Top 10 Things To Do In Kuopio, Finland

1. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Puijo Tower

Nestled atop Puijo Hill, Pujio Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kuopio, Finland. It is a 246-foot (75-meter) skyrocketing structure that opened its doors to the public in 1963. It has an observation deck that offers the most panoramic views of the city. Besides this, Puijo Tower is home to an exquisite revolving restaurant that can accommodate up to 100 guests. Also, the tower offers function rooms for corporate meetings. It is a must-visit attraction. Bring your family to see the views or a special someone for a romantic meal.

Puijo tower

Address: Puijontie 135, 70300 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Puijo tower

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm

Price: From 6 USD

2. Buy authentic local-made products at Kuopio Market

What better way to learn about the city’s culture than making friends with locals right? One of the most bustling places in Kuopio where you can meet friendly locals is Kuopio Market. This lively outdoor marketplace has been around since 1818. It features a multitude of vendors that sell different products, such as culinary delights, fresh fruits, flowers, artisan products, and a lot more. The view of the Market Hall creates a picture-perfect backdrop for this must-visit public place. Be sure to get cooking and travel tips from lovely vendors and try Finnish snacks.

Kuopio Market

Address: torin alla, Kauppakatu 45, 70110 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Kuopio Market

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 3pm; Sun: 8am- 1pm

3. Peruse the Kuopio Art Museum's collection of Finnish contemporary art

If you are the type of tourist who’s always been fascinated by art, Kuopio Art Museum is an attraction that you should not miss when you visit Kuopio. It is home to breathtaking Finnish contemporary art. Here, you’ll not only find paintings of local and international artists, but also enormous art installations, sculptures in intricate designs, media art, and heartwarming photographic masterpieces. The theme of the museum’s exhibits mostly revolves around the beauty of nature. Additionally, Kuopio Art Museum offers educational seminars for interested artists.

Kuopio Art Museum

Address: Kauppakatu 35, 70100 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Kuopio Art Museum

Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: - 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 10 USD

4. Check out the old wooden houses at Kuopion Korttelimuseo

Kuopion Korttelimuseo means Kuopio Quarter Museum in English. It is one of the numerous museums you’ll find in the city. Kuopio Museum is where art, history, and culture merge, and its expansive area is home to 11 wooden houses. It features exhibits from design students of the Academy of Design. Some masterpieces on display include pepper molds, rag rugs, wooden boxes, and other interesting things. Also, this museum houses a fascinating Suutar’s Workshop and Hella Room, which is a representation of a traditional workplace of an industrial family in the past. Besides these, there is a tailor’s workshop, weaver’s living room, a pharmacy, and a beautiful courtyard in Kuopion Korttelimuseo.

Kuopion Korttelimuseo

Address: Kirkkokatu 22, 70100 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Kuopion Korttelimuseo

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am- 5pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

5. Go souvenir shopping at Pikku Pietarin Torikuja

Little St. Petersburg Market Square or Pikku Pietarin Torikuja is a bustling marketplace that is nestled in the heart of Kuopio. It showcases a charming red rustic structure that offers different artisanal products. It also has a little cozy cafe, where you can relax after long hours of shopping and bargaining. The cafe has a sunny terrace that lets diners enjoy the view while relishing their delicious fare. On the side of the main edifice, there are small stalls that offer different products.

Pikku Pietarin Torikuja

Address: Hatsalankatu 24, 70110 Kuopio, FinlandHatsalankatu 24, 70110 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Pikku Pietarin Torikuja

6. Admire local and international photography exhibits at VB Photographic Center

Kuopio is a beautiful city with a vibrant art scene. One of the attractions that contribute to the city’s active world of art is VB Photographic Center. It bills itself as the country’s pioneer in showcasing local and international photography exhibits that are available throughout the year. Some of the exhibits that it featured in the past include Gertrude Bell & Meeri Koutaniemi: Hidden freedom and Photography, Media Art Association Valmed ry: Change everything - messages for the future, Vladmir Brylyakov: Time to Love, Icons - an exhibition on the right to exist, “I shot Elvis” by Ed Bonja, New Stone Age, and a lot more since 1987. Besides, it also has old local photos on display that depict the city’s past.

VB Photographic Center

Address: Kuninkaankatu 14-16, 70100 Kuopio, Finland

Website: VB Photographic Center

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

7. Experience the thrill of ski jumping at Puijo ski jumping hills

The beautiful city of Kuopio is not only for art enthusiasts and shopaholics but is also a fantastic getaway destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. If you come to this city for a fun-filled weekend, Puijo ski Jumping hills should be on your holiday itinerary. This area consists of five jumping hills on Puijo Hill, and it is a well-trafficked destination, especially during the winter season. Aside from this, it has miles of skiing tracks, hiking routes, and a baseball arena. Puijo ski jumping hills is where the first ski competition in the city took place, and it happened in 1886. Since then, the place has been consistently groomed to perfection. The best part? The views from this side of Kuopio are breathtaking.

Puijo ski Jumping hills

Address: Puijontie 135, 70300 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Puijo ski Jumping hills

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 6pm

8. Check out vintage and contemporary cars at Kuopio Automobile Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Kuopio Automobile Museum is nestled in a brick building that is full of character. It is a dream destination for people who are into vintage and contemporary cars. Not only that, but you’ll find fascinating motorcycles in the museum. Kuopio Automobile Museum has an impressive collection of different models of vehicles that were donated by sponsors. Besides exhibits, the museum also hosts driving events and hiking trips that everyone is welcome to attend. Plus, you’ll find a superb cafe on-site that serves delicious Finnish specialties. Important events and celebrations can be held at Kuopio Automobile Museum as this museum has facilities available for rent.

Kuopio Automobile Museum

Address: Puistokatu 22, 70110 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Kuopio Automobile Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am- 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

9. Reconnect with nature at Hapelähde Park

Unwind and let all your worries drift into the horizon at Hapelähde Park. This lovely recreational area is a stunning public park that is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It has a picture-perfect landscape with a bridge over a little river, surrounded by lush plants and flora. More so, it has sports courts and ping-pong tables for outdoor recreational purposes. Additionally, Hapelähde Park has a huge playground with slides and swings waiting for kids and kids at heart. To top it all off, it has an indoor sports complex with a fitness center, a hall, a spa, and sports venues.

Hapelähde Park

Address: Snellmaninkatu 41, 70100 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Hapelähde Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Enjoy picturesque views of Kallavesi lake and Puijo’s landscape from the Neulamäki Watch Tower

Make the most of your Kuopio holiday by marveling at the picturesque views from Neulamäki Watch Tower. It is one of the most excellent vantage points in the city as it is set atop Suuri Neulamäki hill. To reach this scenic spot, one must drive their way through the forested area of Neulamäki. It has a huge wooden tower with multi-level sun decks, where tourists can go to see the breathtaking Kallavesi lake and Puijo’s landscape.

Neulamäki Watch Tower

Address: Taapelitie 16, 70150 Kuopio, Finland

Website: Neulamäki Watch Tower

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Fall in love with Kuopio

Kuopio is a breathtaking Finnish city with a dramatic landscape. It has diverse attractions that include upscale shopping districts, must-visit dining spots, museums, public markets, and charming natural parks. Plan your next adventure in Northern Savonia and curate the perfect Kuopio vacation itinerary with the help of this list of the top things to do in the city.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.