Kuopio Overview

Eastern Finland’s largest city, Kuopio (pop. 91,000) lies in the Kallavesi lake district. With most the city taken up by water and forests, it’s no surprise that forestry is a major industry. In the summer months, visitors flock to Kuopio’s most popular festivals of dance and wine.

Transportation And Practical Information. Trains go to Helsinki (4-5hr., as many as 10 per day, from €50-60) and Oulu (4-5hr., 5-7 per day, from €40). The tourist office is at Haapaniemenkatu 17. (☎017 182 584; www.kuopioinfo.fi. Open July M-F 9:30am-5pm, Sa 9:30am-3pm; June and Aug. M-F 9:30am-5pm; Sept.-May M-F 9:30am-4:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.) Postal Code: 70100.

Bug Off! Mosquito-killing is a sport in Finland, but if going on a rampage doesn’t appeal to you, carry a large supply of bug spray when heading into northern forests. You’ll thank us.

Accommodations And Food. At the Virkkula Youth Hostel , Asemakatu 1, have their own TVs; pricier rooms have baths. Reception is in the Asemagrilli restaurant in the train station. (☎017 580 0569. Breakfast and linens included. Reception M-F and Su 7:30am-8pm, Sa 7:30am-6pm. Singles €40-50; doubles €60-79; triples €97; quads €123. AmEx/MC/V.) The town center has many affordable eateries. Close to the train station, Miramari , Puijonkatu 33, has good pizza. (☎017 282 8858. MC/V.) There’s fresh produce at the Kauppatori market in the center of town and inside the Kauppahalli market hall. (www.kuopionkauppahalli.net. Kauppatori open M-Sa 8am-4pm. Kauppahalli open M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 8am-3pm.)

Sights And Entertainment. Kuopio is the seat of the Finnish Orthodox Church, and the Orthodox Church Museum, 10min. from town at Karjalankatu. 1, showcases a collection of stunning textiles and icons. (☎017 206 100 266; www.ort.fi/kirkkomuseo. Open May-Aug. Tu and Th-Su 10am-4pm, W 10am-6pm; Sept.-Apr. Tu-F noon-3pm, Sa-Su noon-5pm. €5, students €3. Cash only.) The Kuopio Museum, Kauppakatu 23, holds both the Natural and Cultural History Museums, delights. (☎017 182 603; www.kuopionmuseo.fi. Open Tu and Th-F 10am-5pm, W 10am-7pm, Sa-Su 11am-5pm. €5, students €3. Cash only.) The 2km hike uphill to Puijo Tower culminates in a view of Kuopio, Lake Kallavesi, and the coniferous forests beyond. (☎017 255 5253; www.puijo.com. Open June-Aug. M-Sa 9am-10pm, Su 9am-9pm; Sept. daily 11am-6pm; Oct.-May Tu-Sa 11am-10pm. €4, students €3.50. AmEx/MC/V.) In mid-June, the Kuopio Dance Festival (www.kuopiodancefestival.fi) draws crowds to its performances. (☎017 0600 10800. Classes from €60. Book ahead. MC/V.) Kuopio is also home to an International Wine Festival where happy oenophiles toast to a different country in early July (www.kuopiowinefestival.fi).