Top-rated places to visit in Kainuu, Finland

4.5 Angry Birds Activity Park Vuokatti (89 reviews)
- Great activities for all ages
Amusement & Theme Parks

We visited Angry Birds Activity Park in Vuokatti on a cold January afternoon with three kids aged 3, 6 and 8. We got there right at 1pm, which was the opening time, and were busily spending time on various activities for 5 hours. Initially the kids found the place almost overwhelming - they were running around randomly from one activity to another. Our whole family enjoyed the day and loved that there were activities for all of us to enjoy - both as a group and as individuals. Here are some of our favourite activities: Girl 3 - peddle cars and slides Boy 6 - skate boarding and scootering, foam pit and climbing wall Boy 8 - shooting pigs with ball canon Dad - super ball Mum - sitting down in peace while the kids entertained themselves. We thorougly recommend this place for any family! See more..
3.5 Kajaani Castle ruins (85 reviews)
- Kajaani Castle ruins
Castles

This is very beautiful place especially in the summer. This is a good place to go with your friends or family. See more..
4.5 The Silent People (76 reviews)
- Silent People and Rendeer
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The crowd of almost thousand figures that make up the Silent People suddenly emerges before the passing motorist like some great stroke of magic. In the morning with light behind them, this motionless army appears morose, even menacing. However, as the day progresses their countenance brightens up and with the setting of the sun they present a distincly jolly and colourful picture. When the wind blows their straw hair and clothes begin to flap rhythmically, it is as if they had suddenly sprung into life. See more..
4.0 Ukkohalla Resort (74 reviews)
- Outdoor sports winter and summer
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Water Sports • Ski & Snowboard Areas • Cross-country Ski Areas

During winter you can go skiing slalom or cross-country or snowboarding. During summer you can do wakeboarding or hiking. There is also a small spa and sauna world. So if you are interested outdoor activites in fresh air, Finnish forest area, this is great place to enjoy. See more..
4.5 Winter War Museum Raatteen Portti (50 reviews)
- Do Not Miss This Museum!
Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums

This museum is definitely worth the visit!! I strongly recommend you review some of the history of the Winter War (1939-40) and the Russian invasion with two full Divisions against a few hundred Finn soldiers, Border Guards, and Reserves who managed to stop the Russians cold! The museum has a battle display showing the action of the Ratte Road fight and uniforms and weapons of the combatants. It has excellent and very professional displays and is awe inspiring to think about what happened here the winter of 1939. The display of the tribute outside the museum is also sobering. It has 17 acres of stones on the ground representing the number of soldiers on both sides who died in this battle of Suomussalmi and Raatte Road. The history of this Winter War tends to be lost in the subsequent world conflict of World War II, but the bravery of the participants on both sides of this battle must never be forgotten. See more..
5.0 Martinselkonen Wilds Centre (44 reviews)
- Fat Biking in the Bear Kingdom
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bear watching from safe wooden hides with over 20 years experience. Different hides for tourist and photographers. There is all night excursions and evening excursions available. The bear watching excursions are guided. Other speacies Moose and birds. Also meal and accommodation services. In winter: winter cycling with Fat Bikes, ice fishing, snow shoe walking,skiing etc. See more..
4.5 Vuokatti Safaris (34 reviews)
- Vuokatti Safari
Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I had joined Husky tour, nature tour and bear watching tour and all are very interesting. And I loved nature hiking most. Thanks a lot for all the arrangement made. I had a wonderful holiday in Vuokatti. See more..
4.5 Vuokatti Bowling (33 reviews)
- Loma matka vuokattiin
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bowling Alleys

Vuokatti Bowling center contains 16 bowling lanes, 2 billiard tables, snooker and indoor shooting simulator. Cafe / Bar. Vuokatti Bowling center is located next to Holiday Club Katinkulta. Welcome to enjoy yourself! See more..
4.5 Hossa National Park (33 reviews)
- Beautiful hike
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

