Hankaniemi elf himself collects the forest berries needed in the house. It is believed that he goes around in the forest at night time collecting the berries, along with the Old Wife and her mushroom buckets. If the people of the house have behaved well during the year, then plenty of berry buckets will appear at the front door of the manor in the autumn – but if the people have behaved badly, there will be fewer berries.

Duration: 4 hours Location/Starting point: Hankaniementie 110, 74700 Kiuruvesi Group size: 4–10 people Availability: All year round Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €100/person What’s included? Welcome toast, use of lakeside and smoke saunas, use of a towel, a seat cover for the sauna and the dinner.

Additional services (for an extra charge): Alcoholic drinks at the saunas and the manor house.Transportation is available and can be booked from Blue Pearl. Transportation can be arranged to the bus stations or railway stations in Iisalmi or Kiuruvesi, for example. The drive time from Iisalmi to Blue Pearl is 30 minutes, price €120/round trip. The drive time from Kiuruvesi to Blue Pearl is 10 minutes, price €30/round trip.

Accessible for people with disabilities: For more information, contact the provider Bookings and enquiries: Blue Pearl, tel. +358 40 705 0428, email sales@sininenhelmi.fi

HANKANIEMI ELF’S MANOR HOUSE DINNER MENU Appetizers: Old Wife’s mushroom soup Manor house’s rye bread and Early bird’s oat bread The Old Wife of the manor house collects the mushrooms herself in autumn and prepares them from start to finish during the full moon. The recipe is secret and is kept locked in Tähkälä barn.

Drinks: Hankaniemi elf’s home-made beer (non-alcoholic), manor house’s lingonberry juice and water Main course: Local zander, caught by the head of the house Local potatoes Oven-roasted root vegetables Horseradish sauce Fresh vegetables and Kalle Peter’s cheese Dessert: Coffee, tea and blueberries from Hankaniemi forest, baked in rye crust and served with vanilla sauce MAGIC | 31

MAGIC THE WORLD’S ONE AND ONLY MOOMIN ICE CAVE (located 30 meters below the Vesileppis hotel)

A WINTER EVENING’S SKIING EXCURSION IN TAHKO’S SCENERY

What happened when Moomintroll woke up early from his hibernation?

Experience a magical skiing trip in Tahko’s magnificent scenery, after the dark has already set in and nature is completely quiet.

While the rest of the Moomin family are in the deep slumber of their winter hibernation, Moomintroll finds himself awake and unable to get back to sleep. He discovers a world of snow, the cold and the wonders of winter.

Year 2020 exhibition is based on the novel Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson. The story teaches Moomintroll and us a lot about friendship, family and fears.

Take a trip to the ice cave 30 meters underground to see Moominland Midwinter and Moomin valley inhabitants in 16 beautiful ice sculptures.

The carving ice was taken from a little lake far away in Finnish Lapland where the clearest carving ice in the world is harvested.

Enjoy a variety of winter activities, such as snow slides, snow tubes and the sleigh-go-round, and visit the Moomin Ice Cave. In Vesileppis Coffee Corner, you can enjoy the beverage included in your ticket price, whether a hot chocolate or a warm berry juice.

Every year there is a new Moomin story and exhibition on offer.

Vesileppis also has the Moomin Minishop with a good selection of authentic Moomin products.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours Location: Vokkolantie 1, 70900 Leppävirta Group size: For self-guided tours, there is no limit to group size. Guided tours are required to have a minimum of 10 participants.

Availability: 26.12.2020–30.6.2021 Guiding languages: English (Russian on request) Price: €17/adult and child of 4-17 years, €10/child of 1-3 years, €60/family ticket (2 adults + 2 children), €16/groups of 10 adults or more.

One hot beverage is included in the price.

What’s included? Entrance to Moomin Ice Cave, guided tour for groups (min. 10 persons), hot chocolate / warm berry juice after a visit to Moomin Ice Cave.

Available at separate cost: Purchases at Moomin Minishop, Bistro Restaurant, Spa services, Coffee Corner, lunch How to get there: We recommend a pre-arranged charter transfer from Kuopio or arrival by own car (drive time from Kuopio about 35 minutes) Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Bookings and enquiries: sales@vesileppis.fi| P.+358 29 170 0170

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With our headlamps illuminating our way, we will ski in the forest until we reach a lean-to, where we will take a break in atmospheric surroundings.

At the lean-to, we get to enjoy a meal of traditional Finnish delicacies prepared on an open fire. The skiing distance is 2–5 km, depending on the participants’ skills.

Alternatively, the trip can be arranged in daytime.

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The dark has already set in and nature is completely quiet.

Duration: 2–3 hours Location/Starting point: Break Sokos Hotel Tahko Group size: 12–50 persons Availability: November 2020 – April 2021 on request Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: Starting from €127/person What’s included: Guiding, use of skis and other gear, food at the open fire and chef’s service at the lean-to Menu • Seasonal green salad • Rye bread with a cold-smoked salmon-crayfish topping • Sausages grilled on a campfire • Crepes with strawberry jam • Coffee made on a campfire • Refreshments (mineral water, soft drink, juice) How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. Kuopio airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Bookings and enquiries: Break Sokos Hotel Tahko, sales.tahkovuori@sokoshotels.fi

MAGIC SUP TRIP ON BLUE WAVES

BAKE YOUR OWN TRADITIONAL SAVONIAN BREAD

Enjoy a summer’s day out on the waves at the Tahkolahti bay. We will paddle on SUP boards at a leisurely pace while making the most of the beautiful summer day. You can participate without any prior experience of handling a SUP board. Halfway through the trip we will go ashore to have a break at a lean-to and enjoy a delicious lunch there.

Törmälä has a long history, going all the way back to the 18th century, when it served as the local vicarage, known in Finnish as Kosken pappila.

The vicarage was home to chaplains for 250 years. The original Savonian barley bread has been – and still is – one of the most beloved freshly baked goods on the table. It is round, chubby, luscious and slightly sour.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours Location/Starting point: Break Sokos Hotel Tahko Group size: 5–10 persons Availability: June–August 2021 on request Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: Starting from €49/person What’s included? Guiding, use of SUP board and floating vests, lunch

At Törmälä, you have a unique chance to bake your own Savonian barley bread – naturally you get to taste it yourself, too!

Menu: • Smoked vendace salad • Sausages grilled on a campfire • Rye bread • Traditional blueberry pie with rye crust/Pancake • Coffee/tea • Juice How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. Kuopio airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Bookings and enquiries: Break Sokos Hotel Tahko sales.tahkovuori@sokoshotels.fi

First we start with a cup of coffee together with the matron’s freshly baked Finnish sweet buns while listening to the eventful history of the old vicarage. Baking Savonian barley bread takes a bit of time and patience. The matron will guide you through the whole baking process and teach you the importance of shaping the bread profile in your own personal style. That way you can make it perfect!

While the bread rises in its due time, you can enjoy lunch or dinner. You can also bake a loaf of braided sweet bread to take home as a surprise.

The best part is when the breads are baked in the big wood-heated oven and you get to enjoy the lovely aroma. Let’s see if you can wait until you get home before you taste it!

Duration: 3 hours Location/Starting point: Konnekoskentie 552, 77700 Rautalampi Group size: 5–40 persons Availability: All year round Guiding languages: English, Finnish, German, Swedish Price: From €40/person What’s included? Guided baking, your warm bread to take home with you, coffee with traditional Finnish sweet delicacy, home-cooked lunch or dinner Option: A night’s stay from €40/person, sauna by the lake €10/person How to get there: A 15-minute drive from Rautalampi town centre (10 km away), a 1-hour drive from Kuopio (92 km away) and Jyväskylä (88 km away), the two cities where the nearest airports are located. A half-an-hour drive from Suonenjoki railway station (30 km away).

Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Also suitable for families with children Bookings & enquiries: Bookings to be made at least two days in advance. E-mail: info@tormala.fi, tel.+358 40 558 2439 www.tormala.fi

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PEACE

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PEACE MINNA’S BOAT TRIP

UNIQUE DINING IN THE BYZANTINE HALL AND A VISIT TO THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

Minna Canth (1844–1897) was an author and journalist who changed the world with her work. She defended women’s rights in her texts, and her life’s work significantly contributed to Finland’s rise as one of the pioneering countries in education and equality. Finland enfranchised women (i.e. gave them the right to vote) as the third country in the world in 1906.

A little more than one hundred years ago, Finland was a part of Russia.

