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Suomussalmi
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Suomussalmi is the largest and northernmost town in the province of Kainuu. The highways E63 and Via Carelia run through the town. Suomussalmi has two major densely populated areas: Suomussalmi Centre along the E63 is an urban-standard community with 6000 inhabitants while the smaller, called ‘the church village of Suomussalmi’ (kk) is more rural in setting and character.
Hossa hiking area is the best known among the natural attractions of Suomussalmi. Hossa provides excellent outdoor exercise all the year round. The lakes, rivers and brooks of Hossa provide excellent fishing and canoeing. The information services are located at the Hossa Nature Centre, 0205 646 041, which includes a standing exhibition on the area, sale of permits, a restaurant-café, an auditorium for visitors and school camps and the Hossanretki enterprise providing programmes and services.
Spectacular natural attractions include Martinselkonen, an excellent hiking area with a facility to photograph wild brown bears. Ylivuokki sport fishing area and Murhisalo wilderness area. These three areas are connected with the 160 km long Eastern Frontier hiking trail. More information at www.luontoon.fi/hossa
The wellness centre Kiannon Kuohut is located in Suomussalmi Centre. It consists of a recreation spa 08-615 55777 and Scandic hotel 08-710 770.
The life of the author Ilmari Kianto and his artist home Turjanlinna keep enchanting visitors from year to year. In summer, guided two-hour cruises are operated on Kianta-laiva, departing from Suomussalmi Centre. The main library stages a Kianto exhibition.
Local handicraft art and culture is represented by the Oilola handicraft shop and exhibition. The versatile Jalonniemi House in Suomussalmi Centre on the E63 houses the Käsikkäin handicraft shop, the café-bakery Herkkusuu, the outlet shop of the Namelli sweet factory, the municipal tourist office and an exhibition on the prehistory of Suomussalmi.
The Silent People monument on the E63 about 30 km north from Suomussalmi Centre makes passers-by stop in amazement. In summer, visitors are served by Niittykahvila Café 050-362 0609, selling campfire coffee with lovely hot pancakes.
The most important sight historically is the Raate Road. On a four-hour guided visit to Raate you will visit the Sentry Museum and the original and restored defensive structures of the Purasjoki Line of Defense as well as the numerous monuments at the eastern end of the road. The exhibition The Winter War in Suomussalmi is open at Raatteenportti, with a café. 040 534 7677, www.raatteenportti.fi
An updated calendar of events is available on the internet at: www.suomussalmi.fi
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