Top-rated places to visit in Northern Savonia, Finland

4.5 Puijo Tower (351 reviews)
- Magic views
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Observation Decks & Towers

The Puijo tower is an observation tower at the top of Puijo hill in Kuopio, Eastern Finland. Opened in 1963, the tower is 75 metres (246 ft) tall and has a revolving restaurant with 100 seats and a beutiful cafe. It was the first tower with a revolving restaurant in the Nordic countries. The current Puijo tower has been visited by over 5.5 million tourists. The current tower is the third overall. When it was completed in 1963 the second one, built in 1906, was dismantled. The first tower was built in 1856. On the western side of the tower there are three ski jumping hills. See more..
4.5 Kuopio Market City Hall (206 reviews)
- Tasty food
Government Buildings

Super friendly people working here. All sorts of lical specialities available. High quality food. Nothing is cheap but not highly expensive either See more..
3.5 Tahko Spa (56 reviews)
- Spa was a disappointment, hotel was better than expected
Spas

Overall the hotel side was 5/5, but since the spa was more like a swimming hall, I rated only 4/5. We stayed in the red apartments. Furnitures were better quality than average apartment hotel, really nice. Full kitchen. Super comfortable (soft) beds! See more..
4.5 Mekaanisen Musiikin Museo (55 reviews)
- Entertaining tourguides. Working mechanical musical instruments.
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

I had great fun in the museum. The tourguides were entertaining (really!!). The museum is packed with actually working mechanical music instruments from many eras. I can recommend this to any music lover :) The tour takes an hour and you can join at any time (no waiting) The only downside is, there is no café. See more..
4.5 Kuopion Korttelimuseo (50 reviews)
- Very enjoyable visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Old houses surround the yard with garden. There are rooms that represent different age in history. Very nice cafe in the garden. See more..
4.5 Kuopio Museum (49 reviews)
- Fully renovated museum
Speciality Museums

Kuopio Museum is located in a stunning Art Nouveau-style castle building completed in 1907 next to Snellman Park. This museum is the third oldest museum building in Finland after the Helsinki Ateneum (1887) and the Turku Art Museum (1904). The museum was closed for renovations in 2018. At the same time, the museum was connected to the adjacent library. The building connecting the Kuopio Museum and the City Library was opened to the public in February 2021. On our visit, the only exhibition was Leonardo da Vinci. The other exhibitions were still under construction. Kuopio Art Museum also has an exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci. So there was plenty the same at two different museums. See more..
4.5 Valkeisenlampi (47 reviews)
- Beautiful lake and park
Bodies of Water

This lake and the park around it are located near the city center. Extensive lawns and park benches give you the opportunity to stop for a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the lake. You can take a swim on the sandy beach. Valkeisenlampi is a free fishing area. The park also features a bust of Alexander Pushkin and a female sculpture named Springtime. See more..
4.5 RIISA - Orthodox Church Museum of Finland (37 reviews)
- Hidden gem
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

RIISA is one of the most notable Orthodox church museums in Europe. The purpose of RIISA is to preserve, study and display the centuries old and unique cultural heritage of the Orthodox Church of Finland. RIISA is a museum with a soul. See more..
4.0 Matkus Shopping Center (36 reviews)
- Big shopping mall without big amount of peole
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Shopping Malls

A great shopping centre and biggest in the area. It has all the great shops including my personal favourites H&M Home and Iittala Outlet. This is why I stop there almost everytime time when visiting Kuopio. Good selection of restaurants and compared to shopping centres in the capital area of Finland, I have never seen a rush hour in Matkus. So the most part I love to shop there, that if you go on weekdays, it is basically empty, no need to queue! Ikea is a plus if you need something from there and now there's a grocery store as well, so you really don't need any other shopping facilities in Kuopio. Lot's of free parking space (all outdoors), and also accessible by public transport. See more..
4.0 Lutheran Cathedral (31 reviews)
- Plain church
Churches & Cathedrals

