2021 KUOPIO by NATURE

Erja Lyytinen – From Kuopio with love

The city of Music and Dance

Top 10 Architectural Landmarks in Kuopio EDITORIAL CONTENTS

“In Kuopio, it seems Beyond Nature the Horizon as if everyone knows Kuopio as 04 Beyond the Horizon PAGE 4 a secret about life.” 08 The Many Faces of Water 10 Water Calms Down KUOPIO by NATURE a Source of the Busy Worker 12 A Matter of Taste

ANNUAL JOURNAL OF 16 The Nordic Diet is All-Round THE CITY OF KUOPIO Inspiration Good – Both for Your Body and the Food Industry Editor-in-chief Kirsi Soininen 17 Numbers: Nature & Executive editor Reetta Airaksinen Travel 18 The Table Has Visual Designer Been Set Jenni Loimulahti, Ahooy Creative Oy English editing ELSA kielipalvelut, Satu Heikkinen In Kuopio, we live by the water. Wa- pean Region of Gastronomy 2020– ter is a source of strength in our lei- 2021. Locally produced food, gastro- Journal texts Akiola Media Oy, sure time and one of our competence nomic experiences combined with Kumu Communications osk, Tekstimies Oy priorities. Waterways connect us to local culture bring the most amazing seas across the globe via the Saimaa taste sensations to the table. The Cover Kuopio Lakeland / Harbour From Kuopio ship, photo by Wille Markkanen Canal. Our stunning lake views serve province is a rich producer of food – as a source of inspiration and excite- our top chefs conjure up gastronom- with Love Special thanks to: Anne Vänttinen, ment. Renowned Japanese artist Kaii ic excellence from locally sourced, PAGE 28 Satu Hilden, Henna Lindroos, Raija Korhonen, Soile Nevalainen Higashiyama travelled to the Nordic clean ingredients. Nutritional science countries back in 1962, and it was is one of the strong fields of expertise Printed by Grano especially the scenery in Puijo that in our educational institutions. enchanted the artist, inspiring one The versatile Kuopio is also a city Live Like Local Editorial office of the most valued works of art in Ja- of music, educating professionals in City of Kuopio / pan, Polar Summer Night (1963). music and providing extensive op- 20 Kuopio – Enjoying the Riches of Marketing and Communication Kuopio is a city of many talents portunities to enjoy music as a hobby. Everyday Life Tulliportinkatu 31, where cutting-edge expertise in in- The good cooperation between our 25 Ease of Living P.O. Box 228, FI-70100 Kuopio dustry and commerce, with its pri- professional orchestra, professional 26 Not Just Another Ballgame Future Kuopio orities and clusters, stems from the theatre and educational institutions 28 From Kuopio with Love Feedback [email protected] good cooperation between research, provides internship and employment 46 Savilahti Stage for Future Talk 32 City of Music and Dance The Wellbeing education, innovations and business opportunities not only for profes- 50 Kuopio is a Smart City – Here, 36 Virtuoso Violinist Lila Watanabe: of Residents is www.kuopio.fi activities. Campuses come together sionals, but also for students and in- competencies are combined to “The Audience is the Best Part the Key to form extensive profiles www.kuopiohighlights.fi and merge in the district of Savilahti ternational talent. of My Job” in Kuopio, which serves as a platform I wish you gratifying moments Our Future 52 Work Globally, Enjoy Life Locally www.kuopiotahko.fi 37 Culture Shock – and How Good for future knowledge, learning and reading Kuopio by Nature! It Feels PAGE 54 54 The Wellbeing of Residents is innovations. Savilahti Stage provides the Key to Our Future 38 Top 10 Architectural Landmarks a venue for future dialogue that will in Kuopio 56 Adaptation is a Win-Win Game become reality in Savilahti. 42 Taking Responsibility 57 Numbers: Working life & Business The Kuopio region is celebrating its Kirsi Soininen year as the capital of food, the Euro- Marketing Director, City of Kuopio 45 Numbers: Everyday life & studies 58 Kuopio - the Capital of Good Life

2 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 3 A fascinating moment in the city harbour of Kuopio. Beyond the Horizon

Kuopio is surrounded by Kallavesi, one of the largest lakes in Finland. No matter from which direction you approach the city, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. You only get one chance to make that ever-important first impression, and in this sense, Kuopio has a great natural advantage. You cannot help but arrive in a positive state of mind.

Kuva

TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO PHOTOS WILLE MARKKANEN AND TIINA HARING

Kuopio is a city by the lake, but that is only the OUT OF THE BOAT, INTO THE CITY start of it. When you board a ship at any of the various piers by Lake Kallavesi, the voyage can It might come as a surprise to visitors that there literally take you all the way to the other side of is a new breakwater and a guest pier right next to the world. the city centre; only a few minutes’ walk from the While the distance of the voyage knows no lim- pier and you find yourself in a buzzing downtown its, neither does the range of opportunities there area with hotels, restaurants, cafés and shopping is to enjoy in and on the waters in Kuopio. The facilities conveniently close by. If walking is not city is known for its boat manufacturing business your thing, you can opt for a city bike or a hop-on that goes all the way back to the year 1970. While hop-off bus. the large lake and beautiful landscapes have in- In addition to the heart of the city centre, the spired fishers and water skiers alike, boating has coastline also provides plenty of wonderful scen- It is an extraordinary experience to become an integral element of quality time in eries and great spots to have a picnic or simply skate on the frozen lake. Every year Kuopio. take a look around and enjoy the views. an ice track is created for the Finland Ice Marathon, that is a 12.5-kilometre course of crystal-clear ice for People to enjoy.

4 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE BEYOND THE HORIZON BEYOND THE HORIZON

Kuopion Saana, a new holiday resort combines Finnish sauna experiences, restaurant services and a wide variety activities under one roof. »

There are several places nearby to enhance Cruise entrepreneurs such as Noora Kivi from the experience with extra services. With so many Kuopion Roll Risteilyt gladly assists passengers. great opportunities to have fun and enjoy your- “All cruises have been designed to offer a differ- self, why not stay a bit longer? ent selection of views”, Kivi says. “You can enjoy Play a game of volleyball, eat a nice dinner or the urban scenery or admire the beautiful nature relax in a sauna; at its best, the perfect cruise can of the archipelago, including historical buildings.” be so much more than sitting on a boat. Kivi mentions that customers ask her, time Listen to Jukka Savolainen, CEO at Kuopion and time again, where the lake actually ends. Saana, a new holiday resort that combines Finn- The size of Lake Kallavesi never ceases to amaze ish sauna experiences, restaurant services and a people, as does the number of islands and the wide variety of events and activities under one breath-taking wonder in its totality. roof. He will certainly convince you. In terms of the 2021 season, both Savolainen “We have our own pier for and Kivi are looking forward FEWER MISHAPS, MORE FUN guest boats and the country’s to additional services that will largest outdoor patio where “All cruises have been make boating and enjoying the On the route from Kuopio to the other side of the everyone can relax and enjoy designed to offer water even more all-inclusive. world, there are plenty of local attractions for a the nice views”, says Savolai­ As the city bikes are conve­ boater to consider. The wide archipelago is ex- nen. “Right next to us, there is a different selection niently located right next to the ceptionally well suited for recreational purposes. a fuel station, equipped with piers and the hop-on hop-off With so much area to cover and so many activi- a suction unloader and bilge of views” buses will drive close by, get- ties and opportunities available, one cannot help pump. An all-inclusive service ting from the boat to the city but wonder about safety issues: how can the oc- for boats and boaters alike.” centre, the Market Square or casional boater ensure that, in the midst of all the “Last year, we had a record number of missions, even the slopes of Puijo will be extremely effort- fun, they can also arrive on the other side in one and we expect the same in 2021. As enthusiasm MANY WAYS TO ENJOY THE less. And, with the new hop-on hop-off boats, piece? grows, people tend to forget to take care of basic WATER the experience will be even more versatile; you That is where organizations such as Kuopion preparations properly.” can get on a boat at one pier and get off at an- Järvipelastajat (Kuopio Lake Rescue) come in. Tuovinen emphasizes that Lake Kallavesi is in- Outside the city, surrounded by nature that other, and perhaps take a bus back to your boat. “When it comes to taking care of your boat, ed- deed a “divine” environment for boating, and he seems almost untamed, you can experience a A great day in Kuopio is only a matter of imagina- ucating yourself and remembering the principles strongly recommends it. However, it is worth world that differs completely from the urban tion – and choice. are a good start,” says Jussi Tuovinen, Chairman keeping in mind that the fewer unpleasant sur- coastline – although there are several similari- There are excellent options available even for of the Board. “When it comes to boating, taking prises there are, the greater the enjoyment will ties. This is like another dimension of Kallavesi; longer cruises on the Kallavesi waterways. Take others into consideration is important as well.” be. far away from the buzz of the city, yet close by a trip a bit further through the archipelago, and Kuopio Lake Rescue is a 50-year-old organi­ For travellers and locals alike, the surrounding and convenient to reach. the scenery begins to look like a national park – zation that provides volunteer help for those waters add substantial value to the way Kuopio So convenient that you do not even have to where, in a way, you have actually arrived. There stranded afloat due to engine breakdown, hitting is experienced. Just seeing the breathtakingly take a boat there yourself. Just hop on one of the are wonderful trips available to nearby islands a rock, running out of fuel or other such incident. beautiful Lake Kallavesi is an unforgettable mo- numerous cruise ships near the city centre. Why and guest marinas, and you can visit several great Tuovinen mentions that as boating has gained ment, but when it comes to seriously enhanc- drive, when you can sit on deck, relax – and per- towns by the lake, should you decide to cruise all popularity – largely due to the coronavirus – that ing customer experience, there is definitely a lot haps enjoy a nice lunch on the way. the way to the southern parts of the country. means more work for the organization as well. more there than meets the eye.

