Kuusamo - Discovering Finland

Travelling to Kuusamo

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Kuusamo, a pretty good destination in Finland (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Kuusamo and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Kuusamo, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Finland, here's everything to know about Kuusamo for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Kuusamo

Kuusamo is a town in Northern Finland located near the Russian border. It's known for its beautiful nature, wilderness areas, and national parks. In the winter, it's a popular destination for skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports, while in the summer visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Kuusamo is also famous for its wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and wolverines, making it a great place for wildlife watching. The town has a population of around 15,000 and is located about 800 km north of Helsinki.

What to visit in Kuusamo

Sure, here are some popular tourist attractions in Kuusamo, Finland: 1. Riisitunturi National Park - This park is known for its breathtaking scenery with forests, hills, and lakes. The park offers hiking trails, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. In the winter, it's also a great place to see the Northern Lights.
2. Oulanka National Park - This park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts diverse natural landscape with rapids, waterfalls, gorges, and forest trails. It's popular for hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and white-water rafting. In the winter, skiing, snowshoeing and husky safaris are very popular.
3. Ruka Ski Resort - A popular ski resort in Finland, Ruka offers a range of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and husky safaris. It also has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
4. Karhunkierros Trail - This trail is known for its scenic beauty and is one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland. It covers around 80 km and offers amazing views of forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
5. Kuusamo Wildlife Museum - This museum is dedicated to the unique fauna found in Kuusamo. It showcases some of the most interesting specimens of Arctic and boreal fauna found in Finland.
6. Jyrävä Waterfall - Located in Oulanka National Park, this waterfall is magnificent in its height and beauty. Visitors can admire the falls from viewing platforms, or hike a scenic path to get up close and personal.
7. Julma-Ölkky Canyon Lake - Julma-Ölkky is one of the most picturesque lakes in Finland. The lake offers scenic boat tours amidst stunning cliff walls rising up to 50 meters from the water surface.
Overall, Kuusamo is known for it's natural beauty and outdoor activities, so it's an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Finland, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Kuusamo.

When to go on holiday to Kuusamo

The best time to visit Kuusamo, Finland depends on what you want to do. For winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, the best time to go is from December to February when there is plenty of snow and the days are shorter. The temperature during this time ranges from -5°C to -20°C. For summer activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing, the best time to go is from June to August when the days are long and the weather is warmer, ranging from 10°C to 25°C. Overall, the best time to visit Kuusamo depends on your preferred activities and interests.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Kuusamo

Kuusamo is a town in northern Finland, and the easiest way to get there is by air. There are regular flights to Kuusamo Airport from major Finnish cities such as Helsinki and Oulu, as well as from international locations such as Paris, London and Munich. Alternatively, you can travel to Kuusamo by train or bus. There are daily bus services from Helsinki, Oulu, Rovaniemi and other major towns in the region. You can also take the train to Rovaniemi and then take a connecting bus or taxi to Kuusamo. If you are driving, there are several routes to choose from, depending on your starting point. The most common route is to take Highway E63 from Helsinki to Oulu, and then continue on to Kuusamo via Highway E63 and Highway 5. The total distance is around 800 kilometers and takes approximately 10 hours to drive.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Kuusamo, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Kuusamo

Kuusamo is located in northern Finland, and the cuisine of this region reflects the traditional foods of the north. Here are some typical foods of Kuusamo: 1. Karjalanpaisti: This is a hearty stew made with beef or reindeer meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions. The dish is slowly cooked in a pot or oven, which helps to tenderize the meat and mingle the flavors of spices.
2. Rössypottu: Another traditional dish made with potatoes, meats, and spices. Rössypottu is a one-pot meal, where all of the ingredients are boiled together to produce a hearty and delicious soup.
3. Korvapuusti: A sweet roll made with a cinnamon filling. The dough is made with flour, milk, butter, and yeast, and the roll is shaped like a spiral. Korvapuusti is typically eaten for breakfast or as a snack with coffee.
4. Leipajuusto: This is a traditional Finnish cheese that is made by heating milk until the curds separate from the whey. The curds are then pressed into a flat disc and fried until they develop a crispy, brown crust. Leipajuusto has a unique texture and flavor that makes it a popular snack or dessert.
5. Mustikkapiirakka: A blueberry pie that is made with a buttery crust and a sweet, tart filling. Mustikkapiirakka is typically served with ice cream or whipped cream and is a classic Finnish summer dessert. 6. Kalakukko: A traditional Finnish fish pie that is made by baking a fish-filled bread in an oven. The bread is typically made with rye flour and filled with fish like perch, trout, or pike. The pie is usually eaten as a snack or as a main course for lunch or dinner.
These are just a few examples of the delicious foods that you can try in Kuusamo. Finnish cuisine is quite diverse and may also include other local favorites like reindeer meatballs, sautéed reindeer, and smoked fish dishes.
You can find general info about typical foods in Finland here.