We followed the hakokosken hujaus trail. It was clearly marked with yellow dots every other tree so very easy to follow. The path was easy too apart from a couple of steep parts that were doable with just a little effort. We saw a woodpecker, reindeer and beautiful lake views. It was a 5km hike that was very enjoyable See more..
4.5 Boreal Wildlife Centre (30 reviews)
- Perfect way to experience Finnish wildlife
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bear, wolf, wolverine and bird watching. Different hides for tourist and photographers. Also accommodation and meal services. See more..
4.5 The Great Escape (26 reviews)
- Ecape Room also for foreigners with English skills ;)
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escaperoom in Kajaani - First reality escaperoom provider in Kainuu province. We provide you the opportunity to put your mystery solving skills and IQ to the test. We’ve literally brought the online virtual escape games to reality, but with a twist. Book with us now to enjoy a mind-blowing experience. See more..
4.0 Kajaani Church (21 reviews)
- Beautiful wooden church
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The church is very beautiful, from the outside as well as the inside. For anyone interested in churches, architecture, and/or local history, this is surely a nice addition to their list. Information sheets available in the entrance area (various different languages). So called road church. See more..
4.5 Vuokatinvaara (21 reviews)
- Great for a hike or picnic with a view!
Lookouts

A must visit place next to Sotkamo and Vuokatti! We stayed in Katinkulta for a holiday and visited this hill in the summer. There's a parking lot just under the top and several lovely hiking trails around it! Very nice place even for a picnic on the top with an amazing view!! See more..
5.0 Hullut Siskot (20 reviews)
- Paras best
Escape Games

Hullunhauska ja suosittu pakopeli paikallisteemalla ”Kaivosseikkailu”. Hauskaa tekemistä 2-6 hlön joukkueille 6-100 vuotiaille. Lisää huoneita tulossa. See more..
4.5 Höyrylaiva Kouta (19 reviews)
- kouta
Boat Tours

very nice boat, oldfashioned style for cruising.. good service and location for harbour near from town See more..
3.5 Ukkohalla Saunaworld (17 reviews)
- Great Finnish sauna experience
Friday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Health Clubs • Spas

There is nothing more Finnish than Sauna, right? The day of outdoor activities culminates in our spectacular Sauna World. Nine different saunas and three jacuzzis, both inside and outside, as well as a nice pool area surely gives an idea why a real sauna-experience is the most relaxing thing you can imagine. Sauna World is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the beautiful scenery of lake Syväjärvi. You can take a dip in the lake Syväjärvi all year round! Our poolside bar has snacks and beverages of all sorts so you can refuel while you unwind. Our gym is free of charge for all our spa customers. You may even rent the whole Sauna World for a private event from a couple of hours to a full day. Here you can organize meetings and parties that surely are not easily forgotten. See more..
5.0 Kainuun Vaellustalli (16 reviews)
- The beauty of the horseback riding
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Located in a spectacular lakeshore landscape Kainuun Vaellustalli (Kainuu Horse Safaris) offers trail riding with Icelandic horses on routes of various lenghts in the heathland of Kainuu. Programmes are designed individually to meet the needs of each customer and group. Contact us for more info and book your riding experience now! See more..
4.5 Hiidenportti National Park (15 reviews)
- Scenery
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Just great scenery to gorge. Very well guided hiking paths, not suitable if you are physically disabled, but paths aren't too difficult. Some stairs and broadwalks are broken and replaced at summer 2020. Easy to find, less than hour drive from Sotkamo adress is Hiidenportintie 86, it takes you to Palolampi parking place. Parking place turns left. End of the road is gravel. See more..
4.5 Hossan Poropuisto (14 reviews)
- Great soup, adorable animals
Nature & Wildlife Tours

We had been hiking for four hours and really wanted something warm to fill our stomachs, so we stopped here for reindeer soup. The place is super close to the Hossa camping area, five minutes by car. We were immediately greeted by a reindeer when we arrived and the owners were super lovely as well. After chatting with them (and having finished our delicious soups), we went to feed the many reindeer who were in a pen outside. It was amazing!! The animals were eager to get the food and you could feed them by sticking your hand through the fence. It was so lovely, I would definitely recommend this place to everyone who visits Hossa! See more..
4.5 Kuhmo Arts Centre (12 reviews)
- Concert hall with the most beautiful foyer view
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries • Theaters • Civic Centres

Kuhmo Arts Centre - the best meeting place for people and the arts in Finland - is the home of Kuhmo Chambermusic Festival and almost 250 events every year. Since opening in 1993 we have been lucky to host almost every kind of cultural activities from classical music to dance, cinema, rock and theatre. Our main hall, Lentua Hall, is among the very best acoustic concert halls in Europe. See more..
4.0 Paltaniemi Church (11 reviews)
- Interesting frescoes
Churches & Cathedrals