6 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 7 old Puijo Tower for a few seconds and almightiest dish that is as quintes- went back to Japan, bursting with sentially Kuopio as anything else: the creativity. A year later, the painting traditional vendace and bacon pasty. “Polar Summer Night” was complet- If they made that anywhere else but The Many Faces of Water ed. The connection with nature and Kuopio, it just would not be the real the quality of life he experienced in thing. Kuopio created a success story that As in so many Finnish towns lo- still inspires people on the other side cated by forests and waterways, the of the world today. paper industry has been an impor- In December 2020, “Polar Summer tant contributor to the economy of Night” arrived at the source of its in- Kuopio. One of the best news – and spiration. It will be on display in the greatest achievements in the field of Puijo Tower for now. sustainable development – has been the ability of the industry to develop Kaii Higashiyama – Polar Summer CULTURE ways to operate with minimal impact Night, 1963, The National Museum on the environment. Even though the of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) An easy approach – and exit, for that matter – has been one of the driving forces that has had a strong effect The harmonious AESTHETICS on the cosmopolitan atmosphere relationship between of Kuopio. Steamboats carried pas- The beauty of the city by the water sengers here from Central Europe water and the people of has impressed people throughout already in the early days of interna- Kuopio is almost tangible. the centuries. While the locals enjoy tional travel, and Kuopio was one of long walks along the shoreline and the first cities in Finland where new sitting by the pier looking at the ho- ideologies and ways of thinking would rizon, artists from around the world take root. The fact that you can travel production volumes have remained have come here to immortalize these by water from Kuopio all the way to the same, statistics show that espe- unique sights. One of the most pop- Cape Town, if you wish, has been an cially when it comes to emissions to ular ways to do this is to hike up the enriching element to the cultural and water, the achievements have been slopes of Puijo, then perhaps take the ideological development of society nothing short of exceptional. The lift to the top of the tower – and take as a whole. overall importance of water has been a look around. Amazing views open recognized, and corrective measures Kuopio is known as the “Capital of Lakeland”, and anyone who up in all directions, sparking your in- ECONOMY have been successfully taken. has taken even a brief look around, immediately understands why. spiration and tickling those creative The harmonious relationship be- Besides providing exceptional opportunities to enjoy yourself and have bones like nothing else. Below the surface are the fish, an in- tween water and the people of Kuo- In 1962, Kaii Higashiyama, one of tegral source of livelihood in Kuopio, pio is almost tangible. While the a great time, water has a wide variety of other useful the most renowned post-war artists as well as one of the most essential opportunities are enjoyed to the purposes for people and businesses. It enlivens in Japan, took a four-month trip to ingredients of local cuisine. Vendace max, a strong respect is inherent in the Nordic countries with his wife. is the most legendary fish in the area everything that people do. Without the entire society, in more ways than one. They arrived in Kuopio by boat and and widely used in several famous water, the city would not be the same, were immediately captivated by the dishes. You simply cannot leave town so the best thing to do is to handle it TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO beauty of the landscape. Higashi- before tasting fried vendace with with care. PHOTOS WILLE MARKKANEN AND HARJULA PRODUCTION yama filmed Lake Kallavesi out of the mashed potatoes, not to mention the

8 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 9 Water Calms Down the Busy Worker After selling his company Bella-­Veneet Oy about go out on the water – and that is how his career a year ago, Raimo Sonninen has already had time as a boatbuilder started. He has wanted to pass to establish holiday resort Kuopion Saana with on the good that he has received and invests the Having led Bella-Veneet from a garage to the top of his partners and is now involved in setting up money he has made in the boat business in things both an apartment hotel and a sport hall in Bel- that will bring joy to others as well. the world Raimo Sonninen has many irons in the fire. lanranta. They will provide Sonninen believes that His latest projects combine work, leisure and water. the perfect way to combine boat travel brings families work and leisure right next to "If you spend your leisure together and creates good Lake Kallavesi. memories of times spent to- TEXT MINNA AKIOLA | PHOTO QVIM ARKKITEHDIT OY Sonninen thinks that the time out of the water, gether on the water. general mode of work is the amount of time “As the old saying goes, if changing. For example, peo- you spend your leisure time ple want conference rooms you get doubles." out of the water, the amount that create a positive vibe of time you get doubles. Out and calm them down. Many on the lake, you can look also want to balance their work with something around and you do not have to tread along a nar- that detaches them from work. The plan is to also row road, says Sonninen. include e.g. padel courts and climbing facilities in Saana also has a jetty where you can climb the sport hall. aboard an inland waterway vessel to visit various “In the old days, work was all that mattered, places or simply enjoy a scenic lake tour. but thanks to more leisure time, people yearn for more experiences and hobbies to try as well.” The hotel will have conference rooms overlook- ing the lake. Sonninen has noticed the calming effects of water also at home. He has always lived by the water – or at least has been able to see water from his windows. He finds water endless- ly fascinating due to its ever-changing shapes, from calm surfaces to dark and stormy waters. “In Saana, people prefer to withdraw by the lake to continue working after a lunch meeting. Some opt for a corner table next to a window, while others go out on the terrace. If you break your concentration to raise your head just a bit, you will find the water and nature right by your side, making you feel good.” Water as an element also gave the first boost to Sonninen’s career in boatbuilding. When his Raimo Sonninen is developing Bellanranta father refused to buy him a boat, the 12-year-old district to become a center of wellbeing. Raimo made a canoe all by himself to be able to Photo: Bella Boats

KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 11 Finnish superfood from our common backyard – the forest.

A Matter of Taste The Kuopio region can provide truly fulfilling FROM THE FOREST AND INTO gastronomic experiences even for the most YOUR MOUTH demanding taste buds. One of the great added Although picking berries and mushrooms in the forest and benefits to this is that quite a few ingredients are The best berry picking and fishing experiences preparing vendace and bacon pasty may seem like perfectly available to everyone, free of charge, in nature all are so much more than just trying to get a big around us. harvest or catch. Both the forests and the lakes ordinary, everyday activities to Finns, they represent high-level Among other public rights, known as “every- serve as great retreats. You can simply look exoticism and an endless source of amazement to many others. man’s rights” in Finland, everyone has the right to around and enjoy the view, relax and listen to the freely pick berries and mush- sounds of nature. If you happen TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO rooms in the forest, as long as to be able to bring a few ber- PHOTOS EUROPEAN REGION OF GASTRONOMY KUOPIO AND they do not cause unnecessary Everyone has the right ries or fish home – great! If not WILLE MARKKANEN harm to nature or people living – perhaps it was just an excuse close by. Given the amount of to freely pick berries to be able to escape from the delicacies simply waiting to be and mushrooms hustle of the city for a moment. picked each year, you can count Besides, given that there on getting a good crop as long in the forest. is excellent, locally produced as you have some idea of where food easily available in Kuopio, to look. what’s the point of trying to As long as you possess a valid license, you can prepare it yourself anyway? freely try your luck at fishing as well. Kuopio is fa- All you need to do is head out to the Market mous especially for its vendace dishes, but there Square in the city centre and you will find sever- are also plenty of other fish in the lakes to catch. al options to choose from – from the legendary

12 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 13 Eeva Mertanen is one of Kuopio's ERG ambassadors. Eeva's heart sings for good, clean food and local culture.

Top Chef Anssi Kantelinen knows the ingredients of the good life.

vendace and bacon pasty to vegetarian dishes gion has to offer, the local haute cuisine is worth tional cuisine to the table – more often than not and pies. Within a couple of blocks, there are sev- sharing. with a modern twist. eral high-level restaurants that provide all sorts One thing led to another and eventually even As Eeva Mertanen, CEO at Ravintolamestarit of tasty experiences, using many local ingredi- the people at the European Region of Gastron- and one of Kuopio’s ERG ambassadors, says on ents. omy Platform were impressed. In fact, they were the ERG website: Speaking of tasty experiences, local chefs and so impressed that they awarded the Kuopio re- “Gastronomy is a holistic experience. It is deli- restaurant operators really gion the official ERG title for the cious, clean food and tasty drinks combined with know how to elevate food to years 2020–2021. memorable moments with heartfelt presence. the next level. While their skills As a result, and in spite of the It’s about culture, crafts, music, people and en- and craftmanship are compli- “Gastronomy is pandemic, there is a lot going counters. In Kuopio region we have something mented on a daily basis, they on in and around Kuopio. The unique: clean waters, forests and air with the have been recognized on a na- a holistic clean nature, light summer skills to use the rhythm of nature.” tional level as well. Perhaps the experience.” nights, high-quality ingredients greatest achievement in this and everyman’s rights are ele- SETTING THE TABLE FOR view. While the travel industry is one of the most front was Anssi Kantelinen’s ments that locals want to share INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION obvious lines of business to capitalize on the on- Finnish Top Chef Award in 2015. with visitors. There are all kinds going gastronomic hype, the doors are now open of food-themed events, farm- While the ERG title brings the international spot- to anyone hoping to explore business opportuni- SPREADING THE WORD ACROSS ers’ markets, events combining food and culture, light on the first-rate ingredients and state-of- ties and establish partner networks. EUROPE pop-up restaurants in extraordinary surround- the-art cooking skills in the region, it also opens Food connects families and cultures and paves ings and excursions oozing with cultural heritage. up opportunities on a much wider scale. The re- the way for businesses and even entire nations While typical Finns like to keep their treasures to Nominated ERG restaurants are placing a special gion has succeeded in capturing international at- to prosper together. There is no underestimating themselves, the outgoing citizens of Kuopio have emphasis on locally produced ingredients, using tention, at least during the title period, and there the power of growth that the region’s fertile soil felt that, among all the other great things the re- their expertise and craftmanship to bring tradi- is huge potential there from an economic point of holds.

