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.