Kajaani Street Market
The traditional street market event is arranged annually in Kajaani at the time of Kajaani Poetry Week and the birthday of national poet Eino Leino (6th July).
The event lasts several days. During that time, the main street Kauppakatu is full of market tents and the Raatihuoneentori market place hosts different kinds of events.
Jaa sivu eteenpäin
A Region of Tar Burners
The history of tar making dates back thousands of years. The technique used traditionally used in Finland was tar burning in a pit, i.e. dry distillation of wood. The tar barrels were transported to Oulu in the coast by boat. The large rapids of River Kajaaninjoki were the biggest obstacles for the oarsmen rowing tar barrels to Oulu. The canals built in the rapids of River Kajaaninjoki were the solution.
Tar Burning Tradition ›
Migration Stories
The RekryKainuu project has interviewed some people who have moved to Kainuu. From that series of articles, you may read in English the story of Diana, who moved from Barcelona to Sotkamo.
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Finnish Baseball in Sotkamo
Baseball is as Finnish as it gets! There is a very successful baseball team in Kainuu, with their home field on a beautiful spot in Sotkamo.
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Kekrifest
The annual Kekrifest, entertaining especially the heavy music enthusiasts, is arranged in October at Kajaanihalli.
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Raate Road
Raate Road in Suomussalmi, about 18 km long and ending at frontier barriers, was the scene of two decisive Winter War battles.
Raate Road ›
Swamp Soccer World Championships
Swamp Soccer World Championships are played annually in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu.
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Homebase in Sotkamo
Sotkamo is an active municipality that has more to offer to its residents than an average towns of its size. In Sotkamo, it's easy to lead an active life style, and the municipality is attracting new inhabitants. Get to know your potential neighbors, who are living like they were on holiday 365 days a year!
Sotkamo ›
Ethno Music Festival Sommelo in Kuhmo
Ethno music festival Sommelo in Kuhmo is arranged annually in Kuhmo. In addition to concerts, the program includes for example exhibitions, training in different musical instruments and seminars related to folk music.
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Värikallio Rock Paintings
The paintings of Värikallio, made with blood and red ochre, are estimated to be 3,500–4,500 years old. More than 60 figures can be identified from the sheer rock wall rising out of Lake Somerjärvi. The mystical animal and human figures are believed to be related to hunting or shamanism. The unique Värikallio is located in the northern reaches of Hossa national park and can be visited throughout the year.
Värikallio ›
Lake Oulujärvi – Sea of Kainuu
Feel the sandy beach of Ärjä island on your toes, travel onboard the northernmost steamship in Europe and see the scenery through the eyes of national poet Eino Leino, enjoy the nightless nights at the stunning golf course in Paltamo and have sweet dreams in the birdhouse hotel.
Lake Oulujärvi ›
Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival
Every July, the town of Kuhmo is taken over by talented chamber musicians and audiences coming from all over the world to enjoy the unique concerts and atmosphere.
Kuhmo Festival ›
Literature Tourism
The national epic Kalevala is a central element in Kainuu`s literary culture. In 2019, Kuhmo became part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network founding their application on the strong connection between Kuhmo and the Kalevala, and the many ways the Kalevala influences the everyday life in Kuhmo.
In addition to Elias Lönnrot who compiled the Kalevala, Kainuu has also other famous writers such as Isa Asp, Eino Leino, Ilmari Kianto and Veikko Huovinen, whose trails to follow!
Literature Tourism ›