14 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE 15 KUOPIO BY NUMBERS

In Kuopio people get to live as they like The Nordic Diet is All-Round – at their own pace, in the middle of nature Nature & Travel and city, while always surrounded by Good – Both for Your Body human compassion. and the Food Industry AMONG THE TOP OVERNIGHT STAYS IN TH KUOPIO-TAHKO The Nordic diet, at its best, means eating THE 6 local and supporting the Finnish food in- 6 dustry. Research also indicates that it may BEST AIR QUALITY AMONG TOURISM DESTINATION 300,000 EUROPEAN CITIES IN FINLAND prevent diseases.

SURROUNDED BY FINLAND'S BEST TEXT MINNA AKIOLA DISC GOLF TRACK AT PHOTO EUROPEAN REGION OF GASTRONOMY KUOPIO 100 LAKES 100 DIFFERENT FIRE PITS, PUIJO SHORELINE GOAHTIS (FIN: KOTA) FISHING LODGES AND The Institute of Public Health and ferences between the two diets are from plants that grow here”, says LEAN-TO SHELTERS Clinical Nutrition at the University of mainly related to food culture. Schwab. KM (FIN: LAAVU) Eastern Finland (UEF) studies the sig- Schwab urges people to appreciate 6340 600 LOCALLY SOURCED nificance of nutrition in the promo- domestically sourced food. Domes- KM OF SKI TRACKS tion of health and the treatment of INGREDIENTS tic berries, for example, are often TAHKO STEPS diseases and the significance of food more nutritious than imported fruit SPAS as an element of wellbeing. HND is based on ingredients that are and berries and have hardly any con- 5 NATURE Several years ago, the UEF was in- easily available in the Nordic coun- taminants. CONSERVATION AREAS volved in a Nordic study, examining tries. For instance, wheat is typically 1054 the healthy Nordic diet (HND). The used Mediterranean countries, but The healthy Nordic diet study showed that the diet reduces in the Nordics, it is balanced by bar- can be compared to the BEACHES 800M LONG 2 low-grade inflammation in the body ley, oat and rye. Here, the vegetables 31 and improves blood sugar and fat group is more varied, because root Mediterranean diet metabolism. vegetables are consumed along with REVENUES FROM THE LARGEST NATIONAL “HND has also been shown to other vegetables. “Domestic vegetables and berries ST TOURISM TO CITY PARK WITH prevent certain diseases”, says Pro- “This is not a competition over are often better than foreign ones THE 1 NORTHERN SAVO A SURFACE AREA OF fessor of Nutrition Therapy Ursula which diet is better. For example, it in terms of their nutritional content Schwab from the University of East- makes sense to use olive oil in Ita- and they are always practically local, EUROPEAN REGION ern Finland. ly and Greece, because it is a local because Finland is such a small coun- OF GASTRONOMY € 500 7,200 The healthy Nordic diet can be product. Here, on the other hand, it try.” CITY IN FINLAND compared to the Mediterranean diet. is more natural to use rapeseed and MILLION MILLION According to Schwab, the only dif- colza oil, because they are derived

16 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE PUIJON TORNIRAVINTOLA (TOWER RESTAURANT)

The Table Has Been Set The surrounding nature and regional producers guarantee that the ingredients here are always fresh and delicious. It is the restaurant’s firm ob- jective to only source from producers who can be seen from the Puijo Tower – which is 75 me- tres high and surrounded by breath-taking views in every direction. The restaurant knows all its producers in person, and is also well-aware of the origins of its meat, vegetables and the gifts of nature. Nature is visible in the interior as well; you can even hear and smell it. The restaurant revolves around slowly so you get to admire full 360-degree views while enjoying a delicious meal.

TAHKO PANORAMA BAR

Welcome to the atmospheric, scenic restau- There are altogether more than two dozen restaurants in the Kuopio rant on top of the Tahko slopes! Panorama is a region, holder of the European Region of Gastronomy (ERG) title. dream venue for anyone who loves a good view; In addition, a wide variety of food and beverage producers as well overlooking Lake Syväri, it provides unforget- table moments in every sense. You can enjoy as primary producers are involved, working together to bring delicious food and a captivating atmosphere in the very best the region has to offer to the table. the main restaurant, the heated pavilion or the large sun deck – and, in the winter, there is even a 200-seater snow deck. There is a wide variety TEXT AULI TUOMI | PHOTOS EUROPEAN REGION OF GASTRONOMY KUOPIO of menus available, and even a scenic sauna for those who want to scrub up before dinner!

The ERG title is based on require- Restaurants in the Kuopio region ments guided by IGCAT standards and regional criteria. It is a sign that with an ERG title include: Find more ERG-approved cafés, restaurants, wineries and breweries in Kuopio: the restaurant is a real gem of region- al cuisine. ERG restaurants champion MUSTA LAMMAS • Alahovi Winery • King's Crown Music • Musta Lammas Fine Dining • Saana Restaurant, Spa and local, responsibly produced ingredi- The sturdy cellar vaults were built (BLACK SHEEP) • Bierstube Pub Restaurant • Pannuhuone Gust. Ranin Sauna ents and serve them with genuine, in 1862, originally for a local brew- • Burger5 Restaurant • Koivumäki Manor Bar • Sawohouse & Sabor native flair. ery, which soon began to make House Kitchen & Bar • Café and Cake Shop • Kummisetä Restaurant • Panorama Bar Tahko In addition, the restaurants are The kitchen here is inspired by the stronger spirits as well. In 1982, Houkutus • Kuopio Market Hall • Panza Mexican Restaurant • Skilla Nordic Restaurant committed to developing the envi- various seasons of the culinary a sign with the word “Gourmet” • Café Kaneli • Kuzina Wine & Daily • Puijo Tower Restaurants • Urban Lunch and Fine ronmental, economic and social re- year, regional forests, fields and was hoisted on top of the arch and Dining • Container Restaurant • Lignell & Piispanen and Cafe sponsibility of their operations and clear lakes. The rooftop garden as Restaurant Black Sheep was born. Morton • Rauhalahti Jätkänkämppä • Viking Restaurant Harald supporting regional wellbeing by e.g. well as several local producers and Since then, the restaurant has con- • Liki Restaurant • GastroBar B/P Lodge • VS Ravintolat (restaurants) sourcing local ingredients whenever pickers provide the best ingredi- tinued to raise Finnish food and • Lohimaa Fish and Travel • Iso-Kalla Brewery • Roll Cruises possible. ents for the tastiest experiences. beverage culture to the next level. • Majatalo Osula Bed & • Isä Camillo Mediterranean Breakfast • RPS Brewing More information at: Restaurant www.tastesavo.fi 18 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / NATURE Kuopio – Enjoying the Riches of Everyday Life

The riches of everyday life in Kuopio can consist of a gentle steam in your very own yard sauna, a steaming cup of coffee on top of Puijo during a walk, a warm chat with a friend in Kantti, the home of facts and fantasies, or a scientific experiment that gets you bubbling with excitement at the Children’s University.

TEXT MINNA AKIOLA | PHOTOS WILLE MARKKANEN The natural curiosity of our children is the fuel in the Childrens's University – a interesting co- operation with the University of Eastern Finland.

Kantti can also be described as a unique social innovation, a solution that aims to promote and generate wellbeing. The library and the two mu- seums form a complex that provides opportuni- ties to be creative and meet others, thereby also promoting wellbeing. Hentunen says that the home of facts and fan- tasies will provide experiences through various exhibitions and events that foster new perspec- tives. House of facts and fantasies KANTTI is a social “In addition to permanent exhibitions, the mu- innovation combining the common memory seums will house temporary exhibitions, and the – Museum and open-to-all Library. library allows users to delve deeper into the same themes through literature and various other con- tent. The content forms an integral part of won- der and insight.” Kantti will be a meeting place like no other in In Kuopio, you can find out what it feels like to centre and all the services you need are within KANTTI SERVES AS A PLATFORM the heart of the city, but Hentunen hopes that it simply step outside the door after a day’s work cycling distance. The short distances and various FOR EXPERIENCES, ENCOUNTERS will also find its way into the hearts of residents and go straight into leisure mode. You do not forms of housing cater to the entire human life- AND WONDERING and visitors. need to waste time sitting in traffic, but you can cycle: families with children may prefer to live in easily head out to exercise, go fishing, boating or the peaceful countryside, while pensioners may Joining the Kuopio Museum and the main library, CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY hiking, or enjoy various sports and cultural activ- yearn for the hustle and bustle of the city – or vice Kantti, the home of facts and fantasies, will open ENCOURAGES INVESTIGATION ities. Everything is within reach, and the range of versa. in phases in 2021. services is wide. Everyday life is truly rich! Father of four and Communications Manager “Kantti allows you to see and experience – and Organized by the educational service provider Local sports and exercise venues are constant- at Savonia University of Applied Sciences Petteri perhaps even wonder at – your everyday life and SnellmanEDU, the Children’s University does its ly developed and offer numerous activities. The Alanko considers this an asset. If children want surroundings. The riches of everyday life are dis- part in supporting wellbeing services in Kuopio. lush park surrounding Valkeisenlampi Pond in- to move from the countryside to the city to enjoy played there in the riches of Activities were launched ten vites you to take a walk, and you can hop on an student life, they do not need to move to another stories”, says Janne Hentunen, The environment years ago and the focus is on electric bike and whiz to Väinölänniemi in no time locality entirely. They can live in the same area, Director of Wellbeing Promo- providing science education for to play tennis. The environment is also safe for although their form of housing may change. tion at the City of Kuopio. is also safe for children by utilizing their natu- children to travel. Children, adolescents and pen- “If you take a map and a compass and draw a Kantti aims to inspire discus- children to travel. ral enthusiasm and interest to- sioners in Kuopio can obtain a Wellness Pass, en- circle with a diameter of 30 kilometres around sion around current topics. It wards new things. titling them to various hobbies at a lower price. Kuopio, you will see that there are plenty of op- provides an inspiring, safe plat- “Children are given activating tions for both studying and housing in the area.” form for understanding various themes and the experiences of different scientific disciplines. For HOUSING OPTIONS FOR EVERY Alanko is pleased that Kuopio provides interna- opportunity to gain access to deeper knowledge. example, they have made volcanoes and tooth- LIFESTYLE AND SITUATION tional education paths from day care all the way “It can contribute to building trust in the future, paste for elephants in the chemistry lab”, says to higher education. His work has also shown as the changes taking place in the world can be Principal of SnellmanEDU Soili Meklin. Distances are short in Kuopio; it is possible to that people want to come to the city to study, better grasped using the knowledge available in The experiences have given the children a walk right across the grid plan area of the city because the education is multidisciplinary. Kantti”, says Hentunen. thirst for knowledge. Indeed, the idea is that the

