KUOPIO by NATURE 2020 KUOPIO by NATURE 2020 3 the Wonder of Nature Across All Seasons in Kuopio

2020 KUOPIO by NATURE Nature as a source of inspiration Kuopio aims at strong growth Top 10 events in Kuopio EDITORIAL CONTENTS “In Kuopio, it seems Kuopio – Nature Wellbeing and Happiness as if everyone knows 04 The wonder of nature across Where people have all seasons in Kuopio PAGE 08 a secret about life.” 08 Wellbeing and Happiness discovered something 12 Nature as a Source of Inspiration Kuopio Aims at KUOPIO by NATURE essential about life 14 Forest Pre-school Enriches Children’s Creativity and Strong Growth Imagination ANNUAL JOURNAL OF I was brought to Kuopio by fortunate Situated between East and West, PAGE 42 THE CITY OF KUOPIO winds twelve years ago. Since then, Kuopio is the capital of Finland’s 16 Mika Kojonkoski – a Coach the diversity of the offerings of this Lakeland region. We cherish our be- by Nature Editor-in-chief Kirsi Soininen city and the warmth I have felt in my loved Lake Kallavesi, and from Kuo- 17 Nature – Travel & wellbeing Executive editor Reetta Airaksinen encounters with its people will never pio, you can sail even to the edge of 18 Fun(ny) Ways to Travel in Kuopio Visual Designer cease to make me happy. The ease the world via the Saimaa Canal. The Jenni Loimulahti, Oddy Inc. of everyday life and the inspiring en- changing beauty of the lake’s scenery 20 Hospitality and a culture of getting things done English editing Elisa Wulff vironment unleash boundless energy throughout the cycle of the seasons for innovation and world-class excel- and its significance to our well-being Journal texts Akiola-Media Oy lence. It is as if the power of nature is open to everyone. There are also Top 10 Events Cover Puijo Tower, and the good willpower of people many exciting projects in the pipeline photo by Wille Markkanen in Kuopio reign in Kuopio. With everything you including the innovation and learning Special thanks to: Anne Lappalainen, need available within close reach, centre, Savilahti, which will be built PAGE 38 Satu Hilden, Henna Lindroos, there is time to slow down. You can beside the shore of Lake Kallavesi. Raija Korhonen go to work on foot, by bike, by boat The region holds exquisite and ex- Printed by Grano or even on skis in winter. Networking ceptional know-how and solutions happens easily, and a straightforward for global challenges, including world- Editorial office atmosphere prevails on all levels. class excellence in neuroscience, en- The key to Kuopio’s future lies in its vironmental safety and healthcare. City of Kuopio / Future Kuopio Marketing and Communication communities and in their coopera- Kuopio has the lofty vision to be the Tulliportinkatu 31, tion. capital of the good life, where each Live Like Local 42 Kuopio Aims at Strong Growth P.O. Box 228, FI-70100 Kuopio Kuopio unites its native residents of us plays a crucial role, sharing a 46 Kuopio – a growing with people from elsewhere. There chance to write the future story of 24 Kuopio State of Mind international city with top level Feedback [email protected] are nearly 120,000 of us, and the Kuopio and to do things that make 28 Life and culture in Kuopio expertise in health sciences number continues to grow. Here, you our hearts sing. 32 Sauna Experiences 47 Working life & Business www.kuopio.fi will find an abundance of positive cu- The COVID-19 pandemic shocked The Centre of the Universe: riosity for new things. Minna Canth’s the world in 2020. However, we be- 33 48 Savilahti – the Future Lives Here www.kuopiohighlights.fi Positive Encounters (1844–1897) impact as an advocate lieve that together we can rise from 52 Wellbeing in Kuopio is a Sum Pride in the Community for www.kuopiotahko.fi of freedom of speech and responsi- this crisis and continue building the 34 of Many Parts Personal Competence bility, a promoter for understanding, capital of good life. 54 The Twin Peaks of Kuopio: and an eliminator of grievances, is 36 Constructing Neurocenter Life and culture Puijo and Tahko Finland in Kuopio in still present in the city today. In Kuo- a Collaborative Atmosphere in Kuopio pio, we nurture a desire to increase 37 Everyday life and studies PAGE 28 understanding and have a passion for Kirsi Soininen development and for taking a stand. Marketing Director, City of Kuopio 38 Top 10 Events in Kuopio 2 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2020 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2020 3 The wonder of nature across all seasons in Kuopio Kuopio, the Capital of Lakeland, is located at the heart of the most beautiful Finnish lake scenery Finland has to offer. Kuopio’s residents love that nature surrounds the city and particularly Lake Kallavesi. This environment promotes a way of life focused on