There's something about paintings - not so typical decoration on the walls. Definitely a place worth visiting. See more..
5.0 Wildlife Safaris Finland - Day Tours (11 reviews)
- Best place to see wolves in Finland
Ski & Snow Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Stayed here one night in a hide at place called paradise. It's a swamp.... they do have other places also. This is the best place in Finland to see wolves, and that's why we came here. We saw three different wolves, on many occasions and for a long time. Great photo opportunities. Saw also a bear, wolverines, golden eagle and a eurasian hobby. Would recommend this place, especially for seeing wolves. See more..
4.5 Vuokatti Adventure Park (11 reviews)
- Great fun - if not a little scary!!
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

We came to the adventure park on holiday and did the first 4 courses. We were given full instructions. The staff were really friendly and spoke excellent English. We arrived a little late in the day and so could only sign up for the first 4 courses but, to be honest, that was enough for us. We were allowed to stay after closing to finish the 4th course. Our son (9) wasn’t able to finish it and had to be rescued which the staff did without fuss. We had a great day challenging ourselves. See more..
4.0 Kajaani art museum (11 reviews)
- Art of Marjatta Tapiola
Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

Kajaani Art Museum was opened to the public in April 1993. The museum’s exhibition rooms are located in the former police house designed by architect Eino Pitkänen. Completed in 1936, the building is an example of pure functionalist style. The fenced yard outside its northern wing leads to the old Town Hall which dates back to 1831.Kajana Art Museum have this summer an Marjatta Tapiola exhibition, which shows for example many long-lasting themes of her art – such as monumental skulls and the mighty bulls arising from Greek mythology. Many of the works was rather modern for me, but I liked the “Indian cow” and the Minoan Minotauros. Free admission. Well worth visiting. See more..
3.5 Statue of Per Brahe (9 reviews)
- Statue of Per (Pietari) Brahe
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

The statue of Per Brahe (Pietari Brahe in Finnish) is located by the market square in the heart of Kajaani. It's also close to Kajaani River. Per Brahe as Governor General of Finland founded Kajaani in 1651. The statue is very traditional but also quite cute. See more..
5.0 Luonnollisesti Oulujarvi (8 reviews)
- Almost a sea
Ski & Snow Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

The shores of Lake Oulujärvi are shaped by the wind, wavws and ice masses in winter. It is huge, third biggest lake in Finland. It is fascinatingly beautiful. Oulujärvi hiking area offers plenty to experience: catching fish, picking berries and mushrooms, hiking and simpy admiring this beautiful nature. Rocky shores can be a challenge to canoeists. See more..
3.5 SuperPark (8 reviews)
- Overpriced for families with small kids
Friday: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

It's a shame they charge full price for every parent accompanying a small kid, as if the parent is going to have any own fun in the park. For example two parents for one kid you pay almost 40 euros for a small kids indoor park (the entrance for 0-3 year olds is free, though). If you have two families visiting with one kid each, you would pay 80 euros for supervising your 0-3yo kid. Ridiculous pricing. I'd reconsider this place if accompanying parents (unlimited amount) would be allowed in for free, they could charge 10 euros for small kids if they so whish (no, the parent is not going to sneak in to play in the theme park without paying, they are already tired enough of any "playing" around as it is). See more..
5.0 Hiukka (7 reviews)
- Beautiful beach
Beaches

Place to visit if you are nearby. Long sandy beach which is good for swimming. Nice view to Vuokatti hill. See more..
4.5 Hossan Lomakeskus (6 reviews)
- Great holidays
Hiking & Camping Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

I have spent with my son, that is 11 years old, and my mother, who is 67 years old, a great holiday here. People here is very kind, offering you different activities. I contracted a pack from a Spanish company that included snow bike, dog sledge, survival activities and two journeys walking through forests and iced lakes. The hotel has sauna, hot pot (warm bath rounded by snow) and a hole in the iced lake to have a bath for brave people. I will return here. See more..
4.5 Hepokongas (6 reviews)
- Must see
Waterfalls

Nice waterfall, easy to find about 16km from Puolanka to Hyrynsalmi, use road 891. Height of waterfall is 18 m. Paths are easy to move. Walking distance is about 600m. Parking is free, there are summer cafe. The fall is best to see at spring, when there is more water See more..
5.0 Bowling Center Keilaukko (5 reviews)
- Keilaus
Spent 1-2 hours Bowling Alleys