22 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 23 children would continue to be excited about sci- instruction proceeds according to the children’s ence at home and experiment with things in their questions and interests, although it is based on a Ease of Living everyday life as well. Meklin believes that the daily teaching plan. life of families can be enriched “This year, we introduced a by doing easy, safe scientific new, virtual Children’s Universi- How did a professor of dentistry end up moving from the middle experiments at home. It has been easy ty. It allows children to become of Europe to the middle of (k)nowhere? And does he think living The Children’s University is to find scientists in absorbed in the world of sci- here is easy? Let Szabolcs Felszeghy tell you all about it. partnered with the University ence through an application.” of Eastern Finland. It has been different fields Even if a child who takes part easy to find scientists in differ- to take part. in the activities does not go ent fields to take part, and they, on to study at university as an too, enjoy talking to children adult, Meklin hopes that the in- about their field. quisitive approach to life would remain. Activities are organized in the form of day “We have received feedback from parents and camps in the summer and evening clubs during grandparents as well saying that the Children’s A moment of silence at the school year. According to Meklin, there is no University also gives them a nice glimpse into the Hietasalo Island while the blue strict curriculum governing the activities, but the world of science”, says Meklin. moment of the day rolls in. Photo Szabolcs Felszeghy

Szabolcs Felszeghy moved with his in love with Kuopio, its nature and what makes life so easy here, and the family from Hungary to Kuopio a few Finland in general. And now, our third local government has made it even What makes Kuopio so unique? years ago. He works at the University baby girl is born a real Savonian. easier to enjoy nature in Kuopio by of Eastern Finland and writes a blog developing cycling and cross-country Kuopio stands out with its festive events, amazing food and unique nature. about his thoughts of Finland and DO YOU THINK LIVING IN routes, opening new public beaches But take a look at these slightly different facts: Finnishness through the eyes of an KUOPIO IS EASY? for free and many other measures. immigrant. Although we are in the middle of Generally, YES, it is, but you need to (k)nowhere with less than 200 000 • Kuopio is surrounded by over 100 lakes. • The jovial Savo dialect is ever-flowing in Kuopio. HOW DID YOU END UP IN be punctual. Being on time is not only inhabitants, Kuopio is an extreme- • Kuopio has a shoreline of 6340 km. • The locals have named Kuopio’s marketplace as KUOPIO? typically Savonian, but is expected of ly beautiful city embedded in nature the Centre of the Universe, or “Mualiman napa”. • Is said to be ten minutes walk from the doorstep everyone. Being on time is their way and is starting to become more and of any home in Kuopio to the outdoor sport • The Wife Carrying World Championship Contest I first met Savonians in 1998 and dis- of telling you they value you. more multicultural too. facilities. is hosted annually in Sonkajärvi, 1.5 hour’s drive covered that they are awesome. I from Kuopio. • Nightless nights – in summer, the sun sets loved everything I learned about the “We were falling below the horizon only for a short time in • Top events such as Kuopio Dance festival, Ironman, country during my first three-month the Kuopio region. KuopioRock, Kuopio Comedy festival, Finland Ice stay as a PhD student at Prof. Heikki ever more in love Marathon, ANTI Contemporary Art festival, Food • The frozen lakes in wintertime are used for and Wine festivals and many more! Helminen’s Department of Anatomy. with Kuopio.” example, cross-country skiing, ice skating and In 2015 I heard about a vacant se­ ice fishing. • ...and also let's not forget about Kuopio's heartly people and inspirational and surprising nior researcher position at the Uni- Besides that, I think we also have a • Ice swimming refreshes the body and the mind. encounters. versity of Eastern Finland. I applied for great choice of entertainment, good the position and got the job. I moved food, music, sports and culture. Kuo- Blog: here with my family and, in 2018, af- pio has a lot of surrounding nature https://blogs.uef.fi/on-the- ter two years, we decided to stay for a and we all know Mother Nature does move/2020/07/10/finnish-summers- while, since we were falling ever more not charge an entrance fee… This is short-but-full-of-joy-of-life/

24 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 25 Not Just Another Ballgame

Whoever it was that invented the myth of unsociable Finns apparently never attended a ballgame in Kuopio. Truth be said, the people in this neck of the woods tend to be easier to approach than in most parts of the country, but when it comes to rooting for your favourite soccer, American foot- ball, baseball (the Finnish version), volleyball, basketball or even ice hockey team, there is every reason to expect things to get downright wild.

Photo: Janne Pirinen

TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO The national success and great experiences are extremely important, PHOTOS JANNE PIRINEN AND JARI TURUNEN both for the players and for the children and the city itself. Photo: Jari Turunen

Fan support and team success go hand in hand. of 2020, playing extremely well in the qualifying “We have established a solid position in Kuo- it comes to issues such as health, social wellbe- This has been demonstrated in Kuopio through- rounds but losing the crucial game. Several indi- pio”, Utriainen states. “While we are not the big- ing and the economy, the entire society benefits. out the decades. vidual players that began their careers at KuPS gest sport, our objective is to be the most attrac- To be more precise, by well over ten million euros Back in the 1970s KuPS, Kuopio’s biggest soc- are now playing for bigger European teams, hav- tive one.” every year. cer team, were among the three best teams ing also reached the Finnish national team. Pekka Utriainen compliments the communal in the country, four years in a row. In the unfor- Lahti says that soccer can make the entire city There is a universal spirit of Kuopio when it comes to sports. There gettable season of 1982, there were altogether of Kuopio throb with energy, and the man himself is a universal team spirit hanging over the city, in- three teams from Kuopio playing on the highest is a living proof of this. Enthusiasm underlines his team spirit hanging viting everyone to come along and have a good national level – and, during the last four seasons, every word. over the city. time with their favourite sports teams. KuPS have won medals again. Go to a game and see for yourself. There will be “The national success and great experiences PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM plenty of roars and laughter, plenty of jumping up are extremely important, both for the players and Indeed, the Steelers have been attractive. In and down, plenty of screaming. for the children and the city itself”, says Ari Lahti, Versatility is one of Kuopio’s great riches. When 2020, the team went all the way to win the Finn- All those sedate Finns having the time of their the owner of KuPS. “They are a living proof of the it comes to cuisine, culture, activities – or sports ish Championship. It goes without saying that lives. fact that the European stadiums are not that far teams, there is plenty to choose from. this ignited both the fans and those interested in There may be a ballgame going on, but in Kuo- from reach, even from Kuopio.” Pekka Utriainen, head coach of the American playing. pio, it is never just a ballgame. Indeed, KuPS was on the verge of making it football team Steelers, sees this as a great op- Such moments of victory also work wonders all the way to the Europa League in the autumn portunity, both for the fans and the players. on a larger scale. Ari Lahti points out that when

26 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 27 COLUMN COLUMN

From Kuopio with Love

Last autumn I headed off to my city of birth, Kuopio, to visit a friend. At nightfall, we came up with the idea of a late autumn mushroom hunt. My friend assured me that she knew a great, secret spot of yellowfoot TEXT ERJA LYYTINEN | PHOTOS SANNA PIETIKÄINEN chanterelles in the shelter of the forest. We came to a marked path and after some time, we turned off it and into the forest. Walking briskly and con- fidently, my friend really seemed to know where we were going. I stumbled along, trying to follow my friend in the dark as spruce branches tore at my clothes. I was just about to give up when we arrived at the foot of a slope rising ahead. My friend used a mobile phone to light up the forest floor. And there, in the dark, hidden from sight, sat a bunch of enormous yellowfoot chanterelles just waiting for us. We started picking them with childlike enthusiasm, thanks to our everyman’s rights. The dark forest. Silence. Humidity hugging us.

The dark forest. Silence. Humidity hugging us. A spider's web on a lingonberry stem. What an in- credible experience! There I was, crouched down, smelling yellowfoot mushrooms in the forests of my home, wondering what it was that kept me in the throbbing life of the congested capital region – the answer, of course, was my music production company, gigs and other band activities. In short, my work, which normally whisks me around the world, from England to Spain or Romania to play blues rock as a Savo-born woman to people who thirst for music.

28 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 29 COLUMN

One of the world's best blues guitarist Erja Lyytinen and her band at the roof top of Kuopio. The unique live stream concert was held in June 2020.

