This small Finnish town is surrounded by pine forests and clear lakes. Locals spend winters skiing and dog sledding, while summers bring hiking trails and fishing spots.
Kajaani, a city of 37,000 residents in central Finland, stretches along the banks of the Kajaani River between lakes Nuasjärvi and Oulujärvi. Walk through the stone ruins of a 17th-century castle on a river island, admire the 52-meter spire of the red-brick Neo-Gothic church, or visit the LUMI supercomputer facility housed in a converted paper mill. The surrounding pine and spruce forests contain 30 kilometers of marked trails, while Pöllyvaara and Vimpeli Hills transform into ski slopes when snow blankets the region.
Getting to Kajaani
Kajaani Airport lies 7 kilometers northwest of the city center, with regular flights from Helsinki taking about an hour. The train station, built in 1905, connects to major Finnish cities with several daily departures. By car, you can reach Kajaani via Highway 5 (E63) or Highway 6, with the drive from Helsinki taking approximately 6.5 hours.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Summer temperatures in July reach 20°C (68°F), while winter temperatures often drop below -30°C (-22°F). From June to August, you can experience the white nights when the sun barely sets. These months work best for hiking and river activities. Visit between December and March for skiing and winter sports at Pöllyvaara and Vimpeli Hills.
Modern Technology
LUMI, the fastest supercomputer in the European Union, operates from the former paper mill site. This facility marks Kajaani's shift from its industrial past to its current role in computing technology. The Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, established in 1992, supports this development through its technology programs.
Arts and Museums
The Kajaani Art Museum, in the city's former police station, focuses on contemporary Finnish artists, with new exhibitions every three months. Watch local and touring productions at the 200-seat Town Theatre. At the Kainuu Museum, you can examine Stone Age tools, traditional wooden boats, and photographs documenting life in the region from the 1800s onward.
Nature and Recreation
Walk or cycle the 5-kilometer riverside path from the city center to Lake Oulujärvi's shore. The marked forest trails around Pöllyvaara Hill range from 2 to 15 kilometers in length. In winter, both hills maintain 5 kilometers of lit cross-country ski tracks. You can fish for pike and perch along the calm sections of Kajaani River, particularly near the old castle ruins.
Historical Castle Ruins
The ruins of Kajaani Castle occupy an island in the Kajaani River. Built in 1604 and destroyed by Russian forces in 1716, the castle once controlled regional trade routes and served as a prison. Information panels throughout the ruins explain the castle's architecture and its five-week siege in 1716.