Old church. This is called the Dome here. Quite impressive stone work in the middle of the city and short walk from the central market place See more..
4.0 Varkaus Water Tower Terrace (30 reviews)
- The best place to see hole city.
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

This is the best place to see hole city. You can also eat and drink there. This place is a must place to visit in summertime. See more..
4.5 St. Nikolaos Cathedral (26 reviews)
- Passing by
Churches & Cathedrals

Passed this little church on my way towards the lake Kallavesi. A bright autumn day added a little extra visually. See more..
4.0 Kuopio Art Museum (25 reviews)
- Escaping the storm in the middle of art
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The Kuopio Art Museum is in the centre of Kuopio at the corner of Kauppakatu and Vuorikatu Streets near the Cathedral and Market Square of Kuopio. The main themes of the museum’s collections and exhibitions are the human experience, nature and the environment. Art education is an aspect of all the activities of the art museum. As a regional art museum the museum is responsible for acquiring and storing art-historical material from the Northern Savo region. The museum’s tasks also include displaying, documenting and researching the visual arts of its region. See more..
4.5 Kuopio Harbor (24 reviews)
- Kuopio Harbour - fun harbour
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

It was hot, almost too hot. By the lakeside, or at the harbour it is not too bad. Nice area with ice cream, restaurants and boats. Even you can book a flight over Kuopio. See more..
4.0 VB Photographic Centre (24 reviews)
- Awesome photography museum!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Visited this place together with my husband. The National Geography magazine's 50 best photos exhibition was really good and the museum premises in an old house were nostalgic. See more..
4.0 Korkeakoski (19 reviews)
- Highest waterfall in Finland
Waterfalls

Not the biggest, but the highest freeflowing waterfall in Finland. This is a nature reserve area. Cafe is open on summertimes. Walking path, all the way down. Steep steps down. Very beautiful area. At it's best in spring time, when snow is melting. You have to walk through 50-75 cm of deep snow for 30 meters to get there in winter. I'd recommend visit after most of snow has melted. The gorge is beautiful. The river runs through it down to Tuovilanlahti village and to the Maaninkajärvi - lake. Free parking at the Cafe. There's also information about flora & fauna of the area. More info in Wikipedia: http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korkeakoski_(Maaninka) See more..
4.5 Orinoro Gorge (19 reviews)
- Gorgeous!
Canyons

Although not easy to find, this hike brings you to a beautiful gorge . We went in wintertime which was stunning. Be careful when hiking in snowy, icy or rainy weather, as logs of the path can be very slippery. At every supermarkt or drugs store you can buy spikes for under your shoes. See more..
4.5 Vainolanniemi (18 reviews)
- A must in Kuopio
Sports Complexes

The place is so peaceful and nice, you can stay in silence, just walk around the area and enjoy the nature. I was there during the winter, and it melt my heart ;). See more..
4.5 Tahko Farmi (17 reviews)
- Nice time with horses
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

We choose this to spend time with teens in the dark. Nice idea, views were funnier to explore on a horse. We know how to ride so we hoped for more speed but it was not possible. Only afterwards on the field, which was unfortunately snowy and slippery. Anyhow it was a great experience. Prices were also very modest. See more..
4.5 Saaristokatu (17 reviews)
- Great view
Hiking Trails

We where driving there and the view was great. You van also walk or cycle there. I regommend this. There is place to buy ice cream. See more..
4.0 Snellman Park (16 reviews)
- Beautiful quiet park in centre of Kuopio
Spent < 1 hour State Parks • Parks • Gardens

I visited in early Autumn, the beautiful flowers are colorful. The trees are mature and I can imagine in winter layers of white snow on the branches. The Lutheran church has a unique exterior, I did not visit the inside as it was closed at the time See more..
3.5 Alahovi Berry Wine Farm (16 reviews)
- Short boat trip to the Alahovi
Wineries & Vineyards

