Nature photography, local history and winter snowshoe trails give Kuusamo its distinctive character. Cultural offerings range from exhibitions and a local history museum to theatre, music and cinema; there is also an annual nature photography festival and military history trails. When choosing accommodation, it helps to first decide which of these aspects you want to shape your stay and which places you would like to visit.
Nature photography at Karhuntassu
The Karhuntassu Culture and Tourism Centre presents the history, nature and culture of Kuusamo. A permanent exhibition is complemented by changing exhibitions, including presentations by the Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre. Its exhibition content is also available in English. At Karhuntassu, the tourist information office advises visitors on services, nature and cultural attractions, as well as activities and experiences in Kuusamo. There is also a café and a shop selling books about Kuusamo and local products; the selection may change.
The Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre is located near the centre of Kuusamo, in the Karhuntassu Tourism Centre. Its 150-square-metre exhibition space features changing classic photographs and significant works by Hannu Hautala. The exhibitions change three times a year. The centre is for all ages and welcomes anyone interested in Kuusamo’s nature, nature photography and nature research. If a particular exhibition is a deciding factor for your trip, check the current programme in advance.
Autumn festival and winter trails
Kuusamo Nature Photo is an annual nature photography festival. Traditionally held in mid-September, when the autumn colours are at their most vivid, it includes photography workshops and photo excursions. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates for your intended travel period. In winter, the military history trail at Vanttajankannas serves as a snowshoe route. This offers an autumn event centred on nature photography and a winter outdoor activity for different times of year.
Local history on the shores of Lake Torankijärvi
Kuusamo Local History Museum is located close to the centre, on the shore of Lake Torankijärvi. It depicts the life of a farming family from Kuusamo in the 1930s. The grounds include 16 buildings, among them Pulkkasen pirtti, Rävän talo, a barn and a stable building. The local history museum thus focuses specifically on farming life, while Karhuntassu brings together history, nature and culture in its exhibitions.
The local history museum is open seasonally in summer; visits can also be arranged by appointment. Check the current dates before travelling. Both the local history museum and Karhuntassu accept the Museum Card. If you are planning your visit around this, it is worth checking their status again before you travel.
Two military history trails
Near Lahtela, a 4.5-kilometre military history trail follows restored field fortifications of the Salpalinja from 1940–1941. The area is on Lämsänkyläntie, about 12 kilometres south of the centre of Kuusamo. The trail at Vanttajankannas is another option: it is marked along the route with signposts, blue-and-white paint markings and information boards, and serves as a snowshoe route in winter. The two trails offer different experiences: Lahtela is described in terms of its length and fortifications, while Vanttajankannas is noted for its waymarking and winter use.
Galleries, stage and cinema
Kuusamotalo has two galleries with changing exhibitions: Kaamosgalleria and Pikku-galleria Utu. Kaamosgalleria is the largest exhibition space in the building. The exhibition programme is complemented by a wide range of music and theatre performances held throughout the year; individual performances vary. The building also houses the Kuusamotalo cinema. Check the current cinema listings before your trip if a movie night is part of your plans.
Local public transport and choosing accommodation
Kuusamo’s public transport is open to everyone and offers connections not only to the centre but also to areas outside the built-up area. On school days, this includes buses used for school transport. The service follows school transport timetables and is not available during school holidays. You can therefore tailor your choices to the experiences you want and the connections relevant to your stay.
Discover more destinations: Alastalo, Nivankylä, Ylivieska, Paimio, Fiskars, Siikajoki, Merijärvi, Apukka
For the main travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.
