Cultural-historical places to visit in the surrounding municipalities
Activities
Syrjävaara Goodnight observatorium
The dome of an astronomical observatory on the roof of a cowshed dating back to the 1700s has been constructed on the top of the Syrjävaara hill in Kaavi – a sight to behold on its own. This is one of Finland’s darkest places, where there is no light pollution to distract you from observing distant galaxies and the polar lights shining above Lapland. In the downstairs area of the observatory, you will find a collection of astonishingly beautiful photographs compiled of the images taken with the telescopes and an exhibition of polar lights photography. A night sky park has also been completed in the area, including vantage points for the phenomena in the night sky as well as lean-tos. A local company organises courses and training for those interested in astronomy and photographing the dark sky.
Tuomaala riding school
The Tuomaala farm is a brilliant place to visit for families with children and anyone interested in riding horses. This is a working farm occupied by ponies and horses as well as other domestic animals, such as a donkey, dog, chickens, cats and rabbits. Most of the horses are Finnhorses.
At the farm, you can ride horses under instruction on a field and the terrain surrounding the premises by participating in a day camp (a 2–3-hour horseback trek across a beautiful and varying landscape) or a week camp. Reliable and safe horses are used in all the activities, with over 20 years of experience.
HojoHojo entertainment centre
One of the most well-known places in Tuusniemi is HojoHojo, a legendary entertainment centre, which has been making dancing enthusiasts go wild ever since 1995. Sense the atmosphere of a nightless night at the traditional dancing venue while listening to Finland’s top artists. Hojo has a full alcohol serving licence, a karaoke bar, cottages, hotel rooms, camping area accommodation and a lakeside sauna.
Geocaching
Interested in geocaching? There are plenty of geocaches hidden around the Tuusniemi and Kaavi region. According to geochaching.com, there are hundreds of geocaches hidden in the forest terrain and particularly the archipelago of Tuusniemi and Kaavi, waiting for you to find them. The Lake Suvasvesi strait, which is an excellent place for kayaking, has a particularly high amount of geocaches.
Exercise stairs
In autumn 2020, the Tuusniemi local residents’ association constructed new exercise stairs, that are beautifully aligned with the surrounding hill near the Tuusniemi centre.
The stairs are sure to challenge even the most enthusiastic athletes as there are nearly 300 of them.
The Patahmontie and Keskitie junction, Tuusniemi.
Swimming places
There are plenty of freshwater lakes and well-maintained beaches and places in the area. Some bathing areas also have a barbecue area for a picnic. Details and addresses The numerous beaches and bathing areas maintained by the municipality and village associations can be found below:
Mushroom and berry picking
There is a long mushroom and berry picking tradition in the northeast Savo region. Kaavi and Tuusniemi are known for being rich in wild berries and mushrooms: the local forests are particularly abundant in bilberries, raspberries, lingonberries and black crowberries, and you can also find cranberries and cloudberries around the local wetlands. Recent years have also been particularly good for mushrooms, including porcini, chanterelles, yellowfeet, russulas and milk-caps. Some of the great places for picking berries and mushrooms are located right along the hiking trails. Take a bucket and a small knife with you – you might find local delicacies along your path that are most certainly ecological and good for you!
Skiing tracks (Kaavi)
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Peltolatu: about 1,6 km.
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Paanalanlenkki, about. 9 km
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Kuntorata 5 / 3 km.
In addition there is a skiing track "Kaskenhiihto" Kaavi-Rasimäki ábout 10 km/one way maintained by volunteers.
Monastery cruises
Summer cruises with m/s Sergei on one of the Finland's most beautiful waterway, from Kermajärvi via Karvio channels and lake Juojärvi to the Valamo Monastery.
Karvio-Valamo 10.30-13.15 (36€)
Valamo-Karvio 17.00-19.30 (36€)
Valamo-Taivallahti channel-Valamo 14.00-16.15 (26 €)
Karvio-Valamo-Karvio 10.30-19.30 incl. lunch in Valamo monastery restaurant. (84€)
Evening cruises 20.00-21.30 (26€)
Check also special thematic cruises with live artists.
Boat has a Cafeteria and bar, where you can taste monastery wines and liquors. Cruises start on 18.6.
Fishing
Lakes Juojärvi, Rikkavesi, Suvasvesi and the smaller lakes in the region are known for their clear and clean water as well as their abundant and versatile fish species, including pikes, perches, pike perches, vendaces and trout. You can easily order a fishing licence online or buy one from the Teboil petrol station in Tuusniemi.
Mikkala disc golf track
A truly exotic and different disc golf experience! An 18-lane track is built on traditional farm landscape, partly on cow pasture land. Fields, forests, fences, occasional cows wandering here and there, up- and downhills, short and long tracks. You can easily spend here throwing the entire day! No entrance fee- welcome to check it out! Ask also quotation for accommodation and food services!
Puistosatama playground and Beach volley court
Whatever your age, you are sure to find something to do at the Tuusniemi harbour: an AngryBirds boat with various activities, a beach volley court, a barbeque hut and a beach with a hard bottom suitable for children located next to the Helmi café at Lake Juojärvi.