After gaining independence, the country had to fight the famous Winter War, as a result of which Finland ceded a large part of the area of Karelia to its eastern neighbour, and the Finns who had formerly lived there had to be evacuated. The city of Iisalmi in Upper Savo is one of the places where plenty of those evacuees settled down, bringing along their Karelian and Orthodox culture. This culture is still strongly present in the Iisalmi region, and one of its greatest monuments is the Golden Dome.

Enjoy peaceful moments with cultural history and local food at a unique venue under the Golden Dome!

On Minna’s boat trip, our route offers us great views to the cape of Väinölänniemi, which was a very special place for Minna. Väinölänniemi was a popular recreational area already in Minna’s time, serving as a venue for musical events, among other things. Our cruise vessel is s/y Sälen, a historical ship built in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1929 and owned by many different people, including a Swedish Count, before ending up in Finland. The ship’s home port is Kuopio.

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A journalist who changed the world with her work

Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours Location/Starting point: Kuopio Harbour, Kauppakatu 1, Kuopio Group size: Max. 12 persons Availability: All year round on request. Bookings for the year 2021 can be made from 1 August 2020 onwards.

Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €50/person, min. €490 What’s included? A boat tour on Lake Kallavesi How to get there: Kuopio Harbour is in central Kuopio, a few minutes’ city bus ride or taxi ride away from the railway station and bus station Accessible for people with disabilities: No For extra fee: Coffee/tea/finger food Bookings and enquiries: www.minnanpuoti.fi, info@minnanpuoti.fi, tel. +358 44 241 2170

Hotel Golden Dome is a beautifully decorated unique boutique hotel in the city of Iisalmi, built by the local Orthodox parish with the rich roots of Karelian culture as its foundation. The dinner is served in the Byzantine-style hall that has a strongly spiritual atmosphere with its elegant murals. The guide will tell you the story of the hotel building and the murals. After dinner, the group will visit the stunning Orthodox church next door with an expert local guide.

Duration: 2.5 hours Location/Starting point: Hotel Golden Dome Iisalmi, Kyllikinkatu 8, 74100 Iisalmi Group size: 15–60 persons Availability: All year round, to be pre-booked Guiding languages: English, Finnish Price: €27/adult. €13/child of 4–12 years. Minimum booking 15 adults What’s included? Traditional local lunch/dinner of the season (menu of the day including starter, main course, dessert and coffee/tea, still water and hand-baked bread of the house). Dinner example: Forest mushroom soup and hand-baked bread roll. Oven-baked pike-perch in creamy sauce with local potatoes. Berry pie. Coffee or tea. In addition to the meal, an introduction to the Byzantine restaurant hall and wall murals, an introduction to the religious history of the hotel building and a guided visit to the Orthodox church next door.

Supplements: Accommodation at the hotel can be booked separately How to get there: You can reach Hotel Golden Dome by car/charter bus from Kuopio in one hour or by train from Helsinki in 5.5 hours.

Bookings and enquiries: e-mail sales@goldendome.fi or tel. +358 (0)44 752 9196

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PEACE KUOPION SAANA – FINNISH SAUNA PARADISE

Kuopion Saana combines a Finnish sauna experience, excellent restaurant services and a multitude of events and activities in one location.

These services together with the exceptional architecture and unique location right by Lake Kallavesi make Saana one of the most fascinating places to visit in the Lakeland area. Saana can easily be reached even by bike, or you can take a boat trip there.

In the summer, you can enjoy sunbathing and grilling on our huge terrace and cool yourself down by swimming in our outdoor pool or in the lake. You can relax in our spa that has a 30-seater mixed-gender sauna, an indoor hot tub, an experience shower and heated loungers.

The spa’s outdoor area has a smoke sauna and two heated pools. After a 2-hour sauna experience it is time to taste great dishes in the Saana restaurant. The tasty food is prepared out of high-quality ingredients, always provided by local producers when possible. Beside the local food, Saana offers a wide range of local drinks. The RPS Brewery and the Lignell & Piispanen distillery are situated less than 1 km from Saana.

Duration: 2 hours Location/Starting point: Siikaranta 12, 70620 Kuopio Group size: Min. 8 persons. (max. 28 women and 28 men in the group) Availability: All year round Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €12/person What’s included? Use of towels. Entrance to Kuopion Saana Sauna and Spa: two mixed saunas (smoke sauna and electric sauna), two outdoor pools, jacuzzi, experience shower, heated loungers. Note: All of our saunas are mixed-gender saunas which means that you must wear a swimsuit or swim trunks outside the changing rooms.

For extra fee: We have a separate sauna also with a small private lounge and terrace which can be used exclusively for ladies or gentlemen (this sauna is called VIP-Saana, and more information about it is available on our website. The maximum capacity is 15 people, and the price is €350/15 people for three hours.

RESTAURANT: Lunch: Three-course lunch, €10.50/person, €7/ child under 10 years (incl. VAT): Salad buffet, bread and soup from the buffet trolley, main course is served to table (always two options), water, coffee, tea, small dessert (buffet trolley).

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A Finnish sauna experience, excellent restaurant services and a multitude of events and activities

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Dinner menu: €33/person (incl. VAT): Starter: Vegetable soup out of local vegetables Main course: Fish of the day or beef with Saana´s special sauce and grilled seasonal vegetables, with a side dish of noodles or potatoes Dessert: Fresh local berries with caramel sauce €17 for children under 10 years (incl. VAT): Starter: Vegetable soup out of local vegetables Main course: Kids’ burger with fries Dessert: Ice cream with sauce.

How to get there: Distance to Kuopio city centre about 3 km (5 minutes by car or bus), in the summertime a boat connection from Kuopio harbour.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: info@kuopionsaana.fi, tel. +358 44 724 0940, www.kuopionsaana.fi

PEACE HIKING TOUR IN THE BEAUTIFUL NATURE CONSERVATION AREA AT TAHKO

FIND INNER PEACE IN UNTOUCHED NATURE

Finnish nature is every traveller’s dream destination in all seasons.

Tahko has an ideal environment for hiking thanks to the diverse and comprehensive route network, readily available route maps and colour-coded signs.

Put on the snowshoes and venture out into the wild to admire the great beauty and calm of Finnish nature in the wintertime. You will be amazed by how beautiful and quiet the snow-covered woods can be.

Meet your guide and start your journey from Hotel Ukko to the unique nature conservation area of Huutavanholma. On this circular route you get to climb the longest outdoor stairs in Finland (1,054 steps), admire the scenic views of the Lakeland area and enjoy the special atmosphere of Huutavanholma. The terrain is partly steep and in some places hilly.

The most significant point of interest in the area is the creek starting from the west side of the Tahko hill, descending east of the hill with lush grove vegetation alongside it. The Huutavanholma area is valuable in terms of the richness of its plant species.

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Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the wonders of snowy Finnish forests. They allow you to move easily, even in deeper snow. And above all: snowshoeing is a lot of fun!

On this trip you will learn the basics of snowshoeing and experience an adventure in winter wonderland. Half-way through the trip, we will have a break and enjoy hot sausages and coffee prepared traditionally over a campfire.

No previous experience is needed.

Finnish nature is every traveller’s dream destination in all seasons.

Duration: 2 hours for the tour (accommodation for 2 nights) Location/Starting point: Hotel Ukko, Ukontie 7, FIN-73310 Tahkovuori Group size: 2–11 persons Availability: On request between May – October, weather permitting Guiding languages: Finnish, English, German and Swedish Price: Twin room: €225; 3-5-person room: €320 for two nights at Hotel Ukko (including the bedlinen, towels, final cleaning and the two-hour guided hiking tour in Huutavanholma) What’s included? A guided hiking tour at Tahko + cosy accommodation in the centre of the Tahko area. At Hotel Ukko, there are 15 unique rooms: eight quadruple rooms with sauna and balcony, six terraced twin rooms and one terraced family room for five.

Supplements: Lunch/dinner at Restaurant Mosquito in the heart of Tahko, extra night from €45/person How to get there: A 1-hour drive from Kuopio city centre and from Kuopio airport.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings & enquiries: Tahko Chalet sales office: sales@tahkochalet.fi, tel. +358 1748 3200, www.tahkochalet.fi

Duration: 2 hours Location/Starting point: TahkoSafarit, Nipasentie 2, 73310 Tahkovuori Group size: 5–20 persons Availability: December–April Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: €39/person Difficulty level: Easy What’s included? Use of snowshoes, guiding, refreshments (coffee and sausages) How to get there: The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. The nearest airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easily reached by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: www.tahkosafarit.fi/en

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PEACE LAKE ACTIVITIES AT SAHALA ESTATE

PUBLIC SAUNA EVENINGS IN A TRADITIONAL FINNISH SMOKE SAUNA AT JÄTKÄNKÄMPPÄ IN RAUHALAHTI

Have a therapeutic boating or canoeing experience on the lake!

