See & Do in Sotkamo

At the reconstructed study of Veikko Huovinen, the work and the background oh his books are presented. One can almost hear the sound  of Veikko Huovinen’s typewriter in the room decorated with artifacts, a collection of books and furniture brought from the original study, and creating a unique atmosphere in the room. The view from the study is also almost the same as from Huovinen’s original study nearby.

At Hirvensaari island, beside the Sotkamo centre, stands the sculpture ‘Havukka-ahon ajattelija’ named after one of  Veikko Huovinen’s novels. The sculpture was made by artist Nina Terno in 1989. As Veikko Huovinen wished, the sculpture is dedicated to his production, an not to him as a person. Huovinen liked this sculpture, that portrays a man and a moose, and that has some of his texts engraved on the pedestal.

As author and forester Veikko Huovinen turned  75 years in 2002, a small memorial forest was founded for him in Sotkamo. Huovisnäreikkö is a bit less than six hectares large protected spruce forest. On the approximately 700 metres long walking path there are paintings, to which Huovinen has chosen extracts from his works. The forests right around Huovisnäreikkö are taken care of as wished by the author; always following the best current understanding of forest management. On the map, Huovisnäreikkö is marked as an official place name.

Would you like to tour Sotkamo on Veikko Huovinen’s footsteps, or tread the path in Veikko Huovinen’s memorial forest ”Huovisnäreikkö”,  where you dive deeper into Huovinen’s mindset? A local heritage association, Sotkamo Society, arranges guide services according to demand.

The self-guided walking tour ”On the Footsteps of Veikko Huovinen” has been planned by two local associations; Veikko Huovinen Society and Sotkamo Society.