Bowling center located in Ukkohalla near the slopes and restaurant Saaga. There are 6 alleys in center. Bowling's total area is 450 m2. See more..
4.5 Wakepark Vuokatti (5 reviews)
- 10/10 - must visit
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Waterskiing & Jetskiing • Water Sports • Stand Up Paddleboarding

What else you could ask about wakepark? Floating miniramp with sauna! Friendly staff++ Place which creates experiences See more..
5.0 Go Vuokatti (5 reviews)
- Perheen tai kavereiden kanssa
Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

All sorts of things to do, all in one place! Whether you looking for a family day out or want to have a memorable bachelor party, birthday party, business event or other event - we`re here for you! In Go Vuokatti you can find plenty of different activites for every situtation! Our activites is Megazone, Paintball, Team Challenges, Escape Rooms and VR-Room! Megazone is a fun laser tag game! The basic idea of the game is to collect points by tagging other players’ game vests or bases with harmless laser guns. In the VR-room you will be able to test your courage, intelligence and speed rate with different kind of VR-games. In escape room you have 60 minutes - Can you find the way out? Paintball - Can you hit opponents with colored balss before they hit you? Team Challenge - Fun competition just for your group! Archery, axe throwing and other fun games! See more..
5.0 The Great Escape (5 reviews)
- Mission: Train escape
Friday: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Imagine yourself in a real-life adventure game filled with mysterious puzzles and brain-teasing clues! Mission is to escape from a closed room in 60 minutes. Do you have what it takes? See more..
5.0 Wild Taiga (5 reviews)
- Rapid Run amazing
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wild Taiga consists of Kuhmo and Suomussalmi areas in the eastern border of Finland. Wild Taiga is a land of nature and potential. Its geography is dominated by hills, forests, lakes and rivers, mires, and pure, wild habitat which are home to wild forest reindeer, moose, and in particular, large carnivores which are either very rare or extinct elsewhere in Europe. For those who like the outdoors it offers diverse choice throughout the year. Amongst all the beauty and silence you can unwind from the stresses and strains of everyday life.Wild Taiga - offering a combination of wildlife watching and other outdoor activities supported by an insight into local heritage and traditions plus a world-class chamber music festival - won the title of Finland’s Emerging Tourist Destination of Excellence 2008 in the European Commission project European Destinations of Excellence. See more..
5.0 Kalevala Spirit (5 reviews)
- An amazing Christmas experience with the real santa!
Historic Sites

From the moment we approached my children were immersed in the magic of this visit. Santa's elves greeted us at various stages, showed us where the Reindeer sleep and took us into the main house, where the children made cinnamon cookies with the elves and we all had hot glöggi with the freshly made cookies. We were then taken on a hunt for santa, where we found him sleeping and the children had to shout to wake him up. They were absolutely stunned to meet the real santa, talk with him (he's a clever, multilingual guy) and even had a chance to have a cuddle and have photos taken. The Kalevala village is outstanding, an amazing reproduction of a traditional village and the Christmas experience is one to remember. I'm sure we'll be back regularly to check in with Santa as the children get older and perhaps even after a certain age when they aren't true believers they'll still insist on going to see the elves, who are quite an attractive species it seems :) See more..
5.0 Taiga Spirit , nature and wildlife experiences (4 reviews)
- Amazing experience
Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

It was a very good and natural experience. We were immersed in a wild bear's life for 15h hours, observing them in their own element. See more..
4.0 Paltamo Golf Course (4 reviews)
- An Amazing Golf Course!
Golf Courses

I've played golf at many courses in India and the USA - both on the East Coast and in Southern California. Paltamo Golf Course is amongst the most picturesque that I have seen ... it compares very favourably with some of the better known country clubs that I have played in the US! Laid alongside a huge lake, the course is challenging and well designed. Each hole offers sufficient challenge to low, mid range and high handicap golfers. It was maintained perfectly when we visited in September this year - fairways and greens are like a dream and the rough is treacherous!! Without saying much more, I'll let the pictures do the talking. See more..
4.0 Maanselän Etappi (4 reviews)
- Retki maaseudulle
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Mainio paikka esimerkiksi perheille ja ryhmille tulla katsomaan maaseudun elämää. Eläimiä on monen sorttisia ja jäätelöäkin saatavilla kahdin kera. See more..
5.0 Wilds Piira (4 reviews)
- Canoeing the Tar Route
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The numerous clean waterways of East-Finland, the wide taiga forests and scaresly inhabited provide an excellent setting for a satisfying tour. Our products include canoeing and hiking tours, rapid swimming, canoe rentals and wildlife watching packages. See more..
4.5 Petola Visitor Centre (4 reviews)
- Fascinating and Worth A Visit
Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