“The centre of the universe” is located in Savo, that you can find something good in everything. protégé in the middle of a Finnish spruce forest. rooms in your home country or abroad. A person- but I’ve come across a number of similar centres I have strong roots in Savo, but over the de­ We’ve certainly seen a steady flow of Finnish al experience and doing things yourself give it all all across the globe over the years. I discover cades, I’ve found several “homes” where I return musicians going abroad in the last couple of de­ a special meaning. My friend and I picked so many something new and interesting in almost every to time and again. My roots stretch far and wide, cades. More than 30 000 Finns work in the music yellowfoot chanterelles that there were plenty to place I go. Whether it be a small village festival in and their foundation rests firmly on the rocks industry, which is a large number in such a small share with my friends and relatives. And after a the Urals where blues music of Jynkänvuori in Kuopio, country. I’m one of those who also work as an day spent outdoors, there’s nothing better than sounds in the market square, where I used to run around entrepreneur while giving work to a whole group the delicious smell of mushrooms sizzling in but- or driving on a bumpy road for More than 30 000 as a young girl... once almost of other freelancers. I get to work in my dream ter in a pan, accompanied by a blues record rasp- hours to reach a warm-heart- running into a 300-kilo elk. job, which makes me truly happy. The Kuopio of ing in a vinyl record player, where the swooping ed city somewhere in Po- Finns work in Different locations, different my childhood was quite withdrawn, and an inter- notes of the vocalist occasionally sound like lazy land, where craftsmanship the music industry. sides to draw from. All influ- national career seemed like a distant dream at Savo dialect. flourishes in the hands of ential places in their own way. the time. In the last decade, my city of birth has ceramic and jewellery artists There is uniqueness to be reached a new high and is now able to compete and drawers. Or a skyscraper-­ found everywhere, if you only even with bigger cities by offering an extensive dotted metropolis in Canada, a blues festival in give it a chance. That’s why I sometimes collect range of opportunities to live, enjoy hobbies and Erja Lyytinen the middle of the Swiss Alps, playing in the heat stones on my journeys, because if I can't take the find employment, while revelling in nature at the Musician, Managing Director at of India while suffering from gastritis, or the rug- world-famous Rockies with me in one piece, per- same time. Bluesland Productions ged Svalbard islands in the icy Arctic Ocean. The haps I can at least keep a tiny bit of them. But one thing is certain. The mushrooms you “Phenomenon of the Year 2020” fact that I come from Savo and approach new When I signed a record deal with a German re- pick yourself always taste better than store- honorary certificate discoveries with jovial, childlike wonder has often cord company in the mid-2000s, the head of the bought, pre-packaged and cleaned mushrooms. #2 Ranking on “10 World´s Best Guitarist Now” spared me from disappointments and taught me company joked that they discovered their new Regardless of whether you picked the mush- (Total Guitar )

30 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 31 Atso Almila thinks that the concert hall is a unique place to work and the work community shares City of Music and Dance a wonderful spirit of solidarity. “The orchestra has evolved in interesting ways”, KUOPIO MUSIC CENTRE – says Atso Almila, 2nd conductor of the Kuopio THE GEM OF KUOPIONLAHTI Symphony Orchestra. He has followed the music Kuopio residents love dance and music. Over the years, scene in Kuopio already since the 1970s and as a their strong will and persistent cooperation have given rise to resident of the city since 1996. One of the most prominent outcomes of the lo- the city’s very own professional orchestra, the unique Kuopio Music “The orchestra has grown younger and, today, cal cultural ambitions is the Kuopio Music Centre, it is one of the most international orchestras built in 1985. The building serves as the home Centre, the Dance Festival, the Senior High of Music and Dance and in Finland. Many professional musicians pre- of the Symphony Orchestra, a stage for Fin- even a unit of the Sibelius Academy. The music education provided in fer to stay in Kuopio, because the orchestra is land’s top entertainers from music to dance and well-managed, the concert hall is a unique place stand up and a campus for three different music Kuopio bears fruit in concert halls across the globe as well as in to work and the work community shares a won- schools. The atmosphere in the building is cosy, numerous number one spots in album charts. Recent decades derful spirit of solidarity”, says Almila. resembling a living room. have also brought plenty of international talent to the city. Concertmaster of the Kuopio Symphony Or- Kuopio Music Centre is particularly famous chestra Lila Watanabe also enjoys the interna- for its large concert hall with state-of-the-art tional community she works in. acoustics. Many international musicians have re- “Combining different cultural backgrounds in corded music there. Atso Almila especially recalls TEXT ELINA KALLASAARI making music together is something very impor- the comment made by American master violinist PHOTOS KUOPIO MUSIC CENTRE, WILLE MARKKANEN, tant and fulfilling, and I think the audience can feel Ruggiero Ricci. PETRA TIIHONEN AND LUKKAROINEN ARCHITECTS that coming from the stage when we play”, says “Ricci, who has 76 years old at the time, visited Watanabe. the Kuopio Music Centre in 1994 and wrote in the

32 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 33 CITY OF MUSIC AND DANCE

Music can also be studied in Lumit, Kuopio's Senior High School of Arts, which is beeing rebuild at the moment. Photo: Lukkaroinen Architects and Photo: Petra Tiihonen VSU Maisema-arkkitehdit

guestbook: ‘This is absolutely one of the best if The schools work in exceptionally close coop- Music education in Kuopio has served as a West Side Story musical is an inspiring example not the best hall I have ever played in’”, says Al­ eration not only with each other, but also with the springboard for the career of many musicians of cross-institutional collaboration of local music mila. Symphony Orchestra and the City Theatre. and frontline artists from Paula Vesala to Marco schools with young talents and the excellent “Productions with professionals are awesome Hietala and from Soile Isokoski to Erja Lyytinen. Kuopio Symphony Orchestra. LIFELONG MUSIC EDUCATION experiences for students. They can participate in real working life projects during their studies LOVE STORY OF MARIA AND TONY Operating mainly in the Music and get a taste of professional TO BE STAGED IN KUOPIO Centre, the Kuopio Conser­ Many international working methods and sched- vatory is the biggest music and ules”, says Head of Culture Sari One of the outcomes of cross-institution- “We have all treaded our own paths, inspired by dance school in Finland. It is musicians have Mokkila-Karttunen from the al collaboration is the West Side Story musical, the example of others. It is important for profes- possible to study music from recorded music there. Savonia University of Applied produced by the Conservatory, the Symphony sionals to serve as role models for younger gen- early childhood all the way to Sciences. Orchestra, the Music Centre and the Savonia erations. Our collaboration also gives the citizens the highest vocational degrees “Kuopio has a long history of University of Applied Sciences. The full-length of Kuopio a chance to see brilliant performances, under one roof. As an adult, you can continue the cooperation. The partners trust each other and symphony version will premiere in May 2021. such as West Side Story just the way composer hobby in the ranks of the senior orchestra Senk- take responsibility for their share of the project. “I wanted the collaborative project to be a piece Bernstein meant it”, Tikkanen continues. ka at the Open Conservatory. Music can also be They do not throw in the towel immediately if that would also be a challenge to a professional or- More of Kuopio’s historical cultural ambition studied in the music classes of comprehensive something does not succeed, but the projects chestra”, says conductor of the production Rauno should be seen in January 2022 when an opera schools or Lumit, Kuopio Senior High School of are all about learning and enjoying things togeth- Tikkanen, Senior Lecturer of Orchestra and Cham- about Minna Canth will have its premiere on the Arts. er”, Mokkila-Karttunen continues. ber Music at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. stage of the Music Centre.

34 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 35 Virtuoso Violinist Lila Watanabe: Culture Shock – and “The Audience is the Best Part of My Job” How Good It Feels

Lila Watanabe is a violinist born in Japan who has played in the United States and around the world for a long time before moving from Chicago to Kuopio in 2016. She is the Concertmaster of the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra. Ever since the days of Minna Canth, the city’s renowned writer and social influencer in the late 1800s, Kuopio has recognized the versatile positive TEXT ELINA KALLASAARI PHOTO KUOPIO MUSIC CENTRE effects that cultural experiences can enable. The selection of cultural venues and events is wide; the more conventional museums, theatres, movies and music festivals are joined by quite exceptional and creative cultural services.

Watanabe is delighted by the versa- “What I love the most about my job “Classical music and orchestras TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO tile settings that Kuopio provides for is that I get to provide many kinds of have incredible fan audiences in Ja- PHOTO KUOPIO COMEDY FESTIVAL, WILLE MARKKANEN cultural events, from various concert music and entertainment to the peo- pan, similar to pop and rock artists. halls to Peräniemen Kasino surround- ple of Kuopio and beyond. It gives me The enthusiasm of the fans is almost ed by nature and the open-air stages the greatest joy to meet people on unreal. It would be fun to see more in the harbour and the market square. wild fans here as well.” There is the ANTI Contemporary Art idea of Juha Jylhäsalmi, Director of “There was a certain charm of nov- She has also noticed that the city However, concerts are not neces- Festival, Dance Theatre Minimi and Kuopio Comedy Festival. He cycled elty that both the audience and I ex- provides a wide range of opportuni- “Everybody seems to sarily only for classical music lovers. its street performances, and plenty perienced”, Vesterinen recalls. “The ties to study music. be playing an instrument “It can be interesting for the au- of others that show that culture is, at script was rough, the setup bare; it “Everybody seems to be playing an dience to just sit back and watch its best, a thing that lives and devel- It turned out turned out to be an eye-opening ex- instrument in this town. The patience in this town.” professional musicians in action or ops with the audience. perience for everyone.” and perseverance learned while prac- meditate while listening to the music. All it takes is a little thinking outside to be an eye-opening Vesterinen says that the muscle of ticing provide a solid foundation for I would like everyone to try it at least the box, and new levels of enjoyment experience for everyone. comedy is, in many ways, no differ- life”, says the violinist. the street or in the public sauna, and once to see what an orchestral con- are suddenly within reach. For exam- ent from other muscles: it has to be Watanabe compares the work of they tell me how they have enjoyed cert is like.” ple, have you ever considered attend- trained using a versatile routine, with an orchestral musician to archaeol- the concerts.” ing a stand-up show in the middle of various kinds of stimuli. The versatile ogy, where the long history of music There are some things that the forest? through local forests, found the per- offering of the cultural scene in Kuo- is recreated piece by piece and made Watanabe would like to bring to Kuo- That is what comedian Teemu fect location – and set up a show that pio provides a suitable session for visible to the audience. pio from the rest of the world. Vesterinen arranged, based on the became an instant success. every taste.

