OLAVINLINNA CASTLE
Read moreBuilt in 1475 on the orders of the Danish knight Erik Axelsonn Tott and intended to protect the Savo region from Russian incursions, the castle was occupied repeatedly from the 1710s until the country's independence in 1917. Its massive granite walls with loopholes, its ramparts topped by 3 round towers and its keep evoke the world of the Middle Ages. It is the best preserved medieval fortress in the Nordic countries. The opera festival, which is held every year in July, has a site that is as lyrical as it gets.
PUIJO TOWER
Read moreThe place is famous even for Finns who have never been to Kuopio! The 75m high tower houses a revolving panoramic restaurant - a great place to grab a bite to eat! But above all, it offers a magnificent view of the region with its lake Kallavesi and its forests as far as the eye can see. The unreal light at sunset in summer is mesmerizing, you can stay a long time contemplating the landscape! See also the impressive ski jumps from which the flying Finns take off. Start walking in the surrounding spruce forest.
MIKKELI OUTDOOR MARKET
Read moreIt's a friendly market, more lively in summer than out of season, of course, and was already active in the Middle Ages. Here you can sample muikku (small fish), rieska (unleavened bread) and kalakukko (filled rolls), among other delicacies.
The covered market is also worth a visit. It has just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and is located inside a large, modern shopping center. It's open Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 7.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Savilahdenkatu 6).