We stumbled upon this visitors centre when we were visiting Kuhmo in Finland. It is great! It showcased the 'big 4' of the top predators in Finland (and Scandinavia) - brown bears, lynx, wolverine and wolves. There are video presentations in Finish and English as well as a exhibition with each of the animals above plus other Finish wildlife. There is also an information area with books and magazines, some in English. There's a great gift shop, a cafe and the staff are very helpful. If you want to learn a lot about these wonderful animals it is really worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Suomussalmen Kotiseutumuseo (4 reviews)
- A Family Day
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This place is really nice to visit, especially with Your family. There are some special programs for families and kids every summer. If You are lucky You might stay in Suomussalmi county during those special days - For more information, please, ask from the Travellers information in Jalonniemi (it´s located near to the Suomussalmi center). See more..
3.5 Tervakanava (4 reviews)
- Tar channels in Kajaani
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Tar had become the most important commodity passing through Kajaani in the early 19th century . Tar burning was concentrated in Kainuu and the tar was transported along the Oulujoki River to Oulu Tervahovi for sale. The sale of tar come to an end and the Senate decided to abolish the locks on January 1, 1915 , after the canals had been in operation for 70 years. The Ämmäkoski closure was covered and the closure machinery was removed. However, the canal and barrier were rebuilt again 70 years later, in the early 1980s. The renovated canal with closures was completed in 1984 and is now the only operating tar canal in the world. Near to the Kajaneborg ruins. See more..
4.0 Eino Leino Statue (3 reviews)
- Eino Leino -patsas
Monuments & Statues

Nautimme salmiakkijäätelöt patsaan vieressä. Puitteet olivat upeat. Patsas ei kuulu suosikkeihini, koska oli hieman muodoton. Epäkohta oli, että tekijän nimi puuttui. Kokonaisuutena kuitenkin näkemisen arvoinen ja erinomainen osa esim. Eino Leino -matkaa.
Nautimme salmiakkijäätelöt patsaan vieressä. Puitteet olivat upeat. Patsas ei kuulu suosikkeihini, koska oli hieman muodoton. Epäkohta oli, että tekijän nimi puuttui. Kokonaisuutena kuitenkin näkemisen arvoinen ja erinomainen osa esim. Eino Leino -matkaa. See more..
4.5 Kainuu Museum (3 reviews)
- Interesting local history museum
History Museums

Very interesting museum about local history, sectioned according to different themes (wartime, nature etc.). Log floating and tar production seemed indeed to be big themes in the area, and the museum even displays a documentary on how tar used to be made. Art exhibition upstairs. Would reserve 2 hours or more for seeing the whole place. Signs in both Finnish and English. See more..
4.5 Vuokatti Ski Service (3 reviews)
- Fatbike tour Pöllyvaara
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gear Rentals

Are you ready for an adventure in the woods and hills of Vuokatti? If you're up for a bike ride in the scenic routes of Vuokatti, we have what you need. During summer, we have a comprehensive set of rental bikes (e.g. Fatbikes, e-fatbikes, mountain bikes & e-mtbs). We also rent SUP-boards! When Vuokatti turns in to a winter wonderland, we offer also ski services, ski rental & selling. We are a traditional family company with professionals in the range of skis & bikes. We are waiting to meet you! See more..
3.5 K-Citymarket (3 reviews)
- Great service, good selection of food and daily goods
Shopping Malls

We experienced amazingly friendly service at this supermarket. Their selection of groceries, meat, fruits and vegetables was excellent, fresh and variable. Do not miss this while at Kajaani, we recommend them warmly! See more..
4.5 Komulanköngäs (2 reviews)
- Rare double falls
Waterfalls

A true gem in the Finnish nature: double falls! Above a historical mill (not open to visit) and a bbq place if you bring your own wood. Parking place good for campers. See more..
5.0 Ärjänsaari (2 reviews)
- Paradise island
Islands

We visited the island with Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Ky Their boats start from Ruunaniemi (Ruunaniementie 60, Kajaani) approx. 25 minutes from Kajaani. Nice place for different outdoor activities. I was paddle boarding and walking around the lake. The 4wd track we used for walking is not visible in the map between kalamaja autiotupa and Saunala/Kotila. See more..
4.0 Paltamo Church (2 reviews)
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

See more..