Nature, Culture, History
Suomussalmi is a municipality in the Kainuu region north of Kajaani and south of Kuusamo.
It is the home of great forest-covered eskers where you can roam scenic nature trails and experience four distinct seasons. Here, winter is the real thing with glimmering snowy landscapes. A multitude of activities, places to see and new experiences await visitors all year round. You can also relax and find peace and tranquillity, charmed by the wilderness of Hossa National Park.
Activities in Suomussalmi
Routes and nature destinations
Welcome to Suomussalmi!
Suomussalmi lies in the northern part of Kainuu just over an hour’s drive from Kajaani. Come and experience all four seasons in the beautiful nature of this region where forest-covered eskers and age-old forests greet visitors on picturesque nature trails. Among the names and places associated with Suomussalmi are Raate Road (the location of fierce Winter War battles), Ilmari Kianto (“the writer from the backwoods”), the landscape art installation Silent People and Hossa National Park.
Suomussalmi invites you to enjoy the peace of nature and its offerings. Experience the uniqueness of the Silent People, the melodious sounds of the Musical Forest and the epic war history of Raate.
Hossa National Park offers many easily accessed and guided trails that run along imposing forest-covered sandy eskers, flowing streams and clearwater lakes. The mysterious rock paintings of Värikallio and Julma-Ölkky, the largest canyon lake in Finland, are one-of-a-kind.
Raate Road takes you on an impressive journey through Finnish military history. The road served as a gateway between Finland and its eastern neighbour for hundreds of years. In fact, here is the oldest national border in Europe runs across the road. The breath-taking Winter War Monument consists of a large stone field and the “Wide Embrace” central monument that feature 105 brass bells, one to commemorate each day of the Winter War.
Experience the nature of Hossa
Hossa, Finland’s 100th anniversary national park, is located in the northern part of Suomussalmi municipality. Come and enjoy the stunning lake and ridge scenery of Hossa by skiing or cycling in winter and hiking, kayaking, SUP boarding or mountain biking in the melting season.
Kiannon Kuohut Recreational Spa
Kianto’s Kuohut Spa is located in the middle of beautiful nature, yet close to the services of the lively village centre. The cosy spa and gym offer refreshment for body and mind all year round.
The pool area features a 25 m long four-lane fitness pool, a safe children’s pool with two slides, and hydro-massage, whirlpool and cold-water pools. In addition to traditional Finnish saunas, there is also an herbal steam sauna. Natural water bathing is available in the adjacent scenic river all year round.