Discover art, culture and nature in Iisalmi

Iisalmi combines art and culture with routes through the city and outdoor experiences. A circular route leads through the centre, while outdoor trails, ski tracks and water activities offer more options for planning your day. Cultural attractions also offer a range of experiences, from the Iisalmen taidereitti art trail, with its audio stories, to museums covering local and Finnish themes.

Iisalmi at a glance

• The City-Reitti is a relaxed circular route of about 8 km through the centre.
• The Iisalmen taidereitti features artworks, each accompanied by an audio story.
• The Juhani Aho Museum is located in the writer’s former childhood home in Koljonvirta.
• Free outdoor areas and trails that can be used year-round add to what the area has to offer.
• Water activities are available year-round at the indoor swimming pool and in summer at the lakeside beaches.

Plan city walks and outdoor days

For a route through the centre, consider the City-Reitti: the loop is about 8 km long and described as relaxed. If you’re looking for an outdoor route rather than a circular walk, the 7 km Soidinvuori Trail is in the village of Viitaa in Iisalmi. The two routes therefore differ in length and location: one runs through the centre, while the other is in a village.

The other outdoor trails also vary in character. Some are wide and partly easy to walk, while the nature trails are natural and narrow. As the outdoor areas are free and can be used year-round, they can be part of your day’s plans independently of a museum visit. In winter, the city maintains ski tracks in several residential areas, including Ohenmäki, Paloisvuori and Sikokallio. There is also a ski track by the lakeshore in the centre. The options therefore also differ in whether you’d like to focus on a walking trail, a ski track or a cross-country ski trail.

Water activities are available at the indoor swimming pool throughout the year, while the lakeside beaches, located at various points around the city, are open in summer. This seasonal difference is important when planning: the indoor pool is the year-round option, while the beaches are for summer. Fishing is also possible in waters managed by the city; the required fishing permits are available from the city’s online shop.

Art, museums and local culture

The Iisalmen taidereitti begins at the market square by the Kalapoika statue. Along the route, you can see works by Eemil Halonen, Aimo Tukiainen, Anu Matilainen, How & Nosm and Petteri Tikkanen; each work has an accompanying audio story. The starting point and audio format give the art trail its own way of exploring: you can discover it through the artworks and their stories, rather than simply collecting names on a list.

Finnish identity and history are central to the Panimomuseo, alongside local connections and beer brewing. The exhibition also explores the circular economy, purity, quality and appreciation for the making of Finnish beer. After your museum visit, you can add an Olvi beer tasting at Olvi-oluthalli. The exhibition and tasting are two distinct parts of a visit: first, topics related to brewing and Finnish history, followed by the tasting experience.

The Juhani Aho Museum is in Koljonvirta, an area of historical and cultural significance in Iisalmi. It is housed in the small Brofelt vicarage, the writer’s former childhood home. Koljonvirta combines this biographical connection with another cultural attraction: the programme at the covered Mansikkaniemi summer theatre changes each year.

Elotori is part of the annual museum programme; the individual dates vary. The stalls offer food from local producers and handmade goods. Alongside exhibitions and performances, regional products and crafts are therefore also options to consider when planning your trip.

Getting there and finding your way around

Iisalmi is accessible by train or bus. To reach the Juhani Aho Museum, take local bus 2 from Iisalmi bus station to the Vanha Kainuuntie stop; from there, it’s about 500 metres along an old gravel road. This specific connection may be useful when planning a museum visit, while the City-Reitti and the art trail offer other ways to spend time in the centre.

For brochures, maps and advice, visit the Iisalmi ja tienoot Tourist Information Office at Kauppakatu 13. The city is also accessible by water: from the south, the route passes through the Saimaa lake system to the Gulf of Finland. If your travel plans take you beyond Iisalmi, you can discover other destinations: Tuusjärvi, Kiuruvesi, Airaksela, Vehmersalmi, Suonenjoki, Runni, Kauppilanmäki and Paakkila.

Frequently asked questions about Iisalmi

How long is the City-Reitti?

The City-Reitti is about 8 km long and is a relaxed circular route through the centre of Iisalmi.

What is the difference between the City-Reitti and the Soidinvuori Trail?

The City-Reitti is a loop of about 8 km through the centre. Soidinvuori is a 7 km outdoor trail in the village of Viitaa in Iisalmi.

Which water activities are available year-round?

Water activities are available year-round at the indoor swimming pool. The lakeside beaches at various locations around the city are a summer option.

Where does the Iisalmen taidereitti begin?

The art trail begins at the market square by the Kalapoika statue. Along the trail are works by various artists, each accompanied by an audio story.

How do you get to the Juhani Aho Museum by bus?

Take local bus 2 from Iisalmi bus station to the Vanha Kainuuntie stop. From there, an old gravel road about 500 metres long leads to the museum.

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