Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the forest; the 3km nature trail is a good introduction with informative signboards. At
Värikallio are rock paintings depicting shamans and elk.
s/d €55/70, cottages €65-80, cabins per person €20; ) has lake frontage and cabins, as
well as a long hotel, whose rooms have decent bathrooms and exterior entrances. Sauna
and breakfast are included, and there's a bar and mediocre restaurant. Staff will organise
transfers from Kuusamo or Kajaani.
Kuusamo & Ruka
08 / Pop 16,180
Kuusamo is a remote frontier town 200km northeast of Oulu and close to the Russian bor-
der, while Ruka is its buzzy ski resort 30km north. Both make great activity bases: won-
derful canoeing, hiking and wildlife-watching is available in the surrounding area. In
winter it's packed; in summer it makes a useful base for hiking the Karhunkierros.
Sights
In Kuusamo, the factory shops of Bjarmia ceramics and Kuusamo fishing lures are popular
stops, while sleek Kuusamotalo concert hall, designed by Arto Sipinen, is the town's pride.
Kuusamon Suurpetokeskus
ZOO
(
www.kuusamon-suurpetokeskus.fi
;Keronrannantie 31;adult/child €10/5; 10am-5pm Apr-Sep)
There's a great backstory to this bear sanctuary 33km south of Kuusamo on the Kajaani
road. Rescued as helpless orphans, the bears were nursed by their 'father' Sulo Karjalain-
en, who then refused to have them put down (they can't return to the wild) when govern-
ment funding dried up. He casually takes them fishing and walking in the forest, but you'll
meet them in their cages here; it's thrilling to see these impressive, intelligent animals up
close and appreciate their different personalities. There are also lynx, foxes and reindeer.
Hannun Luontokuvakeskus
GALLERY
