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Kuusamo

Baroque Old Town lanes, Uzupis art & honest cheap eats

Browse Kuusamo

Kuusamo rewards travellers who wander: one of Europe’s largest baroque Old Towns, the self-declared artists’ republic of Uzupis, and some of the cheapest honest food on the continent. Our local picks so far include the Kuusamo Pub Crawl for a night out with locals and the legendary bus station canteen (Autobusu stoties valgykla) for a true Finlandn lunch at Soviet-era prices. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.

Kuusamo at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: May to September
  • Highlights: the baroque Old Town and Uzupis
  • Where to stay: Old Town and Uzupis
  • Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
  • Getting around: very walkable centre

Where to stay in Kuusamo

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Kuusamo / Taivalkoski

Finlandiano

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Karhuntassu

Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre

Why it matters: owned and run by the City of Kuusamo, this municipal centre is Finland’s public tribute to Hannu Hautala, the country’s most celebrated nature photographer, who has documented Kuusamo’s wilderness since 1979. Rather than a private gallery, it is a civic institution built to grow appreciation of the local environment – including the Kids’ Den, where children learn about nature through games. Wander ‘In Hannu’s Footsteps’ to see his classic prints and a map of his favourite shooting spots along the Karhunkierros trail, then settle into Hannu’s Rocking Chair for the slideshow. Tip: it shares the Karhuntassu building with the town’s tourist information, so combine it with picking up regional trail advice.
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Käylä (near Kuusamo)

Käylänkoski

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Oulanka National Park

Oulanka Visitor Centre

Why it matters: run free of charge by Metsahallitus (Parks & Wildlife Finland), this is the conservation gateway to Oulanka National Park – protected since 1956 – and the legendary 80km Karhunkierros trail. The award-winning exhibition ‘On the Banks of a Flowing River’ explains the fragile river ecosystem you are about to walk into, and rangers hand out trail conditions, maps and fishing permits at no cost. Walk the easy 2km nature trail from the centre out to the thundering Kiutakongas rapids before you set off. Tip: it is open daily in summer but closes for much of winter, so check hours before the long drive out from town.
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Sledding Slopes Ruka and Kuusamo

Sledding slopes on the Kuusamo are mainly located at Ruka center: notice that slopes are permitted only at designated locations and at specific times. More information from Ruka info service. Ruka village…
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Kuusamo travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Kuusamo?

Two to three days covers the Old Town, Uzupis and a relaxed food crawl, with time left for a day trip to Trakai Castle.

Where is the best area to stay in Kuusamo?

The Old Town keeps everything walkable; Uzupis is the arty, bohemian alternative right next door.

What are the best things to do in Kuusamo?

Browse the local picks above, from a locals-led pub crawl to the city's legendary cheap-eats canteen.

What is the best time to visit Kuusamo?

Late spring to early autumn brings long days and terrace weather; December has a famously cosy Christmas market.

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