Kuhmo: Cultural Heritage and Nature Trails

Kuhmo combines a compelling cultural history with hiking trails, waterscapes and a vibrant runo-singing tradition. From the Winter War Museum and exhibitions on the Kalevala and folklore to the trails by Lake Lammasjärvi, there are many different ways to shape your trip.

Kuhmo at a glance

• The Kuhmo Winter War Museum covers the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in Kuhmo from 30 November 1939 to 13 March 1940.
• Kuhmo Church was built in 1816 and can accommodate up to 1,500 people.
• The Coastal Trail is an easy 4.8-kilometre walking route to cultural sites in the town centre and through the landscapes by Lake Lammasjärvi and Pajakkakoski.
• Kuhmo has more than 250 kilometres of hiking trails for beginners and experienced hikers.
• Depending on the season, there are 30 to 80 kilometres of cross-country ski trails connected to the town.
• Juminkeko features exhibitions on the Kalevala and Finnish and Karelian folklore.

Winter War history and the church

The Kuhmo Winter War Museum is devoted to the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in Kuhmo, which lasted from 30 November 1939 to 13 March 1940. It focuses not only on the events of the war, but also on the everyday lives of Finnish and Soviet soldiers and the hardships faced by civilians. This gives the history a tangible human context: military experiences and the lives of local people are part of the same story here.

Kuhmo Church also bears traces of this history. Built in 1816, it was rendered unusable by damage sustained during the Winter War bombings. It was restored to its present form in 1985. Today, it can accommodate up to 1,500 people and is used for services and concerts. In summer, it also serves as a wayside church; its use may vary depending on the parish programme.

The Kalevala, runo singing and tradition

Juminkeko is located in the centre of Kuhmo and is devoted to the Kalevala and Finnish and Karelian folklore. Its exhibitions change throughout the year, so their themes vary over time. The permanent exhibition includes statues of Karelian runo singers and of Kalevala translators Alpo and Nina Sailo. Visitors can encounter both the storytelling traditions and the people associated with the Kalevala.

The tradition is not just a subject for exhibitions: in the Viena Karelian village of Rimmi in Kuhmo, runo singing remains a living part of the local cultural heritage. The annual cultural heritage event celebrating log floating offers another perspective on local traditions, with demonstrations and the Finnish log-floating championships. The event takes place every year, but dates and programme vary.

The Kuhmo Arts Centre offers a different kind of cultural programme. It was built as the main venue for Kuhmo Chamber Music. The Lentua Hall can be adapted for rock, pop, ballet and many other types of events. The hall thus serves a variety of event purposes; which specific event is right for your trip depends on the cultural programme you are looking for.

Trails for walks and active days

Kuhmo’s Coastal Trail is an easy 4.8-kilometre walking route. It leads to important cultural sites in the town centre and also passes through the landscapes by Lake Lammasjärvi and Pajakkakoski. The route brings together a walk, cultural destinations and nature views. It’s a compact way to experience these two sides of Kuhmo on a single trail, without having to choose a longer hike.

Those looking for longer routes will find more than 250 kilometres of hiking trails in Kuhmo, for beginners and experienced hikers alike. Route information is updated regularly. The Elimyssalo area also has several well-marked, relatively easy trails of varying lengths, totalling 24 kilometres. Most of Elimyssalo lies within the city limits of Kuhmo and it is a central part of the Friendship Park. Before setting out for a day of hiking there, check the conditions on the trails.

The choice of activities changes in winter: depending on the season, Kuhmo has 30 to 80 kilometres of well-maintained cross-country ski trails connected to the town. The distance is therefore not a constant offering throughout the year. If you have yet to choose when to travel, the contrast can help you decide between hiking and cross-country skiing; in winter, the length of the ski trails is season-dependent.

Waterscapes and nature in the wider area

By volume of water, Pajakkakoski is the largest free-flowing river in Kainuu and stretches for approximately 450 metres. The rapids are part of Kuhmo’s river system and add a striking waterscape to the area around the Coastal Trail. Lake Lammasjärvi and Pajakkakoski thus bring two distinct landscape impressions together along the same route.

Jämäsvaara is in the surrounding area, about 20 kilometres from the centre of Kuhmo. The area is characterised by old forests, rocky slopes, small bodies of water and wetlands. Further afield in the region, the Friendship Park offers information as well as opportunities for adventure and hiking. On the Finnish side, it covers around 29,000 hectares across five areas in Kuhmo and the municipality of Suomussalmi. This larger natural area extends beyond the town of Kuhmo; Elimyssalo is one of its central parts.

The landscape also features a special culinary experience: Taste of Kuhmo is a campfire cooking experience by a large lake. A guide prepares dinner, and participants can help with the cooking if they wish. Confirm that the experience is available before booking.

Plan your travel and accommodation

The nearest airport to Kuhmo is in Kajaani; the nearest train stations are in Kajaani and Nurmes. Several buses run daily between Kajaani and Kuhmo. The specific bus connection depends on the timetable for your travel day. This information can help with travel planning, but it does not indicate the location or amenities of individual accommodation options.

When choosing a hotel in Kuhmo, first consider the kind of trip you want: would you like to visit cultural sites in the centre, spend more time on hiking trails, or combine different activities? The Coastal Trail leads to cultural destinations in the centre, while Jämäsvaara is about 20 kilometres from the centre and the hiking trails also include routes in the Elimyssalo area. Think about which of these priorities will shape your trip, then choose your base accordingly. Discover more destinations: Leppävirta, Anttola, Heinävesi, Kosula, Ruokolahti, Oravikoski.

Frequently asked questions about Kuhmo

What does the Kuhmo Winter War Museum cover?

The museum covers the Finnish-Soviet Winter War in Kuhmo from 30 November 1939 to 13 March 1940. It also shows the everyday lives of Finnish and Soviet soldiers and the hardships faced by civilians.

What does the Coastal Trail connect?

The easy walking trail is 4.8 kilometres long. It leads to important cultural sites in the town centre and through the landscapes by Lake Lammasjärvi and Pajakkakoski.

What hiking options are there in Kuhmo?

Kuhmo has more than 250 kilometres of hiking trails for beginners and experienced hikers. In the Elimyssalo area, you’ll also find several well-marked, relatively easy trails of varying lengths, totalling 24 kilometres.

When are the cross-country ski trails available?

The length of the ski trails depends on the season: Kuhmo has 30 to 80 kilometres of well-maintained cross-country ski trails connected to the town, depending on the season.

How do you get to Kuhmo by public transport?

The nearest airport and one of the nearest train stations are in Kajaani; another nearby train station is in Nurmes. Several buses run daily between Kajaani and Kuhmo, but the specific connection depends on the timetable for your travel day.

For the broader travel overview: Saimaa Lakes.