Alahovi is one of the Kuopio´s .attractions. Nice Place to visit at summer. The food was excellent, vines ok even these are not to my taste. I bought some sparkling strawberry wine. Nice farm to organize a meeting, a wedding or another occation. Come with a boat or by the car. The boat trip is short and also you can see Kuopio from Kallavesi. Take friends or family with you to the visit . See more..
4.5 Kuopion Automuseo (13 reviews)
- Small auto museum
Speciality Museums

This museum contains a collection of old cars, motorbikes, and motoring-related gadgets, for example taxi meters and license plates. The entrance fee is 4 euros. The tickets are bought from the museum cafe. See more..
4.5 Moomin IceCave (12 reviews)
- Cool!
Spent 1-2 hours Playgrounds • Game & Entertainment Centers

The magical Moomin ice sculpture exhibit is open in Vesileppis' Ice Cave. Vesileppis in Leppavirta has a magical cave deep underground. The world's only ice sculpture cave is a winter wonderland. Come and feel the magic of brilliant lights, stunning soundscapes and exquisite ice sculptures. See more..
5.0 KalajaRetkeily (11 reviews)
- Beautiful kayaking day trip (Kalasääskien vesillä)
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Night Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing

Very nice 4h+ (about 10km) kayaking trip in the scenic scenery in the Etelä-Konnevesi Natural park. Trip lenght and intensity was based on the group experience/sportiness level and everybody enjoyed the trip a lot. Markku was very good tour guy and provided nice lite lunch on a small island. Highly recommendable way to see the Finnish nature in an active way! See more..
4.5 Kuopio Animal Park (10 reviews)
- Nice Summer Day
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Great place to visit with kids. Good service and facilities, many interesting animals at farm environment. Possibility to grill own food. See more..
3.5 Iisalmi market hall (10 reviews)
- Be careful you walk easily past this hall
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The market hall, representative of classism, was designed by J.V. Stromberg and the building was finished in 1926. The roof part or ”visor” of the market hall was built in the 1930s and it was designed by Eino Pitkanen. You can find local handicrafts as well as local meat in the market hall. See more..
4.5 Southern Konnevesi National park (10 reviews)
- Tranquil and Beautiful
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Etala-Konnevisi Kensallispuisto (Southern Konnevisi National Park) is about 50 kms or a 45-minute car journey from Pieksamaki. We undertook a five kilometre walk around a small lake near the main entrance. The walk entailed lake-edge narrow boardwalks and many climbs and descents - some quite steep and requiring care with the highest being an ascent of 80 metres to some cliffs overlooking the lake. There are toilets and a small bbq/picnic area. It really is a beautiful and tranquil place to engage with Finland's natural beauty. See more..
3.5 Konttila (10 reviews)
- Good atmosphere
Farms

the service was relaxed and the food was fresh and good. We also went on a sleigh ride and the price was cheap. The road to the destination was slippery and dark. See more..
4.5 Tahkon Portaat (9 reviews)
- Tough exercise, can you do it?
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Tahkon portaat or stairs offers a great high intensity exercise which is good after many days of feasting. The top gives beautiful view to Tahko and to broader forest scenes in Savo. It took us maybe 10-15 minutes to the top. See more..
4.5 Tiilikkajärven Kansallispuisto (7 reviews)
- Perfect place for a great day at pure fresh air and nature!
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Highly recommended for a day trip or for camping for night also possible. Very easy to walk and guided by signs. Good to go summer to late October - scenes are just breathtaking beautiful and seasonally changing. See more..
4.0 Tahkosafarit (7 reviews)
- Fun!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Gear Rentals • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