Jätkänkämppä (Lumberjack’s Lodge) offers you an opportunity to experience a traditional lumberjack atmosphere of the 1950s in an authentic setting. Bathing in the gentle heat of the smoke sauna combined with refreshing dips in the lake offers total relaxation. In winter you can try a truly invigorating dip in a pre-cut hole in lake ice.

Our activities take place on clear waters that are clean enough to drink and where there are no mosquitos. The trip involves cooperation between the participants, which serves to build a spirit of togetherness.

During the trip, the guide will tell us about therapeutic healing, preventive health care and an anti-aging lifestyle.

Duration: About 2 hours Location/Starting point: Sahala Estate, Rautalampi Group size: Min. 2 persons Availability: June–August Guiding languages: Finnish, English, Russian Price: €50/person What’s included? Guided boat/canoe tour on Lake Äijävesi in Rautalampi, break on the lake’s shore with organic tea and pancakes.

Supplements: A night’s stay at Sahala Estate is available on request.

How to get there: The nearest railway station is in Suonenjoki (23 km away). A taxi connection from Suonenjoki to Rautalampi takes 20 minutes. A drive from Kuopio airport takes about 1 hour.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Sahala Herbs, info@sahalaherbs.fi, tel. +358 40 838 5599

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Therapeutic healing, preventive health care and an anti-aging lifestyle

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Jätkänkämppä has its own traditional dinner buffet menus that also feature provincial specialities. Live accordion music, light-hearted humour and fantastic lumberjack shows in the summertime – all reflecting lumberjack heritage, representing a blast from the past.

Duration: 3–6 hours Location/Starting point: Spa Hotel Rauhalahti, Jätkänkämppä, Kuopio – the authentic lumberjack’s lodge with smoke sauna Group size: 1–130 persons Availability: Tuesdays all year round and in June–August also Thursdays Guiding language: Self-guided Price: €37/adult, €18.50/child of 4–14 years; ask us for group discounts.

What’s included? Smoke sauna visit (sauna towel), traditional dinner buffet, live accordion music in Jätkänkämppä, in June–August a spectacular lumberjack show at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Supplements: Sauna drinks, alcoholic drinks with dinner buffet, extra towels.

How to get there: The neareast railway and bus stations are in Kuopio city centre. Kuopio airport is 14 kilometres away from the city centre.

Spa Hotel Rauhalahti is located 5 km south of Kuopio city centre and Jätkänkämppä with the smoke sauna 600 metres behind the hotel. In the summer, Jätkänkämppä can also be reached by passenger boat from Kuopio harbour.

Accessible for people with disabilities: Yes Bookings and enquiries: Spa Hotel Rauhalahti, myynti@rauhalahti.fi, tel. +358 306 0830

PEACE ICE FISHING TRIP – INVIGORATING WINTER FISHING

GUIDED FISHING TRIP ON THE SYNNE FERRY

Finland’s clean lakes offer varied pastime opportunities around the year.

The waters around the Tahko area are excellently suited for many winter activities, including fishing. Join us on an ice-fishing trip to get the best fishing tips from our guide and a chance to catch your own prey. Our trip is capped off with a lunch served on land, in an atmospheric setting of a lean-to.

Experience the magnificent lake landscape and nature of North Savonia and get acquainted with the methods of traditional lake fishing guided by an expert fish guide (Kalaopas Finland), enjoying the surrounding nature without hurry.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours Location/Starting point: Break Sokos Hotel Tahko Group size: 12–50 persons Availability: November 2020–April 2021 on request Guiding languages: Finnish, English Price: Starting from €58/person What’s included? Guiding, gear, food at the open fire and chef’s service at the lean-to Menu: • Smoked vendace salad • Sausages grilled on a campfire • Rye bread • Traditional blueberry pie with rye crust • Coffee/tea How to get there:The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 40 km away) and in Kuopio (about 67 km away). The taxi connection from Siilinjärvi to Tahko takes about half an hour. Kuopio airport is less than a one-hour drive away and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

Bookings and enquiries: Break Sokos Hotel Tahko, sales.tahkovuori@sokoshotels.fi

On the ferry trip, we get to see rugged rocky islands and the beauty of Lake Kuttajärvi. Along the route there are also the historic areas of Souru ironworks and Saastamoinen yarn spool mill. On the fishing trip, we can admire the scenery of the rugged islands, and we will go ashore to take a break at a lean-to. During the break, we have the opportunity to take photos on a high cliff. At the lean-to, we can enjoy the summer while eating a tasty lunch by a campfire. On the way back, we will hear the skipper tell stories about the history and present day of the Syvänniemi village and about the operations of Souru ironworks and Saastamoinen yarn spool mill late in the 19th century.

For extra charge: Lunch on the ferry: • Coffee / tea / refreshment and a self-baked Finnish sweet bun €7/ person • Coffee / tea / refreshment and a self-baked fresh oat roll with a ham-cheese or vegetable filling €8/person Campfire lunch: • Traditional Finnish grilled sausage, juice or water €4/person • Delicious takeaway lunch packed in a cooler bag €12/person (includes a salad of fresh seasonal vegetables, bread, cream cheese spread, Finnish sausages / other products grilled on the campfire and a small sweet dessert with coffee, juice) Duration: A 3.5-hour ferry trip, in total 5 hours Location/Starting point: Boutique Hotel Sawohouse, Hermannitalo at Syvänniemi Group size: 2–8 persons Availability: May–August 2021 Guiding languages: Finnish, English (Russian on request for an extra charge) Price: €620/group What’s included? Use of all the necessary equipment, guidance to fishing, ferry ride How to get there: A 10-minute-drive from Kuopio city centre, no. 21 city bus.

Accessible for people with disabilities: No Bookings and enquiries: Boutique Hotel SawoHouse, sales@sawohouse.fi, tel. +358 10 338 9490, www.sawohouse.fi

PEACE | 39

ACCOMMODATION Sleep well on a lakeshore in the middle of the woods or in the heart of the city centre.

In North Savo Lakeland you’ll find various accommodation opportunities from small cottages and villas to luxury hotel rooms and apartments.

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Boutique Hotel SawoHouse

Guesthouse Haapaniemi Mansion

LOCATION: The hotel is located a 10-minute drive from Kuopio city centre, near Matkus shopping centre.

LOCATION: By Lake Haapajärvi, by car 20 minutes from Iisalmi, 1 hour from Kuopio

DESCRIPTION: A small and idyllic family-run boutique hotel with beautiful wooden houses is a unique environment for our individually decorated hotel rooms. Our peaceful yet central location gives you an opportunity to explore nature as well as the city.

Our restaurant offers you traditional Finnish dishes prepared using local and seasonal ingredients, with a Spanish twist.

DESCRIPTION: Haapaniemi offers accommodation and outdoor experiences for smaller groups in a unique and peaceful place.

CAPACITY: A total of 18 rooms / 35 beds ROOM TYPES: Standard single, standard double, superior double, standard family, superior family SERVICES: Restaurant, bar, café, summer terrace, sauna, wellness centre (run by Satumaiset Hyvinvointipalvelut), Passion Golf Studio (golf simulator), meeting rooms and event centre for up to 600 people.

CAPACITY: Total 5 rooms / 11 beds ROOM TYPES: 2-3 person rooms SERVICES: Sauna and shared little kitchen available free of charge, rowing boat available free of charge, kicksleds available for free in the winter. For rent: bikes, SUP boards, big canoe, outboard engine for the boat (€20 per day), snowmobiles. Available at an additional cost: breakfast, dinner, traditional Finnish smoke sauna, hot tub, transportation, guided outdoor activities.

WEBSITE: www.haapaniemenmatkailu.fi

WEBSITE: www.sawohouse.fi

Blue Pearl

Hotel Iisalmen Seurahuone

LOCATION: A short distance from the small town of Kiuruvesi by Lake Kiurujärvi.

LOCATION: Iisalmi city centre

DESCRIPTION: Stop the time and feel the nature, let your mind be free. Allow your soul to be purified by sauna vapours, have an invigorating swim and get a good night’s sleep.

CAPACITY: 10 twin rooms for 20–25 guests ROOM TYPES: Twin rooms + extra beds SERVICES: Restaurant, wood-heated traditional sauna and smoke sauna, seasonal nature activities.

