North Savo is the heart of the island world where the water is never more than a few steps away from your car. This region is a patchwork of thousands of islands and sparkling blue waterways that form a giant lake labyrinth. The city of Kuopio sits on a peninsula surrounded by the massive Kallavesi lake and acts as the central hub of the region. You find yourself among rolling green hills and vibrant summer markets where the local fish called vendace is a must try. The spirit here is light and friendly.
The view from the Puijo Tower gives you a perfect map of the lakes below and helps you plan your next route. You can take a local steamboat for a cruise to experience the lakes from the water or drive the scenic bridges that link the islands. The roads wind through a landscape of berries and birch trees that smell fresh after a summer rain. You find many cozy farm stays and lakeside saunas that offer a true taste of local life away from the city. Every bridge you cross offers a new perspective on the intricate shoreline.
North Savo is a region made for exploring at your own pace without any rush. The water creates a constant sense of calm and beauty that follows you along every road. You can find hidden bays for a swim or visit the local food festivals that celebrate the harvest. The local dialect and humor make every stop a memorable experience as people are always ready for a chat. It is a place where the summer feels long and the lakes are always calling you back to discover just one more island.
North Savo highlights
- Puijo Tower Drive to the top of the hill in Kuopio to see the patchwork of thousands of islands from the rotating tower. It is the best way to understand the scale of the local lake district at a glance.
- Kuopio Market Hall Step into a beautiful 100 year old building to taste local delicacies like Kalakukko which is fish baked inside bread. The smells and the lively local trade make it a classic road trip stop.
- Orinoro Gorge Hike into a deep narrow ravine where the snow often stays on the ground until the middle of the summer. The vertical mossy walls and the quiet forest path are a hidden gem for nature lovers.
- Varkaus Mechanical Music Museum Discover a massive and quirky collection of self playing instruments and music boxes from around the world. The guided tour is full of humor and unique sounds that you won't hear anywhere else.
- Pisa Lookout Climb a high quartzite hill to see the historic border markings carved into the stone by ancient kings. The view over the surrounding lakes is one of the most rugged and beautiful in the region.
- Lepikon Torppa Visit the humble childhood home of a former president to see how the local people lived in the early 1900s. It is a quiet and simple site that tells a big story of the local political history.
- Tahko Mountain Head to this active resort for high end golf and mountain hiking with great views over the Syväri lake. In the winter it is a major hub for skiing and lively after ski culture in the north.
- Korkeakoski Waterfall See the highest waterfall in the region crashing down into a narrow rocky canyon after the spring snow melts. The wooden stairs and platforms give you a great view of the powerful water.
- Riisa Orthodox Museum Explore one of the most important collections of church art and gold icons in the entire western world. The museum is located in Kuopio and offers a very calm and beautiful indoor experience.
- Rauhalahti Smoke Sauna Experience the world’s largest traditional smoke sauna located right on the shore of a beautiful lake. It is the ultimate local ritual and a great way to end a long day of driving.
The local Four
History of North Savo
The history of North Savo is a tale of the "Lake People," a culture that blossomed in the heart of a giant water labyrinth. Thousands of years ago, the first settlers found a paradise of islands and fish rich waters, where the easiest way to visit a neighbor was by rowing a boat. This unique geography created a society that was fluid and connected, where the market squares like the one in Kuopio became the social heart of the region. The people here became famous for their wit, their humor, and their love of a good story.
In the 1800s, the region became a center for the timber trade as the industrial revolution reached the inland waters. Steamships began to puff across the lakes, towing massive rafts of logs to the mills and bringing new goods from the coast. The Puijo Tower area in Kuopio has long been a landmark for these travelers, offering a panoramic view of the watery world they had to navigate. It was an age of expansion, where the quiet fishing villages grew into vibrant towns filled with the smell of fresh bread and sawdust.
Today, North Savo is a blend of this lively lake culture and a deep respect for the land. The tradition of the "smoke sauna" remains a sacred ritual, and the local markets are still the best place to find the heart of the community. As you drive across the bridges that link the islands, you are following the same routes once traveled by steamboats and rowboats. It is a history of a people who have always found joy in the water and who built a welcoming home in the middle of a beautiful, shimmering maze.