We have visited Tahko and choose to enjoy the benefits of the beautiful weather with snowmobile safari!Tahko Safari have a great team and professional services in this areas!Recommend it to anyone else the 2 hours safari with snowmobile !Is a lot of fun and well organised trip! See more..
5.0 Enigma Xperience (7 reviews)
- Hieno kokemus
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Room Escape company Enigma Xperience Ky offers delightfull mysteries for you to solve in Varkaus, Finland. Escape game is suitable for companies, communities, bachlelor or bachlelorette parties, birthday gift, See more..
4.5 Kuopio Music Centre (7 reviews)
- Cosy concert hall
Theaters
I have been an active visitor in Kuopio music center. The most nice thing is, that even Kuopio isn't a big city, there are suprisingly wide program of events. And even more, there are still many people to visit them! In the same building there are Kuopio concervatory and Savonia and Sibelius Academy. See more..
3.5 Juhani Ahon museo/Juhani Aho museum (6 reviews)
- Fake for tourists
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

A stoupid place with nothig real to see. I do not recommend to bother to stop. The same goes for all of the Koljonvirta-area. See more..
4.0 Jyrkkakosken Ruukki (6 reviews)
- Historical place
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Scenic Walking Areas

Historical place with good museum about the ironworks. Cafe and restaurant have nice vies to the river and the rapids. The walking route is quite long (30km), but there is a possibility to take a shorter route of 5km. See more..
4.5 Riuttala Farmhouse Museum (6 reviews)
- Great place
History Museums

We went outside opening time but still they let us in and opened all the doors just for us. Very idyllic and interesting house museum. It takes hours to discover everything. There is a cafeteria where they are also selling some handicrafts. See more..
4.0 Satamankulma (6 reviews)
- Special Place
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Satamankulma is a Gallery, Events Room and Theater. A place with very interesting and different options in Kuopio. See more..
4.0 Leppävirta Church (5 reviews)
- An excellent example of the big countryside churches in Finland
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The church of Leppavirta is surprisingly large, considering the relatively small size of the municipality. It's the 7th largest Lutheran church in Finland. The church was built in 1846 and provides seats for 2200 people. It represents neoclassical architecture so no fancy decorations are to be expected, but the sheer size of the building combined with the classical simplicity of the interior is an experience in itself. Definitely worth a visit if you're traveling in the area. See more..
4.5 Kuopio War Veteran Museum (5 reviews)
- Good information of Finland's wars
Military Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums

A few room museum with war items (Winter and Continuation wars) and information on display. Mostly in Finnish. Worth visit if you are interested in wars. See more..
4.5 HopLop Kuopio (4 reviews)
- Веселимся все
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Если Вы ищите где провести несколько часов с детьми от года до "все мы дети" Вам именно сюда.
Площадка для маленьких с горками прыгалками бассейном с шариками и прочими лазалками. Уйма разных горок, лазелок, прыгалками, каталок...
Мы уже не в первый раз посещаем хоплоп большой компанией, а это дети 2, 12, 15 лет и "взрослые" от 30 до 70 в количестве 5 человек. Веселятся все!
С голоду тоже не упадешь, есть кафетерия, ценник на еду конечно кусается но это компенсируется тем что вход на площадку платный только детям.
Ограничений по времени нет, хоть с открытия до закрытия.
Планируйте время там на 3-4 часа.
Из одежды лучше туда брать что нибудь спортивное, ну чтобы по полной оторваться. See more..
4.0 Veljmies (4 reviews)
- The most famous statue in Kuopio
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

This statue by sculptor Heikki Konttinen was erected in 1959 in front of the Kuopio Market Hall. The statue is surrounded by a fountain that fits well with its fishing theme. Even before its completion, the statue developed into a so-called Kuopio statue dispute. Opponents reprimanded the Brother's disproportionate body and the vicious, silly look. Advocates, on the other hand, were of the opinion that the statue creates a good mood in its viewer and reflects benevolent Savo humor. The statue depicts sculptor Heikki Konttinen's own little brother on a fishing trip with astonished expressions. See more..
3.5 Juice Leskinen Statue (3 reviews)
- Juicen jalanjäljillä
Monuments & Statues