DESCRIPTION: Hotel Iisalmen Seurahuone offers comfortable accommodation with an attentive service at friendly prices in a nostalgic building in central Iisalmi.

CAPACITY: Total 40 rooms / 80 beds ROOM TYPES: 1-5 person rooms SERVICES: Sauna available free of charge. For rent: bikes WEBSITE: www.iisalmenseurahuone.fi

WEBSITE: www.sininenhelmi.fi

ACCOMMODATION | 41

Hotel Golden Dome

Jokiniemen Matkailu B&B

LOCATION: Iisalmi city centre

LOCATION: A peaceful location by Lake Onkivesi, a 45-minute drive from the city of Kuopio. A private, safe and lovely area on a 1-km-long cape featuring only our guesthouse and cottages.

CAPACITY: Total 36 rooms / 65 beds

DESCRIPTION: Comfortable rooms with a great lake view at a peaceful location on the countryside. A great opportunity for small groups, who appreciate being close to the nature, far from the hustle and bustle!

DESCRIPTION: An international boutique hotel providing high-quality accommodation. The hotel sits in a tranquil spot next to a beautiful church.

ROOM TYPES: Classic, Comfort, ComfortPlus (with private sauna), Superior Class, Family Room Superior. Check the descriptions of the room types on our website at www.goldendome.fi SERVICES: The hotel restaurants include the à la carte restaurant that skilfully prepares traditional Savonian-Karelian delicacies with an international twist, a private charter restaurant, a lobby bar and a catering service. Our à la carte restaurant menus change according to the seasons. We always use the best seasonal ingredients for our dishes.

The sauna is open for guests from Monday to Thursday between 18.45 and 21.00. Meeting rooms: Great Byzantine max. 80 persons (50 with classroom-style seating), White Hall max. 40 (25 with classroom-style seating), Basement classroom max. 30, Sauna Cabinet max. 10. The meeting rooms can be adapted flexibly.

CAPACITY: Total 6 rooms / 11 beds. For youth groups, the possibility of 1-2 extra beds in each room --> max. 20 persons total ROOM TYPES: 5 x Twin, 1 x Single (shower/toilet, TV, Wi-Fi, balcony in each room) SERVICES: Sauna, 2 kitchens, conference room. Rowing boat available free of charge. Equipment and facilities for self-guided activities for rent: two bicycles, outboard engines, tennis court, surfboard, cross-country skis. Meals for groups min. 10 persons by order. A small family-owned business, the hostess lives in the area and is ready to help you 24/7.

WEBSITE: www.goldendome.fi

WEBSITE: https://jokiniemenmatkailu.fi/en/guest-house-haavi

Hotel IsoValkeinen Kuopio

Lapland Hotels Kuopio

LOCATION: By the national highway no. 5 and Lake Isovalkeinen, by car 10 minutes from Kuopio city centre

LOCATION: Kuopio city centre

DESCRIPTION: Hotel IsoValkeinen is a comfortable and peaceful resort only 10 minutes from the city centre. All our 100 hotel rooms are situated in four row houses. Every room has its own parking place and electrical plug for car engine heater in front of the room. All the rooms have free Wi-Fi. Our rooms are spacious, non-smoking and wellequipped. We have one room equipped for disabled people.

DESCRIPTION: Lapland Hotels Kuopio draws its strength from the crisp clear northern winters and the summer’s warmth on the fells. Easy-going nature and a modern feel of Lapland in Kuopio. The ambiance of our rooms is a tribute to the cosy atmosphere and top-notch quality that are characteristic of the North. Everything is built around dreamlike northern moments that you can enjoy in the unique, custom-made beds of our hotel.

CAPACITY: Total 100 rooms / 230 beds

CAPACITY: 139 rooms

ROOM TYPES: Standard, Standard PLUS, Economy

ROOM TYPES: Northern Comfort single, double and twin. Northern de Luxe. Lapland Junior Suite. Lapland Suite with Sauna.

SERVICES: Lobbybar Kirjasto (Library), food restaurant Tori, dance restaurant IsoVaalee. 12 different conference rooms for 10–400 people.

Lakeside sauna, swimming beach. Fishing in summer and winter.

WEBSITE: https://www.isovalkeinen.com/en 42 | ACCOMMODATION

SERVICES: Breakfast, à la carte restaurant, meeting rooms, saunas, private sauna, gym, private parking indoors and outdoors.

WEBSITE: www.laplandhotels.com and www.kitchengalla.fi

Jokiniemen Matkailu

Metsäkartano Youth and Nature Centre, wilderness hotel rooms

LOCATION: A peaceful location by Lake Onkivesi, a 45-minute drive from the city of Kuopio. A private area on a 1-km-long cape featuring only our cottages and guesthouse.

LOCATION: Located by Lake Yläkeyritty in wilderness surroundings. The nearest railway stations are in Siilinjärvi (about 100 km away) and in Kuopio (about 127 km away). The nearest airport is 1 hour 45 minutes away by car and is easy to reach by taxi or pre-ordered flat-rate airport transfers.

DESCRIPTION: Have a safe and relaxing holiday far from the hustle and bustle, close to the nature! A small family-owned business, the hostess lives in the area and is ready to help you with every question or issue 24/7.

COTTAGES: Several alternatives for different needs – from a modern, well-equipped cottage to a traditional Finnish cottage for summertime use only. All the cottages have a nice and cosy feeling and feature at least the following amenities: electricity, hot and cold running water, shower/toilet, fridge, cooking and eating utensils and stove, coffeemaker, microwave oven, grill, fireplace. Private beach, rowing boat.

CAPACITY: Total 7 cottages (2 all year round + 5 from May to October, for 2–8 persons). The cottages Koukku (all year round), Ankkuri (all year round) and Merta each have three bedrooms, the cottages Onki and Katiska each have two bedrooms and the cottages Nuotta and Turo each have 1 bedroom.

SERVICES: Equipment and facilities for self-guided activities for rent: two bicycles, outboard engines, tennis court, surfboard, cross-country skis. Breakfast available daily (buffet/take away), other meals for groups min. 10 persons by order. Access to Wi-Fi at the reception area.

WEBSITE: www.jokiniemenmatkailu.fi/en

DESCRIPTION: The main interest of the Metsäkartano wilderness resort is to make unspoilt wilderness effortlessly available to an ordinary person in a safe way with nature activity programmes. In pure wilderness surroundings you can experience the soothing power of nature and have a break from hectic life and the fast-paced work environment.

CAPACITY: A total of 29 wilderness hotel rooms / 86 beds in two wooden wilderness hotel buildings. The total capacity of Metsäkartano is 175 beds, the other forms of accommodation being holiday apartments (with 41 beds) and group accommodation in two big cabins (with 22+26 beds).

ROOM TYPES: Single room, double room, triple room, quadruple room

SERVICES: Restaurant, café, meeting rooms, saunas, different activities, equipment rental, guided services COTTAGES: Five holiday apartments in three different sizes. Two small cottages that accommodate 2–6 persons with one bedroom and extra beds upstairs. Two medium size cottages that accommodate 4–8 persons with two bedrooms and extra beds upstairs. One big cottage that accommodates 6–11 persons with three bedrooms and extra beds. All cottages include a living room, kitchen, bathroom/sauna, terrace and toilet.

COTTAGE CAPACITY: A total of five holiday apartments / for 2–11 persons each / 39 persons in total WEBSITE: www.metsakartano.com/en

PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI

43

Niemilomat

Hiili & Miilu, Ruukin Tupa holiday homes

LOCATION: By Lake Unnukka, a 20-minute drive from Varkaus city centre and a 1-hour drive from Kuopio.

LOCATION: The small and idyllic village of Jyrkkä, suitably far away from everything for a relaxing holiday. Situated by Lake Kiltua, a onehour drive from central Iisalmi.

DESCRIPTION: Niemilomat is situated in the middle of beautiful and clean nature. Your host takes good care of you to make your holiday perfect.

COTTAGES: Ullan Pirtti (12 m²), Riitan Parsi (28 m²), Telakan Kammari (20 m²). More information available online at www.niemilomat.fi/en

DESCRIPTION: You can sense the atmosphere of the 19th century when the old ironworks operated in the village of Jyrkkä for almost one hundred years. The area has been restored and it introduces Finland’s oldest industry to tourists with its magnificent rapids in the middle of pure wilderness.

BED & BREAKFAST ROOMS: The main building at Niemilomat is a log house built in 1915 and fully renovated in 1997. The upper floor comprises four double rooms. In the lobby there is one bathroom with shower per two rooms. The price includes breakfast, which is served downstairs in the atmospheric living room-kitchen combo. In the summertime, the guests may also use the lakeside sauna as well as row a boat on the lake. Wi-Fi works in the main building. Pets are not allowed in the main building.

