Finland is opening up one step at a time after declaring a nationwide state of emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak. Once international leisure travel to Finland becomes possible again, we warmly welcome you to Wild Taiga – our area is sparsely populated and here you can stay close to nature, away from large crowds. Most of the Wild Taiga companies are operating normally or with certain restrictions and special arrangements, paying extra attention to hygiene and safety. For up-to-date information and detailed guidance for visitors, please check the companies’ own channels.
Suomussalmi Tourist Office are open as well, offering guidance for travellers.
In the Wild Taiga area, there are plenty of holiday cottages and apartments to choose from, and they are accepting bookings normally.
The small hotels in the area are open, offering tranquil accommodation with take away -breakfast.
Other accommodation options include campsites and guesthouses, for example, and they are open as well.
Many restaurants and cafés have been welcoming guests since the beginning of June, with limited services. Restaurants may be open from 6 am to 11 pm, and the number of customer seats is reduced to ensure the safety distance. Take away option is also available in most of the restaurants. The Hotel Kalevala restaurant is still closed until further notice.
NATURE DESTINATIONS, ACTIVITIES AND GUIDED TOURS
Hossa National Park and the destinations of the Friendship Park, as well as other nature destinations in the Wild Taiga area offer countless possibilities to spend time in the middle of wilderness, away from the crowds. Nature is open to everyone. Please remember to follow the health guidelines as well as other instructions – updated information is available on www.nationalparks.fi.
The Hossa Visitor Centre are open.
Guided tours and activities are available for both summer and winter season, and they arranged in small groups. Rental equipment is available for self-guided outdoor activities. Hiking trails of the area can be found here.
On wildlife wathcing and photography tours, guests are able to stay in small hides accompanied only by their own family and friends. The wildlife companies are accepting bookings normally.
FESTIVALS AND OTHER EVENTS
Public events for more than 500 people are suspended until the end of July.
Kainuu Orienteering Week and Kainuu Trail Hossa National Park events are postponed until 2021.
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
These sights and attractions are currently open (updated on June 8):
- The Silent People and Niittykahvila Café
- Kuhmo Arts Centre
- Raatteen Portti Winter War Museum
Sights and attractions opening soon:
- Hossa Reindeer Park (opening on July 1)
- Turjanlinna – M/S Kianta Lake Cruises (starting on June 22)
HOW TO GET TO SUOMUSSALMI
Finnair is not operating Helsinki-Kajaani flights at this moment, and we unfortunately have no information when the flights are back. The closest airports currently open are in Kuopio and Oulu, and Finnair will start operating Helsinki-Kuusamo flights again in September. Please be in touch with your ground handling supplier before booking flights to check which airport is closest for the pick-up.
You can reach Kajaani (100 km from Suomussalmi) by train. Further information about train connections from VR .
Information about bus connections can be found on www.matkahuolto.fi.
Please contact your accommodation / safari company for further information on transportation services from the railway stations and airports to Suomussalmi.
Car rental companies operating in Kajaani, Kuopio, Oulu and Kuusamo:
IN CASE OF ILLNESS
If your travel insurance includes medical insurance, please contact the health provider mentioned in the policy first for advice. Otherwise be in contact (first by phone) with the local public health center or hospital emergency department.
KAINUU (Kajaani, Sotkamo, Kuhmo, Suomussalmi, Ristijärvi, Hyrynsalmi, Paltamo, Puolanka municipalities)
Emergency care information at Hospital District of Kainuu
Call always first the toll-free Medical helpline number 116 117 before you go to the emergency clinic or local health centres. It answers 24/7.
Kainuu Central Hospital: Emergency Clinic
Address: Sotkamontie 13, 87300 KAJAANI
Health Centre addresses in municipalities
- Suomussalmi Health Centre: Välskärinkuja 2, 89600 SUOMUSSALMI
Nationwide emergency number: 112
It is important to remember to call the emergency number only in genuine emergency situations. In an emergency situation, you will be treated even if you do not have a municipality of residence in Finland. The medical costs can be collected from you afterwards. The emergency number can be called free of charge from any phone. No area code is needed. If you have a mobile phone subscription that is based abroad you can still call the emergency number without an area code.
USEFUL LINKS / LATEST COVID-19 RELATED NEWS
Visit Finland – Practical Information for Travelers to Finland during Corona Pandemic
