This small North Karelia town has a preserved 1800s wooden town center, surrounded by pine forests and Lake Pielinen. Population: 7,500.
Nurmes sits on the shore of Lake Pielinen in North Karelia, where you can walk through old-growth forests, fish in crystal-clear waters, or learn to bake Karelian pastries at the Bomba village. In winter, you'll hear Christmas carols echo through the streets as the town celebrates its status as Finland's Christmas Song City with concerts and events.
Getting to Nurmes
You can reach Nurmes by train from Joensuu twice daily, with the journey taking about 2.5 hours. The closest airports are in Kajaani (113 km), Joensuu (127 km), and Kuopio (128 km). From Nurmes, you can take day trips to Koli National Park, Vuokatti Ski Resort, and Hiidenportti National Park, all within 100 kilometers.
Lakes and Fishing in Nurmes
Lake Pielinen is the largest of Nurmes's 409 lakes. You can catch lake salmon, whitefish, pike, and lake trout year-round. Buy your fishing license at local shops before heading out to fish. Public beaches and boat launches line the shore, giving you easy access to the water.
Hiking Areas and Nature
Each of Nurmes's three hiking zones has its own character. Walk among centuries-old pines in Raesärkkä's 5.9-square-kilometer protected forest. Explore the cliffs, ridges, and gorges across Mujejärvi's 20-square-kilometer network of trails. Take children on shorter walks around Lake Peurajärvi, where they can also try fishing from designated spots.
Karelian Culture at Bomba
At Bomba Karelian Village, you can watch local artisans carve wood and weave textiles using methods passed down through generations. The kitchen prepares Karelian dishes like rice pastries and fish baked in rye dough. The Break Sokos Hotel Bomba stands next to the village, combining modern rooms with easy access to cultural activities.
Winter and Christmas in Nurmes
Since becoming Finland's Christmas Song City in 2005, Nurmes fills its winter calendar with concerts and musical events. Snow typically covers the ground from November through April, reaching depths over 50 centimeters in March. During December and January, the sun shines for about four hours daily, creating a dim light that adds to the winter atmosphere.
Cultural Venues
Visit Nurmes-talo to find the town's library, cinema, art gallery, and museum in one building. The venue hosts events throughout the year, including the Nurmes Summer Music festival in early July. At Ikola museum, you can examine tools, photographs, and documents that tell stories of local life through the centuries.