COTTAGES: Our two spacious, brand new and modern Scandinavianstyle log cabins were built in 2019. They offer a wonderful setting for an active, invigorating holiday with an amazing view to the lake. In addition to the excellently equipped accommodation, we offer a wide range of different kinds of services. We support and encourage sustainable travelling. Our high-quality tap water originates from a local natural well.

CAPACITY: Total capacity 25 persons. Cottages 3–10 persons, main building 8 persons.

SERVICES: Rowing boat, fire wood, gas grill and gas are included in the cottage price.

SERVICES: Rowing boats available free of charge, a nature trail with shed, a small island with shed. For extra charge: Disc golf, nature tour, Icelandic horse riding, restaurant for groups of 10–42 persons, smoke sauna for groups of 8–30 persons, outdoor games, snowshoes.

All year round: catering and food service, activities, wood-heated sauna by the lake, hot tub rental

WEBSITE: www.niemilomat.fi/en

CAPACITY: Total 2 cottages / 1–10 persons per cottage.

1.5.–30.10.: Equipment rental (e.g. fishing, fly fishing, fish traps, canoeing equipment) 1.5.–30.9. Café, pub and terrace, grocery and souvenir kiosk, museum 1.6.-30.8. Art exhibition WEBSITE: www.ruukintupa.fi

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PHOTO: IISALMI JA TIENOOT

Break Sokos Hotel Tahko

Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta

LOCATION: In the centre of the Tahko resort.

LOCATION: Iisalmi city centre

DESCRIPTION: A cosy hotel in the centre of Tahko, and close to all the services available there. Our hotel is committed to operating in a sustainable manner with consideration for the environment.

DESCRIPTION: Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta is a warm-spirited and cosy hotel right in the centre of Iisalmi, in the heart of Upper Savo. We take such good care of our guests that they feel right at home. Our services, including the conference facilities, restaurants and evening entertainment, are conveniently accessible, all within the same building. Also, city services, shopping opportunities and cultural attractions are within an effortless walking distance.

CAPACITY: 120 rooms / 462 beds including extra beds ROOM TYPES: Standard Twin x 53, Superior Twin x 38, SuperiorX Twin with balcony x 14, SuperiorX Twin with loft x 14 SERVICES: WiFi, two private saunas for ten people each, à la carte restaurant Hillside, pizzeria Pizza Breikki, fast food restaurant Hesburger and lobby bar Warsteiner Bar WEBSITE: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/tahko

Puustila Golf & Ski LOCATION: A 1-hour drive from the North Savo capital of Kuopio to Lake Syväri at the Tahko holiday centre. All activities at Tahko are within walking distance.

DESCRIPTION: Puustila has a long history; it has been owned by the same family for eight generations. It used to be a farm, but the latest generation transformed the place by building cottages onto the land.

Come and enter a piece of local history!

COTTAGES: Spacious, high-standard, modern and well-equipped cottages built between 2001–2011. All cottages and apartments have their own sauna and free Wi-Fi. Four of the cottages also have their own private child-friendly beach. A total of 10 cottages (for 10–15 persons) and three apartments (for 2–6 persons). The total accommodation capacity is 133 persons.

SERVICES: In the summer, the guests have access to Puustila’s own private child-friendly beach and rowing boats. We can also book tee times in advance to Tahko Golf Club, and we sell affordable green fees.

In the wintertime, 1–2 ski tickets are included in cottage prices (not in apartment prices).

WEBSITE: www.puustila.com

CAPACITY: 104 rooms ROOM TYPES: Standard twin, superior rooms and Junior Suites SERVICES: Restaurant, bar, meeting rooms and saunas WEBSITE: www.sokoshotels.fi

Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi LOCATION: In central Kuopio, between the main marketplace and the passenger harbour at Lake Kallavesi, within easy walking distance of both.

DESCRIPTION: The beauty of Kuopio’s life glows in nature, at the marketplace and in Savonian people. Puijonsarvi is the largest hotel in Eastern Finland, with a warm, cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

The comfort of our guests is a passion for us, and we want you to feel like home by offering you the best hospitality.

CAPACITY: 300 rooms / 600 beds ROOM TYPES: Standard, Superior, SuperiorX, Junior Suite, Suite SERVICES: Two dinner restaurants, Ehta and Frans & Sophie; lobby bar; several conference rooms; gym; separate saunas for men and women.

WEBSITE: www.sokoshotels.fi/en/kuopio/sokos-hotel-puijonsarvi

ACCOMMODATION | 45

Scandic Atlas

Törmälä Holiday Centre

LOCATION: The best location in the heart of Kuopio by the legendary market square.

LOCATION: By Southern Konnevesi National Park – situated right next to the national park

DESCRIPTION: The stylishly elegant and cosy hotel offers guest rooms decorated in different colour themes featuring all that you need for a good night’s sleep. Some of the rooms have their own sauna, bathtub or balcony, and many of them offer beautiful views over the buzzing market square.

DESCRIPTION: Törmälä is a place for peace and quiet, right near nature.

It is an ideal destination for hikers, campers and fishing enthusiasts or just anybody looking for a peaceful stay.

CAPACITY: 131 rooms, 247 beds + extra beds ROOM TYPES: Standard, Superior, Family Superior and Junior Suite.

SERVICES: Grillsson steakhouse restaurant, buffet breakfast, Atlas ball room, five meeting rooms for up to 100 persons.

CAPACITY: 14 rooms /56 beds, two apartments max. 6 persons each, one cottage for two persons, summer shed for 14 persons ROOM TYPES: Rooms for 1–4 persons each with private facilities, apartments and cottage with kitchen and private facilities, traditional summer shed with 14 beds SERVICES: Restaurant, three saunas, coffee shop, information board

WEBSITE: www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/kuopio/scandic-atlas

WEBSITE: www.tormala.fi

Scandic Kuopio

Tahko Spa Hotel

LOCATION: By Lake Kallavesi next to the Kuopio harbour and only a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

LOCATION: At the Tahko ski resort.

DESCRIPTION: Our hotel is located in the centre of Kuopio and by Lake Kallavesi, making it an excellent starting point for seeing the sights of the city or just having a few days to relax. The hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travellers who value beautiful lake views, modern guest rooms and great conference and banqueting facilities.

CAPACITY: 137 rooms and 274 beds + extra beds ROOM TYPES: Standard, Family, Superior and Junior Suite SERVICES: Scandinavian restaurant, buffet breakfast, saunas, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, great C&B facilities including ballroom for up to 400 persons.

WEBSITE: www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/kuopio/scandic-kuopio

46 | ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION: Tahko Spa Hotel is a year-round holiday destination offering high-quality accommodation and a wide choice of sports and leisure services, including a pool area, bowling alley, restaurants, meeting facilities, multifunction arena, chapel and gym. Tahko Spa Hotel is located at the heart of Tahko.

CAPACITY: 39 apartments / 132 beds + extra beds (sofa beds) APARTMENT TYPES: Golf Apartment 49.5 m² + balcony Vuori Apartment 58 m² + balcony Junior Suite 58 m2 + 19 m² terrace Standard Suite 92 m2 + 19 m² terrace Superior Suite 117 m2 + 38 m² terrace SERVICES: Tahko Gym, Tahko Bowling, Tahko Spa, conference rooms and services, SuperCorner Tahko, Restaurant Riemu, beauty treatments and massages WEBSITE: www.tahkospa.fi/en

Apartments Anna

Apartments Huili

LOCATION: At the centre of the Tahko ski resort

LOCATION: Close to the centre of the Tahko ski resort

DESCRIPTION: These alpine chalet-style apartments are located at the centre of the Tahko area. All commercial services and activities are within walking distance, e.g. the Tahko Bridge that crosses Lake Syväri.

DESCRIPTION: Cosy and comfortable apartments near the hiking and biking paths. Ski-to-door access to cross-country tracks.

APARTMENTS: The cosy and comfortable apartments are individually decorated and well-equipped. Some have a fireplace, too. There is free Wi-Fi and a parking place available.

CAPACITY: 10 apartments for up to a total of 84 persons SERVICES: Sales service for groups, taxi service from Siilinjärvi railway station or Kuopio airport WEBSITE: www.tahkoapartments.fi

APARTMENTS: The apartments are well-equipped, each with air conditioning and a sauna. There is a free parking area, Wi-Fi and a cosy lawn-covered yard with a shared barbecue grill available.

