Discover Kajaani: Culture, Art and Trails

Kajaani offers several distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: trails through forest and urban areas, winter hiking, and historical, literary and artistic culture. If you are looking for a hotel in Kajaani, these interests can help shape your stay. Trail features, distances and building histories provide practical guidance for planning your trip.

Hiking trails by terrain and season

The Pöllyvaara hiking trail is in Teppana, about one kilometre from central Kajaani. It passes through old, atmospheric coniferous forest and varied terrain.

The trail from Pöllyvaara to Lukkarinnurmi is about ten kilometres long. It has two shelters maintained by the Nakertaja-Hetteenmäki village association: Aurinkolaavu in Pöllyvaara and the Lukkarinnurmi shelter.

Kajaani’s winter hiking trail network covers about 20 kilometres. It runs from Kaupunginlampi through Lohtaja and Huuhkajanvaara to Vimpelinvaara, where it forms a loop of about four kilometres. The trail network is maintained in winter. When considering the distances, distinguish between the entire winter trail network, the loop at Vimpelinvaara and the trail from Pöllyvaara to Lukkarinnurmi: these are about 20, four and ten kilometres long, respectively.

The Renforsin trail offers a different kind of route. It follows cycle paths and park trails near the river. There are no steep ascents or descents; the route is wide and level throughout. It is also suitable for people with reduced mobility and older people. Compared with Pöllyvaara, the terrain is different: coniferous forest and varied terrain shape that trail, while the Renforsin trail is characterised by its width, level surface and lack of steep ascents or descents.

Cultural history, literature and art

Kajaani Castle was built at the rapids of the Kajaani River between 1604 and 1619 on the orders of Charles IX. The castle ruins are a cultural attraction built in the 17th century and protected under the Finnish Antiquities Act. The construction dates pinpoint when it was built; its legal protection describes another aspect of its status.

The Eino Leino House in Paltaniemi is a memorial building modelled on Eino Leino’s birthplace in Hövelö. It is situated on the shore of Lake Oulujärvi and tells the life stories of Finnish writers Elias Lönnrot and Eino Leino. Its architectural inspiration and literary life stories are the focus here.

The Kajaani Art Museum presents a diverse selection each year of contemporary art and art history of national and international interest. This also makes it easier to choose according to your interests: the castle represents architectural history, the Eino Leino House focuses on literary life stories, and the art museum features contemporary art and art history. Check the dates in advance for specific exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Ruhtinansalmi, Paltamo, Vaala, Sotkamo, Puolanka, Hyrynsalmi, Vuokatti, Hossa.

For the broader travel overview: Kainuu.