Kuopio, Finland

Puijo Tower is on the top of Puijo Hill, within walking distance of the city center. The hill has been used as a ski jumping venue since the latter half of the 1800s. The observation tower is the third to built on the hill. The first, a three story high square wooden structure was built in 1856. It was replaced by a 24m high cylindrical brick tower in 1906. The current, concrete tower was built in 1963 and is 75 m high. There is an observation platform and restaurant near the top which affords panoramic views of the city, woodlands and lakes.

Puijontie 135, 70300 Kuopio, Phone: 04-49-75-02-25

Kuopio Art Museum is situated in a former bank building in the center of Kuopio. It was established in 1980. In the permanent exhibitions there are approximately 7000 pieces of visual art from East Finland. The works, from the late 19th century to the present, are displayed by subject. Topics include nature and the environment, urban life and portraits. There are paintings, graphics and photographic material on display. A biennual contemporary art exhibition is held in collaboration with other art museums. On Thursday evenings, lectures are presented by art historians and practitioners. There is a teaching room, café and museum shop on the premises.

Shopping Center 35, 70100 Kuopio, Phone: +358-17-18-26-33

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The history of the Monastery of Valamo dates back to the 12th century. The current buildings were built in 1716. After World War I the monastery found itself in Finnish territory and changed from Russian orthodoxy to the Orthodox Church of Finland. The complex includes a library, museum, café, gift shop and wine store. Day trips are arranged for groups. These include a guided tour, a buffet lunch, a visit to the vineyard, shopping and coffee on departure. A program of creative workshops and live performances of music and opera is offered throughout the year. Overnight accommodation is available.

Valamontie 42, 79850 Uusi-Valamo, Phone +358-17-57-01-11

This small photographic gallery is housed in a bright yellow wooden building. The center's mission is to promote the photographic culture of eastern Finland. Exhibitions change regularly throughout the year and focus on Finnish photography. Themes that cross international boundaries are also showcased, for example National Geographic's top 50 images. Lectures, seminars and workshops are held on the premises. Meeting rooms, exhibition space, photographic exhibitions and camera kits can be hired. Education groups are welcome and a kit has been developed that helps teachers to make the most of an exhibition. There is a small shop on the premises.

VB Photographic Centre, Kuninkaankatu 14-16, Kuopio 70100, Phone: +35-84-47-44-64-24

East Finland saw much of the country's fighting during World War II, starting with the Winter War against the USSR, from November 1939 to March 1940. Thick snow lay on the ground and the temperature dipped to -40°C. These and other prewar, post-war and wartime experiences are memorialized in the museum, which is housed in old army barracks. There are permanent exhibitions of life at the front and at home, for the period 1881 to 1963. It is open between noon and 4 pm on weekends between June and August. It is not suitable for young children.

Kuopio War Veteran Museum, Tulliportinkatu 37, Kuopio, Phone: +358-0-1-72-81-11-30

Each year in July, since 1997, this contest has taken place in Sonkajärvi, about 100 km north of Kuopio. Its title is Eukonkanto, inspired by the historical tradition of young men who would raid neighboring villages to steal food and women. Befitting a world championship, there is an opening parade, heats, the final and an awards ceremony. The main race in the Wife-Carrying World Championships is a 253m obstacle course and there is a short sprint event as curtain raiser. There is a full program of entertainment throughout the two day event, including an arts and crafts market, karaoke, live music, evening parties and activities for children and seniors.

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

From June to August each year, the large red, wooden barn on Little St Peter's Square is converted into an arts and crafts market. The former stables house 14 small enterprises that sell hand made items, antiques and rural furniture. There are additional stalls in the alleyway next to the building. Some of the crafts are demonstrated on site. Paintings by local artists are exhibited on the upper floor. The café offers light refreshment which can be enjoyed indoors or on its terrace. Accordion and other local music can usually be heard. The market also opens for two weekends prior to Christmas.

Pikku-Pietari Torikuja Market, Hatsalankatu, 24 / Puistokatu 21, Kuopio

Hanna Partanen started making her signature kalakukko on the family farm and later moved to commercial premises on the Market Square. In 1931, she was granted a business licence. The business is still trading from the same building and is now run by her descendants. Translated to English, the word 'kala' means fish and 'kukko' could mean rooster or pie. The bacon-wrapped, fresh water fish is baked for 10 hours in a loaf of bread. Making the crust is a skill as it has to be just the right thickness. Meat and trout options are also available.

Hanna Partanen’s Bakery, Kasarmikatu 15, 70110 Kuopio, Phone: 01-72-82-16-09