36 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 37 The Kuopio City Theatre is of the building and the old stage Located near the shores of housed in the theatre build- tower was raised. The tower in its Kuopionlahti Bay, Kuopio Top 10 Architectural 2. ing, completed in 1963 ac- night lighting has become a Kuo- 3. Music Centre is home of the cording to the design of architects pio landmark. Kuopio Symphony Orchestra and the Stenros and Luukkonen. The theatre heart of musical life in the province. building was renovated in 2012–2014, Niiralankatu 2. The design by architects Esa Malmi­ Landmarks in Kuopio and an extension was built on the side kuopionkaupunginteatteri.fi vaara and Raimo Savolainen won an invitational architectural compe- 2. tition. The building was opened in Different periods can be seen in the cityscape of Kuopio. 1985. In addition to blocks of wooden houses, the grid plan Many big names have performed in the Music Centre, because its acous- area of the city centre features Neoclassical, Renaissance tics are among the best in Europe. Revival, Art Nouveau and Modern styles of architecture. Kuopionlahdenkatu 2. kuopionmusiikkikeskus.fi TEXT RIITTA JUSSILA PHOTOS VICENTE SERRA, TIINA HARING, WILLE MARKKANEN AND SOILE NEVALAINEN 3.

Standing next to the Centre of the Universe 1. – the Kuopio market square – the Town Hall 1. was built in 1882–1885 according to the de- sign of architect F. A. Sjöström. Over the years, the building has been modified according to its purpose of use. “The facades of the building have been pre- served extremely well in their original or resem- bling their original state. The main indoor spaces represent some of the finest examples of Renais- The Kuopio Provincial Gov- sance Revival design in Kuopio, following their res- ernment Building, or the toration, which began in the 1970s,” says architect 4. Governor’s House, was built 4. Hannu Puurunen whose architectural firm has next to Piispanpuisto Park in 1883. written a report on the architectural history of the The building represents Renaissance Town Hall. Revival architecture and it was de- Over the course of its history, the building has signed by architect Konstantin Kise- been used for many purposes. In addition to ad- leff. Today, it is used by the Regional ministration, the building has housed e.g. the city State Administrative Agency of East- administrative court, a restaurant, a police station, ern Finland. a prison and a public library. Hallituskatu 12–14. Tulliportinkatu 31. senaatti.fi/arvokiinteisto/ kuopio.fi/kuopion-kaupungintalo kuopion-laaninhallitus/

38 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 39 TOP 10 ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARKS IN KUOPIO TOP 10 ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARKS IN KUOPIO

Kuopio Lyceum High School Kuopio Market Hall takes 6. Representing the Neoclas- 9. is also located next to the you back to the atmosphere sical style, the Kuopio Ca- 5. market square in the heart 6. of olden times. The Hall rep- 8. thedral stands on Vahtivuori of the city. Among others, author Ju- resents the Art Nouveau style – the hill. For generations, it has been a hani Aho and president Martti Ahti- towers at the ends, the vaulted en- place where Kuopio residents go to saari have studied at the Lyceum. J. trances and the multiple animal fig- find peace and quiet. Construction V. Snellman, who promoted the sta- ures are characteristic of this style. of the stone church began in 1806 tus of the Finnish language, was once The building was designed by Johan according to the design of Pehr Wil- the principal of the school. Designed Victor Strömberg and completed in helm Palmroth, but the church was by C. L. Engel, the building was com- 1902. The Kuopio Market Hall was not completed until 1815. pleted in 1826. named the most beautiful market hall in Finland in 2020. Vuorikatu 17. Puijonkatu 18. kuopionseurakunnat.fi Home of fact and fanta- at the same time. An architectural kuopion-lyseo.onedu.fi Kauppakatu 45. sies Kantti is a complex design competition was organized to kuopionkauppahalli.fi 9. consisting of the Kuopio complete the project, and the win- 8. 5. Museum, representing the style ning firm was Arkkitehdit Davidsson of Romantic Nationalism, the Tarkela Oy. main library, completed in 1967, “The extension is an independent and an extension between the architectural element. The glass en- 7. two that was completed in au- trance floor and the part of the build- tumn 2020. ing floating above it, which is clad “Kantti is a brand-new cultur- with perforated, 3D metal plates and al service complex and meeting will house temporary exhibitions, will place, the living room of our cit- become part of the temporal layers izens. The café in the extension of the block,” says Kaksonen. serves everyone,” says City Archi- tect Liisa Kaksonen. Museokatu 1. Completed in 1907, the muse- kuopio.fi/-/home-of-facts-and- um was in need of a renovation fantasies-there-is-no-can-t-in- and an extension, and plans were kantti Located on the premises of made to join it to the City Library the Puijo Hospital, Kaari Hos- 7. pital represents a modern 10. style where public art and architec- August 2020 marked the ture are inseparably fused together. opening of the new Kun- Artist Jaana Partanen and archi- 10. tolaakso Swimming Pool, tect Heikki Lamusuo have designed “The name of the hospital, mean- tinues the organic idiom, as it fea- the second-largest public swimming the public spaces inside and outside ing “curve” in Finnish, comes from its tures coloured enlargements of mi- pool in Finland. It was built next to the building and the facade artwork curved shape, but also refers to the croscope images taken from inside the renovated home arena of hockey named Evolution. human life cycle, sometimes depict- the human body. In addition, the art- team KalPa, known as Niiralan Mont- The designers want to create build- ed as a curve. The spaces have been work has been designed so that nat- tu. The modern swimming pool is the ings that promote health. They want- designed using the same idiom that ural light can flood in. handiwork of architect office arkMILL. ed Kaari Hospital to be a hospital for can be found in humans – curved and the future where comfort and func- soft,” say Partanen and Lamusuo. Puijonlaaksontie 2. Hannes Kolehmaisen katu 4. tionality go hand in hand. The glass artwork Evolution con- pa-la.fi/projektit/kaarisairaala liikkuvakuopio.fi/en

40 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 41 Taking Responsibility

In Tahko, you can truly connect with nature, in more ways than one. The beautiful, versatile landscapes with lakes and forests everywhere create an inviting setting that you want to dive into and explore. A hike along the numerous trails or a swim after enjoying the sauna is enough to convince even the most sceptical visitors of nature’s ability to provide unforgettable experiences.

Tahko has the longest outdoor stairs (1054 steps) in Finland and therefore has become famous landmark.

At the same time, there are concerns PATH TO SAFETY AND travel industry a toolkit for making about nature's ability to survive, to SUSTAINABILITY sustainable choices and taking action maintain its uncanny beauty and to in situations that they face on a daily stay healthy for the next generation The first step was taken in February basis. and beyond. 2020 when Tahko joined the Sus- “As the hiking areas and other out- Spending quality time in Tahko is tainable Travel Finland programme. door activities have been developed easy. But when it comes to long-term to attract more visitors, the compa- sustainability, both planning and con- nies in Tahko have started thinking crete measures are required. It all More than half of about ways to further improve re- starts with taking responsibility. the businesses operating sponsibility”, says Anna Hämäläinen, This concerns both individuals and Manager at Break Sokos Hotel Tahko. organizations, and there are several in Tahko have already “Responsibility is highly valued in the economic and sociocultural factors joined the programme. area, and we want to put more effort to be considered. You may not see into it.” the finish line yet, but if you lack the Hämäläinen adds that Sustainable TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO determination to get started, you will Organized by Visit Finland, the pro- Travel Finland is an efficient way to PHOTOS KUOPIO-TAHKO MARKETING AND WILLE MARKKANEN never reach it. gramme provides companies in the achieve tangible results from a sus-

42 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL 43 KUOPIO BY NUMBERS

Kuopio is a genuinely Everyday life & studies international city and provides unique opportunities for living, APPROXIMATELY studies and business alike.

THE HAPPIEST RESIDENTS 3,200 AMONG THE LARGEST FOREIGN NATIONALS CITIES IN FINLAND LIVING IN KUOPIO TOP 76% AROUND 3 OF YOUNG PEOPLE 112 MIGRATORY ARE SATISFIED WITH DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES MUNICIPALITY THEIR LIVES LIVING IN KUOPIO IN FINLAND

STUDENTS FOREIGN STUDENTS 25,000 1,000 77% tainable point of view. While sustain- tion, recycling, energy and water con- While the label is a sign of commit- OF THE ability is something that more and sumption, accessibility, employment, ment and having done certain things POPULATION LIVES IN THE URBAN AREAS more visitors expect, the first priority cooperation, local procurement, local right, efforts to improve sustainabili- A UNIVERSITY CITY is preserving the beauty of nature. culture, safety and year-round oper- ty will not end there. The main driver AMONG THE TOP On the other hand, Sustainable ations. Every participating company for Tahko, as well as the participating Travel Finland provides a develop- is committed to these principles. companies, goes well beyond the ment path that sets fairly uncompro- official recognition, all the way to a 32% 300 23% mising requirements to the various SUSTAINABILITY IS A deep appreciation of the area itself – IN SEVERAL ways the participating companies NEVER-ENDING QUEST its beauty and all the opportunities it HAVE A DEGREE FROM IN THE COUNTRYSIDE INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS deal with sustainability issues. can provide to residents and visitors. A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTE More than half of the business- The development path includes sev- That in itself is a value worth fighting es operating in Tahko have already en stages, and at the end the partic- for. THE MUNICIPALITY joined the programme. Following ipating companies will be awarded Above all, the label is a sign of the WITH THE MOST SUMMER A -MINUTE the national guidelines set by Vis- the Sustainable Travel Finland label, responsibility these companies have HOUSES IN FINLAND 10 it Finland, they have designed the a symbol showing that they respect taken to preserve all the riches Tahko 76% WALK FROM ONE’S principles that form the criteria for and treasure the Finnish nature, its has to offer. For as long as is humanly FROM SECONDARY FRONT DOOR TO THE sustainable travel in the area. These inhabitants and culture. The compa- possible, and even beyond that. EDUCATION NEAREST OUTDOOR principles concern issues such as nies hope to obtain the label by the The journey has only just begun. 10,800 SPORTS FACILITY communication, public transporta- year 2024.

44 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / LIVE LIKE LOCAL Savilahti Stage for Future Talk

What happens when science and research, competence and curiosity, youth and experience, locality and globality come together? The result is something entirely unique and open-minded. This will be made possible in the future by the Savilahti Stage.