CAPACITY: 11 apartments for up to a total of 46 persons SERVICES: Sales service for groups, taxi service from Siilinjärvi railway station or Kuopio airport, ski maintenance room WEBSITE: www.tahkoapartments.fi

Apartments Tahko

Apartments Tähtitahko

LOCATION: At the centre of the Tahko ski resort

LOCATION: At the centre of the Tahko ski resort

DESCRIPTION: The best location in Tahko: just opposite the Tahko ski slopes and very close to Lake Syväri. All commercial services and activities are within walking distance, e.g. the Tahko Bridge that crosses Lake Syväri.

DESCRIPTION: You can enjoy your holiday at your own pace in these cosy and well-equipped apartments, with all the services of Tahko available nearby.

APARTMENTS: These well-equipped and individually decorated apartments offer beautiful views to the Tahko slopes. There is also free Wi-Fi and a parking place available.

CAPACITY: 6 apartments for up to a total of 26 persons SERVICES: Sales service for groups, taxi service from Siilinjärvi railway station or Kuopio airport WEBSITE: www.tahkoapartments.fi

APARTMENTS: The comfortable apartments include a bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, balcony and sauna. The Wi-Fi and parking are free.

CAPACITY: Four apartments for up to a total of 18 persons SERVICES: Sales service for groups, taxi service from Siilinjärvi railway station or Kuopio airport, El Monte Restaurant, K-Market grocery store WEBSITE: www.tahkoapartments.fi

ACCOMMODATION | 47

Vesileppis Centre for Sports & Health

Spa Hotel Rauhalahti

LOCATION: Vesileppis is located in the town of Leppävirta, only 30 minutes from Kuopio by car.

LOCATION: 5 km south of the Kuopio city centre, by Lake Kallavesi, part of Rauhalahti Resort. Katiskaniementie 8, 70700 Kuopio.

DESCRIPTION: Vesileppis is surrounded by beautiful nature and is close to great recreational opportunities. Vesileppis’s facilities include a fitness centre, children’s playground, spa, NHL-sized hockey and skating rink, the largest underground Ski Arena on the planet, multipurpose Vesileppis Areena and the world’s only spectacular Moomin Ice Cave – 30 metres under the hotel there is an ice sculpture exhibition and a lot of winter activities: snow slides, snow tubes and a sleigh-go-round.

DESCRIPTION: Spa Hotel Rauhalahti is surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve with lake scenery. It is located within Rauhalahti Resort which offers plenty of activities such as bowling, minigolf, tennis, horseriding, canoeing, SUP boarding, cycling, skiing, hiking, kids’ playgrounds and animal park in summer.

SPA: Children’s wading pool, waterslide pool (incl. a 32-meter waterslide), competition & fitness pool with 6 lanes (25 metres long), spa pool/ water massage / +33/30°C, cold water pool, Wibit Aquapark water activity course.

ROOM TYPES: Hotel rooms, family rooms, suites, apartments 32–67 m², studios 24 m². Some apartments with their own sauna.

CAPACITY: 131 rooms / 526 beds ROOM TYPES: 6 different types: Standard Twin, Superior Double, Superior Family Room, Superior X Twin, Superior Family Suite and 2 Villas (8–10 persons) SERVICES: Spa, Restaurant Bistro, Castro Bar, Coffee Corner, Moomin Ice Cave, Moomin Minishop, beauty salon, massage services, hockey and skating rink, Ski Arena, Multipurpose Vesileppis Arena, Bowling, Vokkola Outdoor Track and Field, full-size football lawn, personal training, minigolf and disc golf.

WEBSITE: www.vesileppis.fi/en

CAPACITY: 167 rooms/apartments/studios, in total 487 beds

SPA: The spa is open daily, with free entrance for all hotel guests. There are 10 different pools in the spa, including a swimming pool, jacuzzies, kids’ pools and a water massage pool plus Finnish saunas. Its specialities are a hot pool, an ice pool and a warm outdoor pool as well as a steam bath sauna. There is a pool bar with drinks and snacks available, a pool café and a group sauna with its own meeting room.

We arrange pool workouts in the spa (in the mornings, for example), and the guests have free access to the aquatic belts, water toys etc.

SERVICES: Buffet restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner), à la carte restaurant, dance restaurant with live music, night club / karaoke bar, lobby pub & café, pool bar and pool hamburger-café, special traditional restaurant Jätkänkämppä with smoke sauna.

Spa with pools and saunas, treatment facilities, gym, fitness hall, group workout lessons, leisure programmes for both holiday makers and groups, nature activities such as nature paths, skiing tracks, equipment hire, meeting rooms and services, dance and karaoke evenings, pop & rock weekends, traditional Finnish evenings in a real lumberjacks’ lodge called Jätkänkämppä with a smoke sauna visit (public evenings and private parties for groups).

WEBSITE: www.rauhalahti.fi/en

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PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI

Lohimaa

Tahko Chalet

At Lohimaa, we have very comfortable hotel accommodation available for about 50 persons, and our cabins increase the total capacity to around 80 persons.

DESCRIPTION: Tahko Chalet invites you to come and enjoy the cleanest air and water in the world, wild nature with fresh berries, mushrooms and clean white snow. Tahko Chalet/PNT Active Oy is a traditional family-owned company offering a wide range of accommodation, restaurant, meeting and banqueting facilities all year round.

Hotel Taimenvirta is our new high-quality apartment hotel built in connection with the Lohimaa travel centre by the Äyskoski rapids. The hotel features 10 apartments with accommodation for a total of 20 persons. Lodge (the main building) and Log Hotel have altogether 12 high-quality rooms, some of which are 2-person rooms and some larger family rooms. The spacious rooms are air-conditioned. Many rooms boast a fireplace, and one features a private sauna. The rooms as well as the Lohimaa restaurant offer a free Wi-Fi connection. Log Hotel has a shared small kitchen, lobby space and sauna. Additionally, there are good storage spaces available for fishing gear – you do not need to take the gear into your room.

LOCATION: Lohitie 701, 72210 Tervo. About a 1-hour drive from central Kuopio or from Suonenjoki.

CAPACITY: Hotel accommodation for approx. 50 persons, with cabins for approx. 80 persons LOG HOTEL Enjoy comfortable accommodation at our Log Hotel. A lobby, fireplace, small kitchen, sauna and terrace with a gas grill and a view to the rapids are available to all guests. Seven rooms for 2–4 persons. All rooms have their own toilet/shower and TV, and one has a private sauna. Beds for 16 persons (with extra beds, for 20 persons).

You also have the opportunity to rent the entire Log Hotel exclusively for your group.

LODGE (MAIN BUILDING) The suites in the Lodge feature in-room air conditioning, toilet/shower, TV, Wi-Fi, refrigerator and electric kettle.

Five 2-person rooms, for some of which an extra bed is available, and one of the rooms features a private terrace with a view to the rapids.

SERVICES: The restaurants Piazza, Golden Resort, Ukko, Bar & Restaurant Mosquito and Kotipizza that operates next door to Piazza. The following two accommodation premises are also operated by us.

Hotel Ukko LOCATION: In the heart of Tahko Ski Resort. Ukontie 7, 73310 Tahkovuori The slopes and the lake views provide a stunning setting for holidays and accommodation in a prime location at Tahko all year round. UKKO has 15 rooms: eight quadruple rooms with sauna and balcony, six terraced twin rooms and one terraced family room for five guests.

WEBSITE: www.ukkotahko.fi/en

Golden Resort LOCATION: A few kilometres from the centre of Tahko. Kultapallo 1, 73310 Tahkovuori CAPACITY: The 29 spacious villas are effortlessly close to Tahko’s activities, but they also offer peace and privacy in the middle of nature.

At Golden Resort, we host a variety of corporate events, celebrations, meetings and weddings. Located in Nilsiä near Lake Syväri, the resort offers great opportunities for both relaxation and active holidays with family and friends.

WEBSITE: www.goldenresort.fi/en

HOTEL TAIMENVIRTA offers the newest luxury accommodation at Lohimaa. Ten 2-person rooms, featuring basic kitchen equipment and utensils, shower/toilet, TV, private terrace with a view to the rapids and Wi-Fi. Additionally, a lobby/sauna space with a hot tub and a spacious terrace can be rented separately. You also have the opportunity to rent the entire building exclusively for your group.

SERVICES: Both the saunas and the hot tub can be booked for extra fee. The main restaurant’s 80-seater dining hall and 50-seater function room provide a splendid setting for parties, evening get-togethers and lunch meetings.

