Even small hills have cachet in flat Finland, and Kuopio was so proud of Puijo that it was crowned with a tower. Views from the top of Puijon Torni are very impressive; the vast perspectives of lakes and forests represent a sort of idealised Finnish vista. Atop is a revolving restaurant, a cafe and an open-air viewing deck. Surrounding it is one of the region’s best-preserved spruce forests, with trails for walking, biking and cross-country skiing.

Also here is a ski jump and chairlift. In high summer bus number 10 travels here from town (€3.30), but it’s particularly nice to walk here through the trees.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Puijon Torni

0.01 MILES

The views from the top of the 75m Puijon Torni are very impressive; the vast perspectives of lakes and forests represent a sort of idealised Finnish vista…

2. Suomen Ortodoksinen Kirkkomuseo

0.88 MILES

Over 800 religious icons and 4000 textiles, along with documents, maps, drawings and photographs depicting Orthodox history in Finland, are displayed…

3. Kuopion Taidemuseo

1.55 MILES

Occupying an old bank building in the centre of town, this museum focuses on Finnish art created from the late 19th century to present times. Look out for…

4. Kuopion Tuomiokirkko

1.61 MILES

Kuopio's 19th-century cathedral is an unattractive stone structure located in the middle of town.

5. Kuopion Museo

1.62 MILES

In a castle-like art-nouveau mansion, this museum has a wide scope. The top two floors are devoted to cultural history, but the real highlight is the…

6. VB Valokuvakeskus

1.67 MILES

This photographic centre is dedicated to Victor Barsokevitsch, one of the pioneers of Finnish photography. It is best known for temporary international…

7. Kuopion Korttelimuseo

1.76 MILES

This block of 11 wooden townhouses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries includes several period-furnished homes representing family life between 1800…