TEXT MINNA AKIOLA PHOTOS ARKKITEHTIPALVELU, SAVO VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND VICENTE SERRA Savilahti provides a platform for growth, development, experimentation and inspiring living by a beautiful lake, at the heart of the city. Photo: Arkkitehtipalvelu

Savilahti, one of the regional top-priority proj­ According to Project Manager Antti Niskanen, Digital services now enable online encounters, typical of the community. The aim of the Stage is ects of Kuopio, is much more than the buildings the Stage perfectly embodies the vision of Savi­ meetings and interaction with the surrounding to facilitate dialogue in this culture of caring and constructed on the shores of Savilahti Bay. It is a lahti in terms of communality. Savilahti is an area world, which is why the Savilah- communality and to share the huge network of significant competencies, also whose story is written by its residents togeth- ti Stage will start off as a virtual competencies of the commu- on a global level. The aim now is to make these er with various operators. The development of venue. In the future, it may well The Stage takes its cue nity for everyone to use. The competencies available to everyone and spark Savi­lahti not only about new buildings, but also have a physical equivalent in from Suomi­Areena in key is to harness all compe- discussion around them. about providing opportunities for what will take Savilahti, which will serve as a tencies for the greater com- “We need interaction and encounters to dis- place in Savilahti. platform for speeches, culture Pori and Speakers’ Corner mon good. cuss meaningful issues. Dialogue is what makes “The aim is to build Savilahti into an interesting, and various events. in Hyde Park, London. According to Soininen, it is things develop, come together, take shape and functional district, but the idea is to also bring all important to start address- start to turn into actions,” says Kirsi Soininen, sorts of life and content within its walls and along SAVILAHTI SPIRIT ing meaningful issues, such Marketing Director of the City of Kuopio. its streets. The Savilahti Stage sits well with this as responsibility. The plans are to have the Stage The dialogue will be set on the Savilahti Stage, thought,” says Niskanen, summing up the con- Savilahti is characterized by a special Savilahti adopt the “open stage” principle, where any top- which will be both a virtual and a physical venue. cept. spirit, meaning openness and interaction that is ics can be freely brought up in addition to mod-

46 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO 47 SAVILAHTI STAGE FOR FUTURE TALK SAVILAHTI STAGE FOR FUTURE TALK

erated discussions. The Stage takes its cue from Suomi­Areena in Pori and Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, London. They, too, serve as platforms for dialogue that gives voice to multiple perspec- tives. “Dialogue should not only appear to be inclu- sive, but be genuinely open. It needs to adopt an ethical code based on the freedom of speech and equality. The dialogue must follow ethical and re- sponsible guidelines,” says Soininen. In a creative, open atmosphere, every encoun- ter is an opportunity. The dialogue and events of The Savilahti district is growing rapidly during the Stage will bring the entire spectrum of life to present decade. Three levels of education are light. located in the same campus area - Savo vocation- “The idea of the Stage is a perfect expression al college, Savonia University of Applied Sciences The story of Savilahti is being created by regional actors and residents together. of the Savilahti spirit: it develops activities in the and University of Eastern Finland. Photo: Savo In a creative open atmosphere, every encounter carries the potential of a new opportunity. area and provides opportunities for diverse en- Vocational College Photo: Vicente Serra counters,” says Niskanen.

SAVILAHTI STAGE IS GLOCAL can participate in the dialogue that takes place in Savilahti is a significant accumulation of intellec- Savilahti. tual capital and curiosity: students, researchers, “For instance, our international networks can entrepreneurs, innovators and scientists. When provide a speaker for a particular topic or some- “Savilahti is not only an open community to as a sustainable city from an ecological, econom- they are brought together, something unique is one can follow the discussion and comment on it the world, but also an open community within ic and social point of view. created – they enable dialogue, which gives rise from the other side of the world.” the city. It resembles a meeting place, similar to Soininen also hopes that the opening ceremo- to the birth and development of innovations. The discussions and events will be streamed a campfire.” ny of the academic term could be organized on The aim is to also facilitate international di- live and also published as podcasts. Soininen Live events on the Stage can include panel dis- the Stage. Savilahti offers significant opportuni- alogue and cooperation through the Savilahti hopes that the discussions will be so meaningful cussions on various topics, ties for the students of the three Stage. Although things take place in Savilahti, that people want to share them. events organized by students campuses located there. The with the parties that are present there, the Stage and culture and art. The aim is It is both local and students can cooperate with the is also connected to all corners of the globe. LIKE AN INVITING CAMPFIRE to organize the first Savilahti businesses in the area or work for The scientific community of Savilahti has a Stage on the Day of Light, 3 global, i.e. glocal, them already during their stud- network of connections with hundreds of cities The Concept of Light adopted in Savilahti is an February 2021. The theme of to use a modern term. ies. For the students there, the worldwide. On the other hand, it is extremely overarching idea of light everywhere in the dis- the event will be Future Com- path from education to employ- local for all those who study and work here. It is trict. Light can be seen in the names, art, design munities, Spirit and Their Rel- ment may be shorter than usual. both local and global, i.e. glocal, to use a modern and lighting in the area as well as in how natural evance. Savilahti has an abundance of term. light is used. Light is also manifest in the Savilah- Later in the spring, the idea is to inspire discus- positive curiosity and a fresh way of doing things, Savilahti Stage is committed to continuous, ti Stage as both the light of intelligence and the sion about meaningful work in the future and, in combined with rock solid expertise and research. open interaction both with the community in physical glow of the arena. Soininen compares the autumn, discuss where professionals of the Nothing but good things can come from this mix. Savilahti and with its local and global network. the Stage to a campfire that invites people to future would like to meet each other and work. In We want to share this goodness with others on Soininen envisions that anyone can feel like they gather around and share stories. the autumn, the aim is to also talk about Savilahti the Savilahti Stage.

48 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO 49 the product development of compa- search. Savonia UAS also builds and nies. pilots prototypes. Navitas Business Kuopio is a Smart City “Water-related challenges are Services provides commercialization highly multidisciplinary. We need a services to member companies. wide range of experts to come up “Energy companies, research in- – Here, competencies are combined with solutions if we are to overcome stitutions and device manufacturers these challenges. For instance, wa- work in good cooperation in the En- to form extensive profiles ter challenges in the mining industry ergy Cluster. As a result of their ac- require an understanding of what the tivities, new innovations created by bedrock of the mine is like and how device manufacturers find their way detrimental elements are discharged to customers, and devices can be The atmosphere in the ecosystems of the Kuopio from it”, says Antikainen. tested in authentic environments”, region is positive and development-oriented. The The Kuopio Water Cluster is pursu- says Huhtinen. region is just the right size and has the optimum ing a prominent role and visibility also on the EU level among others operat- FUTURE PROSPECTS OF number of operators to make joint debate easy. ing in the water services sector. It is ECOSYSTEMS IN KUOPIO the first Finnish cluster in the water sector to receive official cluster sta- There is an ecosystem agreement TEXT MINNA AKIOLA tus at the EU level. This status signif- under discussion in Finland, which will PHOTOS WILLE MARKKANEN icantly improves the possibilities to determine the fields in which each e.g. receive funding in certain funding university city will take a leading na- programmes. tional role. During the discussions, technology for health and wellbeing ENERGY CLUSTER NORTH and water competence have been New innovations are often born in small compa- the growth and development of its members to city can be harnessed to serve the SAVO COVERS THE ENTIRE proposed as the focus areas of Kuo- nies. According to Arto Holopainen, Chief Inno- create more jobs in the region. needs of health-promoting research. FIELD OF THE ENERGY pio. The KuopioHealth ecosystem vation Officer at the City of Kuopio, companies CEO of KuopioHealth Aki Gröhn believes that SECTOR would take the lead in the health sec- poised to enter the global market still need to co- ecosystems help boost cooperation between KUOPIO WATER CLUSTER tor and the Kuopio Water Cluster in ordinate several scientific and companies and improve busi- SEEKS INTERNATIONAL One of the newest ecosystems in the water services sector. technical fields of competence Ecosystems help boost ness opportunities. VISIBILITY the Kuopio region is Energy Cluster Ecosystems are seen to have im- – and this is where various eco- “Research collaboration gives North Savo, coordinated by the En- mense potential in the future, which systems come into play. cooperation between rise to new products, and com- Coordinated by Savonia UAS, the ergy Technology Unit of the Savo- is why Kuopio wants to invest in “More and more companies panies can start their journey Kuopio Water Cluster is unique in Fin- nia University of Applied Sciences in them. In fact, the city aims to be a are banding together to com- companies and improve towards internationalization.” land. According to Research Manager Varkaus. trendsetter, not just an adapter to pile a supply with greater po- business opportunities. Business development is also Eero Antikainen from Savonia UAS, it “The goal of the Energy Cluster is the changes happening around it. tential to succeed than what a facilitated by digital solutions is unlikely that you will find an equal- to secure the operating conditions of small company could produce developed at the University of ly versatile cluster of water compe- mechanical engineering and energy on its own.” Eastern Finland (UEF) and Savonia University of tence anywhere else. technology in the region”, says Mark- LINKS: Applied Sciences (Savonia UAS), among others. The strength of the Kuopio Water ku Huhtinen, Manager of Education MEMBERS OF KUOPIOHEALTH ARE These include data pools and artificial intelli- Cluster lies in its extensive compe- at Savonia UAS. kuopiohealth.fi GROWING AND DEVELOPING gence solutions. tence profile. The Cluster is made up The cluster covers the entire field kuopiowatercluster.com According to the approach going by the name of six organizations, each a leading of the energy sector from basic re- energyclusternorthsavo.fi The KuopioHealth ecosystem is committed to of Kuopio Living Lab, Kuopio as a city also forms a name in Finland in its area of exper- search to commercialization. Of its kuopiolivinglab.fi promoting competence, research and business kind of ecosystem or development platform. For tise. Kuopio Water Cluster harnesses key members, UEF conducts basic in the health and wellness sector. Its chief goal is instance, all the sports and exercise venues in the this water competence to support research and Savonia UAS applied re-