Our chef takes pride in ensuring that our kitchen offers fresh seasonal delicacies for every taste.

WEBSITE: www.lohimaa.fi

ACCOMMODATION | 49

Kasanen Holiday Cottages

Central Booking Office TAHKOcom

LOCATION: By Lake Suvasvesi, a 1.5-hour drive from Kuopio, a 4.5hour drive from Helsinki via Lahti, Mikkeli and Varkaus

LOCATION: A 45-minute drive from Kuopio airport

DESCRIPTION: Skilfully built and well-equipped log cottages located next to a nature conservation area and the south-facing shore of Lake Suvasvesi. Excellent opportunities for fishing and other nature-related activities. Orinoro gorge and nature trail, Valamo Monastery and Lintula Convent are just a half-an-hour drive away.

COTTAGES: The cottages have been built using traditional methods out of specially selected sturdy pine logs sourced from the very location The layouts of the cottages are identical, featuring an open-plan lounge, fully fitted kitchen and two bedrooms. Both cottages have all the essential facilities, including a spacious sauna department, hot and cold water (from a drilled well), dish washer, electric heating and heat-storing fireplace for those cosy nights indoors. Both also feature a veranda and a deck area with gas grill. Wooden steps lead to the shore and the pier.

CAPACITY: A total of 2 cottages for 1–6 persons each SERVICES: Available to the guests for no extra cost are the sauna, rowing boat, dartboard and darts, “Mölkky” outdoor skittle-throwing game, a deck of cards and a selection of books and paperbacks in the English language.

WEBSITE: www.kasanen.com

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DESCRIPTION: TAHKOcom is the central booking agency for all travel services at the Tahko holiday resort. Tahko is a great place to spend a holiday in with your family, friends or by yourself, enjoying the peacefulness of Finnish nature. Snow-covered hills and green valleys, untouched forests with berries and mushrooms and clean lakes full of fish – this is not a dream, this is Tahko!

COTTAGES: Our selection of accommodation options includes 800 different choices from hotel rooms to cottages by the lake at the Tahko holiday resort.

CAPACITY: 800 holiday homes SERVICES: Saunas, restaurants, e-fatbikes and kayaks for rent WEBSITE: www.tahko.com/en

Find your own piece of lake

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ITINERARY EXAMPLES by GreenEscape

Grand Summer Tour in North & South Savonian Lakeland

PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI

Celebrate the true spirit of Lakeland like a local, exploring the ”hidden gems” of the North Savonian Lakeland.

ITINERARY / HIGHLIGHTS • Guided city walk in Kuopio exploring the main city attractions such as Puijo Peak and the Puijo tower, Kuopio harbour, Museum, Market Hall etc.

• Experience the magnificence of Tahko ski slopes and a multi-course meal at the Tahko Panorama restaurant, set in the high hills offering stunning panoramic views of the Tahko region.

• Indulge in the ambrosial culinary traditions of Kuopio, recognised as the European Region of Gastronomy 2020-21, with a tasting session of signature Savonian delicacies such as ”Kalakukko”, ”Fried Muikku” etc. from quirky local eateries.

• Enjoy a ”Nature on the Plate” session, learning and picking edible wild herbs and preparing a wilderness-inspired meal in Koivumäki Manor, a charming rustic manor house, set in the backdrop of breath-taking nature.

• Guided walking tour in Iisalmi visiting major attractions such as ”Kuappi” listed in Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest restaurant, former customs house turned harbour restaurant ”Olutmestari”, street art installations etc.

• Ride the ski lift chair rising dramatically amidst the wild and tumbling terrain of the Tahko ski slopes shaped by the Ice Age.

• Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Kallavesi, the largest lake in North Savo laced by a maze of hundreds of islands, embracing the city of Kuopio.

• Explore the elegant and tranquil churches, with beautiful architecture highlighting the past of the Nordic wooden church designs.

• A chance to pick and eat fresh strawberries directly from the farm, a classic Finnish summer pastime.

• Visit the Alahovi Berry Wine Farm located on the island of Vaajasalo, producing high-quality berry wines and sweet liquors, with guided tour and tasting session of the liquor made in the farm.

• Visit Olvi hall and the brewery museum (Panimomuseo) in Iisalmi, showcasing the history of the oldest existing brewery in Finland, dating back to 1878, followed by a tasting of the Finnish specialty ”long drink/lonkero” and delicious lunch of local ingredients at the Fazer restaurant.

• Enjoy genuine countryside hospitality at a beautiful lakeside farm, smoking fish with the host, and enjoying a picnic of Savonian home-made delicacies in the lap of nature, followed by a traditional Finnish lakeside sauna session.

• Pamper yourself in a luxury outdoor spa in Kuopio, enjoying the revered smoke sauna and an infinity pool overlooking the beautiful Lake Kallavesi.

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Duration: 6 Nights & 7 Days Availability: May–September 2021 Group size (for the stated price): Min. 10 persons Price: Starting from €1,300/person (The final price can be confirmed only after fixing the exact dates of travel, group size and accommodation options) Who is this for?

This itinerary is ideal for a bigger group of travellers (10–14 persons), particularly more mature travellers looking for a highly experiential offbeat leisurely trip away from the crowd with genuine local experiences and low-moderate activity level.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS Inclusions • Three nights’ accommodation in Iisalmi

• Traditional sauna near the lake in the farm.

• Three nights’ accommodation in Kuopio-Tahko

• Luxury outdoor spa in Kuopio Saana complete with heated infinity pool overlooking Lake Kallavesi, jacuzzi, sauna and traditional smoke sauna.

• Three breakfasts • One picnic lunch of home-made Savonian delicacies in a countryside farmhouse • One lunch onboard the Lakeland cruise • A Savonian-style lunch at Fazer restaurant in Iisalmi • One lunch in Kuopio Spa resort • One Nature-on-the-Plate meal session in Koivumäki Manor • One multicourse dinner at the Tahko Panorama restaurant • A multi-course tasting menu including typical Savonian delicacies during the guided food walk in Kuopio, from quirky local eateries.

• Lakeland cruise (4 hours) to Alahovi Berry Wine Farm situated on the island of Vaajasalo, guided tour and tasting session of the berry farm liquors.

• A guided city walk in Iisalmi, visiting top attractions such as Olvi hall, brewery museum, Kuappi, street art installations etc.

• Guided city tour in Kuopio, exploring the main city attractions such as Puijo Peak and the Puijo tower, Kuopio harbour, Museum, Market Hall etc.

• Exploring the history and architecture of the Nordic churches in Savonia.

• A visit to a countryside farmhouse and learning to smoke fish the traditional way with the host, followed by a picnic of home-made Finnish delicacies.

• Wilderness hike through the forests in Tahko region, foraging for berries, mushrooms and wild herbs with an expert wilderness guide.

• Ride in the ski cable car enjoying the Tahko slopes.

• All the local transportations mentioned in the itinerary.

Exclusions • International flights • Schengen visa expenses • Travel insurance • Anything not explicitly mentioned in the ”Inclusions” Accommodations • All the accommodations (twin rooms) listed in this package are boutique hotels/chalets with 4-star rating.

• The accommodation options are flexible and will be finalized only after confirming the final group size, dates and hotel availability.

• The images provided should be used for standard reference purposes only.

Bookings and enquiries: info@greenescape.fi; +358 40 750 8009 We reserve the right to make alterations to the programme and/or to the itinerary.

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PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI

Winter Wonderland in Lakeland Celebrate an unforgettable winter holiday in North Savo in the Finnish Lakeland region, the largest lake district in Europe with over a hundred thousand lakes and an equally staggering number of islands, exploring its hidden gems and chasing exhilarating adventures.

ITINERARY / HIGH LIGHTS • Setting up your base at Tahko, the southernmost full-scale ski resort region in Finland by Lake Syväri, an excellent location for all winter activities, including skiing on frozen-over lakes.

• Unique gastronomic experiences in Kuopio, the laidback Savonian city, awarded as the European Region of Gastronomy 2020-21 in honour of the strong coalition of sustainable gastronomy practices and the use of the local agri-farm produce in the city’s exploding food and drink scene, boasting an eclectic globe-hopping menu combining the traditional and the new.

• Visit the iconic Vesileppis Moomin ice cave, where the Moomin saga comes to life with the magical ice sculptures of the favourite characters, built in an underground cave, complete with snow chutes and other wintry fun.

• A scenic snowmobile safari, experiencing the breath-taking beauty of the snow-laden slopes and other natural sights of the Tahko hill.

• Set off for a snowshoeing adventure, an awesome way to explore the wonders of the snowy taiga forest braving the thick snow cover, with a campfire break to grill sausages and make coffee on an open fire.

