Kuusamo: Nature, History and Culture

Nature photography, local history and culture offer different ways to experience a trip to Kuusamo. The attractions are spread across various venues and experiences, each showcasing Kuusamo in its own way.

Nature Photography and Exhibitions at Karhuntassu

The Karhuntassu Culture and Tourism Centre presents the history, nature and culture of Kuusamo. It features a permanent exhibition and changing exhibitions, including displays at the Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre. Its exhibition space covers 150 square metres. The centre presents a changing selection of classic photographs and significant works by Hannu Hautala; the exhibitions change three times a year. Those particularly interested in Kuusamo’s nature, nature photography or nature research will find a relevant topic here. The centre is for anyone interested in these subjects, regardless of age.

The exhibition content at Karhuntassu is also available in English. The centre accepts the Museum Card. The building also has a café and a shop selling literature about Kuusamo as well as local products. The tourist information office at the international tourism and culture centre provides advice on services, nature and cultural attractions, and activities and experiences in Kuusamo.

Local History on the Shores of Lake Torankijärvi

Kuusamo Local History Museum is close to the centre, on the shore of Lake Torankijärvi. It shows the life of a farming family from Kuusamo in the 1930s. The museum grounds include 16 buildings, among them Pulkkasen pirtti, Rävän talo, a barn and a stable. The buildings and the portrayal of family life offer different ways to explore local history.

The local history museum is open seasonally in summer; visits can also be arranged by appointment. It also accepts the Museum Card. Anyone planning a visit should therefore take its seasonal opening and the option of arranging a visit by appointment into account.

Trails and Nature Photography Festival

Near Kuusamo, at Lahtela, a 4.5-kilometre military history trail follows restored field fortifications on the Salpalinja, dating from 1940–1941. The area is on Lämsänkyläntie, about 12 kilometres south of Kuusamo centre. The trail combines a clearly specified distance with a historical theme: the fortifications from 1940–1941 give it its military history focus.

Another military history trail, at Vanttajankannas, is marked along its route with signposts, blue-and-white markings and information boards. In winter, it serves as a snowshoe trail. The two trails therefore have different features: at Lahtela, the length and restored field fortifications are described, while at Vanttajankannas, the route markers and winter use as a snowshoe trail are highlighted.

Kuusamo Nature Photo is an annual nature photography festival traditionally held in mid-September, during the most colourful autumn foliage. The festival also includes photography workshops and photo excursions. Here, nature photography is not only an exhibition theme but also the focus of a festival featuring practical and group photography activities.

Performances and Galleries

Music and theatre performances are held at Kuusamotalo throughout the year. The building also has two galleries with changing exhibitions: Kaamosgalleria and Pikku-galleria Utu. Kaamosgalleria is the largest exhibition space at Kuusamotalo. Kuusamotalo cinema is in the same building. Visitors can therefore cater to a range of cultural interests during their stay, from stage performances and changing art exhibitions to cinema.

Getting Around

Public transport in Kuusamo is open to everyone. In addition to the centre, there are connections to areas outside the built-up area; on school days, these include buses for school transport. Those wishing to include different parts of Kuusamo in their trip can take this information into account when planning their travel. For information about nature and cultural attractions, as well as activities and experiences, the tourist information office at Karhuntassu is one place to go.

More local pages: Kukonkylä, Pornainen, Karhula, Hailuoto, Liminka, Keitele, Nivankylä, Keskijärvi.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.