50 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO 51 Good esports opportunities attract new residents to Kuopio Work Globally, from near and far.

working. We can focus on what is Enjoy Life Locally important at work, instead of wor- rying about everyday concerns, such as commuting in traffic”, says Senior Advisor at Myontec Pekka Tolvanen. As digitalization makes it possible to work and enjoy hobbies remotely, it is a pleasure to live in a city where TAKING ESPORTS SERIOUSLY WITHOUT the quality of life is as good as it should be. The freedom to BEING SERIOUS live how you choose, close to nature, while enjoying a lively urban culture, attracts incredible talent Digitalization has not only removed FUTURE OFFICE WORK IS facilities to meet the needs of com- obstacles at work, but also in hob- to Kuopio from different fields. HYBRID panies in Kuopio. bies. Sawo Esports is a new esports Although many things are easy to club that guides professional players Many were used to working remotely do remotely, face-to-face interac- and creates opportunities for young TEXT AULI TUOMI already before the COVID-19 crisis of tions are still valuable. people to play games as a hobby. PHOTO VICENTE SERRA 2020. Office work has been in tran- “Creative brainstorming and estab- Launching junior activities has been sition for a long time, but COVID-19 lishing new customer relationships important. further accelerated the shift to digital require physical encounters. Safe en- Good esports opportunities bring technologies. The exceptional times counters give you positive energy”, new residents to Kuopio from near have taught companies to utilize digi- says Huhtiniemi. and far. tal tools more effectively than before. “Fast internet connections at a “I doubt there is any going back TALENT IS EASY TO HIRE competitive price are crucially im- to working only from the office. It is FROM AROUND THE portant to esports players. They are more likely that people will work un- WORLD a factor to consider when choosing der a hybrid model, flexibly utilizing the place to live”, says one of the or- office premises, remote options and Kuopio provides an ideal home for ganizers behind Sawo Esports Iiro shared work environments”, says Sil- global companies with experts work- Naamanka. ja Huhtiniemi, Chief Business Officer ing in different cities and countries. Physical location is both relevant for Development and Communica- The Savilahti district forms an ex- and irrelevant in esports. tion at KPY Novapolis, which provides ceptional hub of competence with its “A normal working day is a remote modern working day experiences. companies and educational institu- day in esports, but a team with big tions. ambitions will certainly benefit if they FREEDOM OF CHOICE Specializing in smart clothing, can play in the same place for some CREATES A SENSE OF Myontec has employees from Kuo- time”, says General Manager Arttu MEANING pio to Helsinki and as far as Thailand. Hämäläinen. Thanks to well-working remote con- Esports clubs have not previous- Facilities need to be adaptable to give nections, it really makes no difference ly had a strong regional identity, but people a genuine choice of when to where in the world everyone is. things may change in the future. Per- toil away at the office and when to “Things can be done easily over haps Sawo Esports will be a force that work remotely. Among others, KPY the internet, because we know each unites people from Savo, creating a Novapolis provides a flexible range of other’s personalities and ways of new local culture.

52 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO 53 The Wellbeing of Residents Kuopio aims to build a Capital of Good Life to- by building more local sports and exercise facil- gether. This is part of the strategy of the city. ities. The improvement of pedestrian and bicycle is the Key to Our Future “The strategy reminds us of the core mission of ways, on the other hand, encourages people to the city: we are here for the residents”, says May- cycle or walk to school or work. or Jarmo Pirhonen. Smooth everyday life, good study and employment COMPETENCE IS OUR STRENGTH opportunities, a living environment close to nature According to surveys, Kuopio offers businesses a continuously devel- and a sense of communality are the keys to good oping business environment and competent Kuopio is home to life. However, the real drivers behind an attractive labour. The city has both vocational and higher satisfied people. education institutions providing high-quality municipality are its residents and their wellbeing. education. Kuopio is a university town and the University of Eastern Finland is home to the most wide-ranging education in the health sciences in TEXT RIITTA JUSSILA “The wellbeing of residents is promoted by Finland, among other disciplines. PHOTO TIINA HARING reinforcing the routines and safety nets that are Jobs and entrepreneurship promote livelihood part of good everyday life and enabling mean- and wellbeing in the province. The North Savo ingful hobbies, work, livelihood and a living envi- Centre for Economic Development, Transport ronment”, says Director of Wellbeing Promotion and the Environment (ELY Centre) supports busi- Janne Hentunen. nesses through e.g. the EU structural funds and promotes employment through labour market, INSPIRING EVERYDAY LIFE recruitment and targeted training. “High-tech export companies can be consid- The elements of good everyday life are regular ered an asset and a pull factor of the province. exercise, sufficient rest and balanced, healthy These business networks give rise to new inno- nutrition. vations and businesses”, says Director General of “Human health and wellbeing depend on life- the North Savo ELY Centre Pasi Patrikainen. style as a whole. It is important to live a healthy lifestyle – instead of focusing on one particular COMMUNAL LIVING BY NATURE diet or form of exercise”, says Jussi Pihlajamäki, Professor in Clinical Nutrition at the University of A down-to-earth atmosphere, doing things to- Eastern Finland. gether and communality are the heart and soul An inspiring life not only has room for friends of Kuopio. According to surveys, Kuopio is home and family, but also opportunities to fulfil yourself to satisfied people. Nature and a city that is just and bring joy to others. Hobbies, voluntary work the right size encourage people to make healthy and meaningful activities enrich your everyday everyday choices. Distances are short and many life. The hundreds of organizations, associations districts of the city allow access to natural waters. and others operating in Kuopio offer everyone a Comfortable, safe residential areas and meeting chance to find a community to join. places are built by including the residents in the Kuopio has also invested in providing its res- process and listening to them – the key persons idents opportunities to exercise, for example of good life are the residents themselves.

54 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO 55 KUOPIO BY NUMBERS Adaptation is Success stories emerge from places where Working life & they have room to grow. The attitude of a Win-Win Game Kuopio’s residents is built on courage, Business persistence and, above all, collaboration.

A POPULATION OF Ricardo Patino's story about ending up 200,000 840,000 in Kuopio begins the usual way: 120,000 "There was this girl..." RESIDENTS LIVING IN RESIDENTS LIVING IN RESIDENTS ITS COMMUTING AREA ITS CATCHMENT AREA TEXT TIMO MANSIKKA-AHO PHOTO AHOOY CREATIVE OY

TOTAL COMBINED 7,000 TURNOVER OF THE COMPANIES AT COMPANIES Having met in Boston where both the culture, you will end up frustrat- route from Saaristokaupunki to the were au pairs, Ricardo, originally ed.” city centre keeps amazing him every from Medellín, Colombia, and his wife Ricardo adapted, got a job at a day, Kuopio has provided him much € 7,423 moved to Kuopio to help Ricardo's printing house, then another at an more than this. mother-in-law take care of her ailing advertising agency. While he did not “The social system gives such 53,000 MILLION IN 200 husband. speak Finnish, let alone Savo at first, peace of mind as you would not be- THE KUOPIO AREA EXPORT They had one daughter at the time lieve. It has enabled my development JOBS and another on the way, and decid- It would all to come as a person and a professional – and COMPANIES ed to stay. While there were really no allowed me to make myself valuable down to his willingness expectations of how life was going to to society.” TOTAL INVESTMENT TOP turn out, Ricardo realized one essen- to adapt. Because Ricardo Patino was will- VALUE OF THE CITY’S tial thing in the integration courses ing to adapt, both he and the city he DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS provided by the state. loves are now reaping the benefits. 300 It would all to come down to his will- he noticed that the society opened Indeed, no price can be set on the 2 ingness to adapt. up to him, if for nothing else, for ap- quality of life. IMPORT RECOMMEND LOCATION “Adaptation is the main ingredient preciating the effort he put in. € 4 COMPANIES FOR COMPANIES AMONG of survival”, he emphasizes. “No mat- Today, he enjoys going to the sauna BILLION LARGE CITIES IN FINLAND ter the place, if you don't have the and cycling to work daily, through- willingness to become a member of out the year. While the beauty of the

56 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO KUOPIO BY NUMBERS

Reykjavik TH Kuopio - the Capital THE 8 LARGEST CITY of Good Life IN FINLAND A POPULATION OF Kuopio is the center of Eastern Finland – the Capital Oslo Stockholm Helsinki of Lakeland – and one of the most dynamic cities when Moscow Tallinn it comes to residential development, attractiveness, 120,000 job opportunities and population growth. RESIDENTS Dublin Copenhagen Minsk THE KUOPIO IS KNOWN FOR THE IMAGE OF KUOPIO London Berlin HAPPIEST THE MARKET ND Kiev THE 2 Prague RESIDENTS AMONG SQUARE, PUIJO Paris THE LARGEST MOST POSITIVE Munich Vienna CITIES IN FINLAND AND TAHKO (AMONG FINNISH CITIES)

Milan Budabest Zagreb Bukarest

112 25,000 7,000 Madrid Barcelona Rome DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES STUDENTS COMPANIES 200,000 SURROUNDED BY OVER 53,000 RESIDENTS LIVING IN 100 JOBS ITS COMMUTING AREA LAKES

TOTAL INVESTMENT THE LARGEST NATIONAL 200 VALUE OF THE CITY’S CITY PARK WITH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS A SURFACE AREA OF EXPORT COMPANIES

45 min € 4 7,200 300 4 h 25 min BILLION MILLION SQUARE METRE IMPORT COMPANIES Helsinki

KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021 / FUTURE KUOPIO 59 The best memories are born, where the heart lives.

Kuopio is easy to love, but difficult to explain. It is a city full of sensation from the freshness of the morning to the pulse of the night.

60 KUOPIO BY NATURE 2021