Is Kuusamo an expensive destination for tourists?

Kuusamo, Finland can be an expensive destination for tourists, especially during peak seasons such as winter for skiing and snow activities and summer for hiking and outdoor adventures. Accommodation and transportation costs can be quite high, and dining out can also be expensive. However, there are ways to save money, such as booking accommodation in advance, taking advantage of package deals or promotions, and cooking some of your meals instead of eating out. Additionally, there are many free or low-cost outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy in Kuusamo, making it possible to have a great trip on a budget.

Where to find accomodation in Kuusamo

The best areas to find accommodation for a visit to Kuusamo, Finland are in the town of Kuusamo and the nearby ski resort of Ruka. In Kuusamo town, there are many hotels, guesthouses, and apartments that offer easy access to amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. Ruka ski resort, on the other hand, is a popular destination for downhill skiing and snowboarding, and offers a range of accommodation options including hotels, cabins, and chalets. Both Kuusamo and Ruka have a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
You can check hotel prices at Kuusamo here:
Booking.com

Is Kuusamo a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Kuusamo, Finland is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Finland is known for its low crime rate and high standard of living, and Kuusamo is a fairly small town with a welcoming and hospitable community. However, like anywhere else, it is always important to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night or in unfamiliar areas. Make sure to follow basic safety guidelines, such as locking your doors and windows, being cautious with your belongings, and staying alert to your surroundings. In addition, it's a good idea to stay informed about local safety issues and any travel advisories that may be in place for the area.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Finland here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Kuusamo.

What type of travelers will enjoy Kuusamo the most?

Kuusamo, Finland is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It's known for its beautiful landscapes, pristine wilderness, and natural parks. The area offers a lot of activities such as hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and dog sledding.
With that said, both families and couples can enjoy the activities and scenery that Kuusamo has to offer. Families looking for a winter wonderland experience, with the opportunity to try out different winter activities, will definitely enjoy visiting Kuusamo. Also, the romantic setting of Kuusamo's natural surroundings makes it a great option for couples who want to enjoy some quality time together.
Young people who are looking for a party scene may not find what they're looking for as Kuusamo is not really a nightlife destination. However, for young people who love outdoor activities and adventure, Kuusamo is definitely a perfect place to visit.

How to get around Kuusamo

Kuusamo is a small town located in northern Finland. The most common mode of transportation to move around the town is by car. However, there are also other options such as taxis, bicycles, and public buses. In addition, during the winter months, snowmobiles are also a popular means of transportation for tourists.

What to see around Kuusamo

Certainly! Here are a few options for nice places to visit in a day trip from Kuusamo: 1. Ruka Ski Resort: located just 28 km from Kuusamo, Ruka Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
2. Riisitunturi National Park: this national park is known for its unique snow-covered spruce trees, making it a great destination for winter hikes and snowshoeing.
3. Oulanka National Park: located about 80 km from Kuusamo, this park offers various hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning natural scenery.
4. Myllykoski Rapids: located about 20 km from Kuusamo, these rapids offer a beautiful backdrop for hiking and fishing.
5. Posio's Pentik Village: located about 90 km from Kuusamo, Pentik Village is a cultural center and art gallery showcasing Finnish ceramics and textiles.
6. Jätkänkynttilä Bridge: located about 30 km from Kuusamo, this bridge offers spectacular views of the Kitka River.
7. Korouoma Canyon: located about 60 km from Kuusamo, this canyon offers stunning scenery, hiking trails, and frozen waterfalls in the winter.
For every travel information about Finland you can click here.

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