wellbeing, enjoyment and vitality across all seasons. PHOTOS KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKETING The untouched nature of the north, including catch fish from Kallavesi – particularly vendace, a ancient forests and lakes inform the unique and delicacy served in Kuopio’s restaurants. special character of the Kuopio region. As winter comes along, the lake surface freez- Swimmers can jump into the refreshing and es over offering new activities including ice- clean water of Lake Kallavesi in the summer. You skating, skiing, riding snowmobiles on the lake can also ride the waves with a canoe or a SUP and paragliding. Every year an ice track is creat- board, or hop on a water jet or a motor boat. Tra- ed for the Kuopio Ice Marathon which is also en- ditional inland waterway ships joyed by all who wish to glide transport passengers to the on a 12.5-kilometre course of Saana travel centre and the “Kuopio makes it crystal- clear ice. Alahovi vineyard. The Tahko extremely easy In the spring, the sun at- tourism area is also accessible tracts ice fishers who hunch through the channels and locks for people to over a hole carved in the ice in the waterways. visit nature.” waiting tirelessly for a catch. In the autumn, leaves that The springtime sun also spurs have turned yellow adorn the boaters into action, ready to forests by Lake Kallavesi, and a northern wind prepare their boats for the summer. casts waves on the lake, serving as a reminder Kuopio is a city surrounded by nature offering As winter comes along and the lake surfice of the approaching winter. This will not stop the clean air, water in every direction as well as many freezes, you can enjoy all kinds of fun on ice ceaseless fishermen from using their nets to events and activities year round. such as ice windsurfing. 4 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2020 / NATURE THE WONDER OF NATURE ACROSS ALL SEASONS IN KUOPIO THE WONDER OF NATURE ACROSS ALL SEASONS IN KUOPIO EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES In Tahko, local visitors get to enjoy a trendy nature for Kuopio’s residents and making full use staycation at its best. Kasurila, another down- of the health impacts of nature, Jauhiainen plans. Seppo Jauhiainen, a forester at the city of Kuo- hill ski resort in the Kuopio region, is a neigh- pio, believes that genuinely having four seasons bourhood centre easily reached by a local bus. UNIQUE PUIJO AND EVERYMAN’S is the area’s greatest strength. Suutari nen says that Kasurila has been named RIGHTS – We also have a genuine winter here. Many for- the local centre of the year. eigners gasp when they see the Finland Ice Mar- – In Kasurila, visitors get a taste of the local At the centre of Kuopio soars Puijo, an ancient athon ice skating track in Kuopio. While Finnish culture and community. It is a joy to see how this granite hill and the world’s northernmost nemoral people are used to spending time on the ice, it is small downhill skiing centre has emerged as a liv- forest zone. Puijo is also Finland’s oldest private something new and amazing for many foreigners. ing room for the locals. nature reserve. There is also another wonder- With different seasons come different outdoor ful nature reserve close to Kuopio’s centre, the activities and ways to enjoy the beautiful nature REACHING NATURE WITH EASE Kolmi soppi-Neulamäki. The area’s size is around in the area for both locals and tourists. Kuopio 230 hectares and Puijo’s area size is slightly over offers a great variety of hiking and outdoor trails, Kuopio makes it extremely easy for people to vis- 200 hectares. and has also invested in resting areas. it nature. The city is located in the midst of na- The cross-country skiing season already be- There are many campfire sites, lean-tos and ture, surrounded by Lake Kallavesi. The city plan gins at the Puijo sport and recreation venue in fishing huts in the forests and shores of Kallavesi, also pays attention to ensuring easy accessibility November. In Puijo, skiers can also practise on a enabling visitors to build a fire and cook food. The to nature, and recreation offered to the residents 2.5-kilometre track named after skier Iivo Nis shores also have many beaching sites for pad- also involves nature. kanen, Olympic champion on the men’s 50 kilo- dlers and boaters. – I am sure the most exotic metre classical, and they might even run into the – Those into high-energy “Kuopio thing in Kuopio for a foreigner is master himself there. activities will also enjoy our our nature itself and the effort- – Puijo has seen incredible successes in sports. snowmobile routes, Jauhiai- offers the most less way to access it, Jauhiainen Thanks to Puijo’s ski jumping hills and cross- nen tips.

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