See & Do in Paltamo

The giant of Finnish poetry, Eino Leino, was born in an area that at the time belonged to Paltamo. According to old stories, also other giants inhabit the hill Kivesvaara of Paltamo, throwing around rocks.

The Old Book Shop, Puolangantie 12

A book shop experience may include so much more than just buying books! This little book shop is over 90 years old, and has been operating in the same wooden building in Paltamo since its establishment. In addition to books, there are various gift items for sale, as well as toys, office-, crafts- and artist’s supplies. There is also an online shop focusing primarily on works by books and authors from Kainuu, many of the items only available at this store. Experience this charming book shop experience!

Visit the Book Shop Website

Eino Leino Monument, Eino Leinon tie 1

The Eino Leino monument in Paltamo, the birthplace of Leino according to old municipal districts, was unveiled in the center of Paltamo on July 6, 1978, one hundred years after Leino’s birth. The title of the work “Ukonlintu ja virvaliekki” is referring to a bird and a will-o’-the-wisp in Finnish, and is based on one of Leino’s poems. A monument is located on a beautiful site on the banks of the River Kiehimäjoki, next to the market square, and surrounded by a flower park. The monument was designed by sculptor Jouko Toiviainen.

The Rock Park and the Arctic Giant, Kivesvaarantie 40

For a long time, stories about giants and powerful men have been told in the Paltamo and Oulujärvi areas. The story of Paltamo giants begins at the top of Kivesvaara hill. The rock park located on the Kivesvaara hill features over 40 different types of rock. The rock park exhibits the history and composition of the bedrock found in Finland and especially the Kainuu region. The trail covering the entire rock park exhibition is around 300 meters long and can be traversed in a wheelchair. An imaginative world based on stories and mythology has been built around the exhibition. You can also stay overnight in the stunning scenery of Kivesvaara, for example in the ”birdhouses” built by the gentle giants of Kivesvaara. You can find more information about accommodation services on the website below.

Visit the Arctic Giant Website

Visit the Sites!

On this map, we have pinpointed the sites of interest mentioned above. By clicking the signs on the map, you’ll find a short description of the site.