Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
TREKKING THE UKK
Pockets of pristine Finnish wilderness exist along the eastern border, best experienced
along the
UKK route
. This 240km trail is the nation's longest and greatest trekking route,
starting at Koli in Karelia, and ending in Syöte.
There are numerous possible access points, and alternative branches of the route, but
the Kuhmo area offers some excellent portions of it: the Kuhmo to Hiidenportti leg and
the Kuhmo to Lentiira leg. The trek east from Kuhmo to Lentiira via Iso-Palonen park
takes at least four days and offers superb scenery. It's well marked and has simplelaavu
shelters at regular intervals, with campfire, firewood and pit toilet. Carry a sleeping bag
andplentyof insect repellent. Pick up route maps at Petola Luontokeskus in Kuhmo.
Festivals & Events
Kuhmon Kamarimusiikki
MUSIC
(Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival;
www.kuhmofestival.fi
;
tickets €17-24)
This two-week festival in late July has a full program performed by a variety of Finnish
and international musicians, many youthful. Most concerts, usually five or six short pieces
bound by a tenuous theme, are held in the Kuhmo-Talo, a beautiful, comfortable hall that
looks like a matchstick hobby model. Tickets are a steal at around €17 for most events.
Sleeping & Eating
Book well ahead during the festival, when prices rise a little. The
town hall
(
08-6155-5291;
neuvonta@kuhmo.fi
)
can help you find accommodation in private homes at this
time.
Matkakoti Parkki
GUESTHOUSE
Run in a kindly manner, this quiet and handsome little family guesthouse offers excellent
value near the centre of town. Rooms share bathrooms, which are spotless. There's a kit-
chen you can use, and a tasty breakfast is included.
