Suomussalmi | Exploring Finland
Suomussalmi is a locality as well as municipality in northern Finland, in the region of Kainuu. The main settlement in the municipality shares its name, but is also known by its former name Ämmänsaari. The population of around 7.000 in the municipality is considered to be unilingually Finnish-speaking. This is a border region, with the border with Russia marking the eastern border of the municipality.
A Short History of Suomussalmi
The closeness to the Russian border has played an important role in the area’s modern history. But also further back in history this has been a contested area, especially between Sweden and Novgorod and later Russia. Many settlement attempts in the area was unsuccessful, with famines and epidemics that haunted the few locals. It wasn’t until in the 18th and especially in the 19th century that the population began to grow. They were, however, still haunted by famines and mishaps.
Suomussalmi was captured by the Soviets early on during the Winter War. It was not far from here, in Karttimo, that the first shots of the war were fired in 1939. The oncoming Battle of Suomussalmi marked one of Finland’s most important victories during the war. The victory put an end to the Soviet plan to cut Finland in half. The Battle of Suomussalmi was followed by the Battle of Raate Road in January of 1940. As a result, the Finns were able to force the Soviets to retreat back across the border. The former settlement of Suomussalmi was rebuilt after the war and became even larger than before the conflict.
Things to Do and See
What to do in Suomussalmi? The locality itself houses a small commercial center, but don’t expect any extraordinary shopping experience. It is the outdoor life that is at focus here. The large lake Kiantajärvi is just next door. The lake is popular for fishing both trout and salmon. You can also try other outdoor activities like canoeing. The area also has several hiking trails and other means to get out in nature. Why not try riding a snowmobile in winter or explore the area on skies?
Nearby is also the historical Raate Road, with several war memorials and sights connected to the Winter War.
How to Get to Suomussalmi
- Flights: The closest airports are Kuusamo Airport (KAO) to the north and Kajaani Airport (KAJ) to the south.
- Car: Suomussalmi is located along Road E63 between Kuusamo and Kajaani.
The driving distance from 5 major Finnish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Helsinki – 664 kilometers (7 h 40 min)
- Turku – 727 kilometers (8 h 30 min)
- Vaasa – 472 kilometers (5 h 40 min)
- Oulu – 193 kilometers (2 h 30 min)
- Joensuu – 319 kilometers (3 h 40 min)
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