Juicen kotipitäjä pystytti patsaan ja aivan syystä. Taitavan muusikon sanoitukset elävät yhä. Patsas löytyy kylän keskustasta. See more..
5.0 Taidemuseo Eemil (3 reviews)
- Olavi Lanu 8.2.-19.5.2019
Art Museums

Kuvataiteilija Olavi Lanun Luonnosta-näyttely Lapinlahdella. Lasikuitua ja luonnonmateriaaleja. Mahtavia värejä ja muotoja. Vahva suositus.
Kuvataiteilija Olavi Lanun Luonnosta-näyttely Lapinlahdella. Lasikuitua ja luonnonmateriaaleja. Mahtavia värejä ja muotoja. Vahva suositus. See more..
4.5 Varkauden Teatteri (3 reviews)
- Loistavia esityksiä!
Spent 2-3 hours Theatre & Performances

Varkauden Teatteri provides interesting and mesmerizing theatre. Our every display touches and gives you the pleasure of joy. Theater in Varkaus since 1913 - because diamonds are forever! See more..
5.0 Lohimaa Fishing Services (3 reviews)
- Excellent fishing place with restaurant
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours

It is a beautiful, quite large area by the lake. There are restaurants at the entrance, but if you walk further inside, there is a small lake wher you can fish salmon. Once you catch it you can give it to the small place next to it, where they cook it for you. It tastes fantastic!!! I strongly recommend it, we had a great time. See more..
3.0 Iisalmi Escape (3 reviews)
- Saaran pubi
Escape Games

Melko uusi yritys Iisalmessa, joten olihan se Saaran pubi pakko käydä pelaamassa. Vaikka huone oli jokseenkin kotikutoinen, tehtävät olivat mielenkiintoisia ja motivoivia, mikä on pakopeleissä se tärkein juttu.

Ilmaisia parkkipaikkoja lähettyvillä mukavasti, joten todennäköisesti autoa ei tarvitse jättää kauaksi. Tulimme pelaamaan 100 km:n päästä ja kyllä kannatti. Sopii myös kokemattomille pelaajille. See more..
4.5 Rukajarvi-keskus (3 reviews)
- Hyvä näyttely Rukajärvi-ajasta
Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • History Museums

Monivivahteinen näyttely jatkosodan aikaisista Rukajärven suunnan tapahtumista: näyttelytilassa valokuvia selostuksineen ja esineistöä sodan ajalta, mm. puhdetöitä. Näyttelyyn voi tutustua oppaiden välityksellä (etukäteistilaus) tai opaskirjasten kautta. Pieni sisäänpääsymaksu tai esimerkiksi ryhmille erikoishintoja (väh. 10 henkeä), joihin voi sisällyttää mm. opastuksen ja Rukajärvi-menun (hyvä). Erittäin ystävällinen palvelu.
Monivivahteinen näyttely jatkosodan aikaisista Rukajärven suunnan tapahtumista: näyttelytilassa valokuvia selostuksineen ja esineistöä sodan ajalta, mm. puhdetöitä. Näyttelyyn voi tutustua oppaiden välityksellä (etukäteistilaus) tai opaskirjasten kautta. Pieni sisäänpääsymaksu tai esimerkiksi ryhmille erikoishintoja (väh. 10 henkeä), joihin voi sisällyttää mm. opastuksen ja Rukajärvi-menun (hyvä). Erittäin ystävällinen palvelu. See more..
3.5 Varkauden Museot (3 reviews)
- Näyttelyt historiasta
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Art Museums • History Museums

Varkaus museums include the Historical Museum of Varkaus with the special focus on local history and the development of the various industries in Varkaus, and the Varkaus Art Museum focusing on the areal modern art. See more..
5.0 G12 Galleria (3 reviews)
- Small gallery with interesting exhibition
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries
The gallery represents Finnish professional artists. In the gallery collection we have paintings, sculptures, graphics, photographs etc. The exhibitions change after every 3 weeks. You are warmly wellcome to enjoy Finnish art experience! See more..