• A night riding on the Snowcat, a rugged ”snow tank”, which can tackle extreme snowy terrain and crawl up even near-vertical icy slopes, a unique and thrilling way of exploring the snowy hill slopes.

• Enjoy a Savonian fine dining menu at a panoramic restaurant offering 180-degree views of the valley and a unique outdoor sauna and hot tub ”Palju” experience with breath-taking scenery.

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• Visit Puijo Peak nature activity park and enjoy stunning Lakeland views of the city of Kuopio and Lake Kallavesi atop the 75-meter-tall Puijo panoramic tower followed by a delectable Farm-to-Table lunch at the revolving restaurant high up in the tower.

• Indulge in a luxury outdoor spa by Lake Kallavesi, complete with the traditional Finnish smoke sauna and a heated outdoor infinity pool.

• Visit the studio of a celebrated local ceramic artist, Jenni Linnove, nestled in a charming countryside milieu, where you will explore your inner artistic self by creating your own Savonian Christmas memento and savour homemade Finnish Christmas delicacies in a cosy nostalgia-inducing traditional Finnish log house.

Duration: 6 Nights & 7 Days Group size: (for the stated price): Min. 8 persons Price: Starting from €1,200/person (The final price can be confirmed only after fixing the exact dates of travel and group size) Who is this for?

The trail is ideal for small groups seeking an offbeat, moderate activity level wintertime experience in the calm realms of the Finnish Lakeland region. No previous experience is required for any of the activities as they are tailored to suit beginners.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS Inclusions

Add-Ons

• Six nights in an Executive Ski Chalet at Tahko, the southernmost full-scale ski resort in Finland.

• Breakfast option can be added at the chalet at an additional price of €14.50/person/day.

• Two fine dining lunches, one in Puijo tower restaurant with the ”Puijo’s local dining table”, a unique Farm-to-Table dining concept highlighting the freshness and delicacy of ingredients sourced sustainably from local farms and one in Saana spa resort.

• Winter activities such as e-fatbiking, ice swimming, ice fishing, etc. can be arranged on request.

• A multicourse dinner in the Tahko Panoramic bar overlooking the beautiful Tahko slopes, followed by sauna and outdoor hot tub (2 hours) in scenic surroundings.

• A visit to the Vesileppis Moomin underground ice cave in Leppävirta.

• Scenic evening snowmobile safari enjoying a comfortable ride, admiring the snowy nature of the Tahko slopes in beautiful moonlight (2 hours; ideal for beginners), perhaps even a chance to catch a glimpse of the northern lights if you are lucky. Hot berry juice and sausages on campfire, as well as the snowmobile gear are included.

• A visit to Kuopio’s pride, the Puijo panoramic tower with the revolving tower restaurant which offers breath-taking 360-degree views of the surrounding Lakeland scenery and the ski jumping tower on the Puijo hill.

• A ride on the Tahko slopes in the iconic Snowcat, a unique way to explore the snowy slopes.

• A pampering visit to a luxurious outdoor spa complete with heated infinity pool and smoke sauna by Lake Kallavesi.

• Guided snowshoeing expedition on the snow-clad Tahko forest slopes (2 hours) with a break at a lean-to for hot juices and frying sausages by the open fire • All domestic transportations in Kuopio-Tahko, mentioned in the itinerary.

Know Before You Book • The itinerary can be specially curated for multi-generational families, women-only groups, travellers needing lighter activity level, etc.

• Other winter activities such as ice fishing, ice carting, etc. can be arranged on request.

• Skiing and snowboarding equipment can be rented out on request.

• All dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan or halal can be catered.

• The North Savo Lakeland trail can be combined with Helsinki and other Lakeland region’s itineraries, such as daytrips to Savonlinna, Valamo monastery, etc.

Accommodation • The accommodation is a spacious boutique ski chalet with private sauna and well-equipped kitchen.

• It is possible to upgrade the stay into the Elite category for an additional charge of €90/person.

• Accommodation will be finally confirmed only after the number of travellers, length of stay and availability of the villa have been confirmed.

Bookings and enquiries: info@greenescape.fi; +358 40 750 8009, greenescape.fi/greenescape-package-details-europe/1046/0

Exclusions • International flight tickets • Schengen visa expenses • Travel insurance • Anything not explicitly mentioned in the ”Inclusions”

We reserve the right to make alterations to the programme and/or to the itinerary.

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Cooperation KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI Kuopio-Tahko Markkinointi is a marketing company for enterprises in the KuopioTahko area. ”KuopioTahko is a land of contrasts. From silent landscapes to buzzing restaurants. From well-slept nights to nights when you forget to sleep at all. From nights under the stars to nights in the comfiest hotels.

When you visit KuopioTahko the unknown is where the best memories begin.”

Find out more on these pages: kuopiotahko.fi/en/home/

IISALMI JA TIENOOT ”Discover exciting events and experiences or just take some time to relax in our beautiful countryside with easy access to excellent services. We’re proud of the clear waters and pristine nature of our Finnish Lakeland.

Did you know that Iisalmi has the world’s smallest restaurant, Kuappi? Or what about the Wife-Carrying World Championships, which remains Finland’s best-known event globally? ” Find out more on these pages: www.iisalmi.fi/In-english

VISITSAVO

by Development Company SavoGrow SavoGrow is a publicly owned enterprise engaged in promotion of regional economic vitality. We support and boost the growth of local businesses within the six North Savonian municipalities of Keitele, Pielavesi, Rautalampi, Suonenjoki, Tervo and Vesanto.

VisitSavo (in Finnish) www.visitsavo.fi

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Northern Savo Lakeland: facebook.com/visitsavo instagram.com/visit_savo

57 PHOTOS: IISALMI JA TIENOOT

OUTDOOR ETIQUETTE EVERYMAN’S RIGHTS - THE RIGHT TO ROAM In Finland, nature is not only wild, it’s free for everyone to enjoy, respectfully.

The general public’s right allows allows anyone living in or visiting Finland to freely roam the countryside, forage, fish with a line and rod, and enjoy the recreational use of natural areas. We call this “Everyman’s Rights”, Jokamiehen oikeudet. (visitfinland.com)

PHOTO: KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKKINOINTI

EVERYONE IS ALLOWED TO…

IT’S NOT ALLOWED TO…

• walk, ski, cycle, or ride a horse freely (except very near homes and other private buildings or through farm fields and nursery plantations which could easily be damaged)

• disturb people or damage property

• camp out temporarily a reasonable distance from homes

• disturb reindeer, game, breeding birds, their nests or young • let pets off leash • cut down or damage trees

• pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers, as long as they are not protected species

• collect moss, lichen, or fallen trees on other people’s property

• fish with a simple rod and line

• light open campfires without permission, except in an emergency

• use boats, swim or bathe in inland waters and the sea • walk, ski, or drive a motor vehicle or fish on frozenover lakes, rivers, and the sea • all the above can be restricted or forbidden in national parks and other nature reserves during certain seasons or year-round to protect sensitive areas and threatened species of plants or animals. Please pay close attention to any restrictions.

• disturb people’s privacy by camping too near them or making too much noise • leave litter • drive motor vehicles off road without the landowner’s permission • hunt without the relevant permits • fish with nets, traps, or a reel and lure without the relevant permits

More information on Everyman’s Rights in Finland (www.ym.fi, Ministry of the Environment)

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”

In Finland, nature is not only wild, it’s free for everyone to enjoy, respectfully.

FISHING PERMITS IN FISHING PRODUCTS YOU’LL GET ALL THE PERMITS YOU NEED THROUGH YOUR SUPPLIER You can obtain fishing permits for fishing on state-owned waters from Metsähallitus. Fishing permits are classified according to the fishing method: An angling permit allows lure fishing, fly fishing, ice angling or angling, depending on the terms of the permit area. A trap permit allows fishing with nets or traps. A crayfishing permit is also available for crayfishing.

Metsähallitus fishing destinations are usually running and rapids sections of waters with migratory fish stocks or protected areas, where fishing requires both a fisheries management fee and an angling permit. When fishing with multiple rods, traps and crayfishing on state-owned waters, you will always have to pay the fisheries management fee and also acquire a separate fishing permit from Metsähallitus.

Metsähallitus also issues and sells fishing permits for residents of the municipalities in Northern Lapland.

The purchase of a permit is an investment in nature, as Metsähallitus uses the proceeds from the permits for the management of fisheries and securing the future of fishing in Finland.

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© Northern Savo Lakeland 2 | 2021