Hello it’s Vivian again. đ Last month, I had a chance to go on a study tour to Kainuu region including Kajaani and Kuhmo. This study tour was a part of Spot-lit project organized by Lapland UAS. Since this trip focused on developing literary tourism, I almost forgot the nature blessings of this city. Thus, it raised the question of which type of tourism is the best for Kuhmo. Nature-based or literary tourism? Or should it be both?
The best place for large carnivore observation
Kuhmo is the best place in Finland, if not in Europe, for large carnivore observation such as bears, wolves and wolverines. It has a diverse nature with its changing seasons, magnificent scenery and all animal species of the northern coniferous forest belt. These are the current key strengths to attract thousands of people from all around the world to this area.
Regarding tourism, there are a wide range of nature-based activities in this location all year round. In the summer, tourists can go hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, or even on a husky safari. Especially, Kuhmo has the best setting as mentioned above for photographing and animals watching. Our DPT18 students were guided to visit a bear center during the trip. Thus, we can recognize the popularity of bear and animal watching activities in the area. Meanwhile, popular winter activities include cross-country skiing, ski trekking, snowshoeing and husky safaris.
Wild Taiga is an association comprising approximately 60 companies in the tourism sector and operating mainly in the area of Suomussalmi and Kuhmo. Visit Wild Taiga website to learn about local traditions, culture and unique experiences offers.
And the City of Literature
Kuhmo received recognition as a city of literature in the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities in late 2019. As Kalevala’s birthplace, this city attracts over 80,000 literary visitors every year. Learn more about Kalevala in my previous post about this charming Finnish epic.
In the study tour, DPT18 students had chance to visit Juminkeko Information Center. Juminkeko is the best place to start exploring about Kalevala, Karelian culture and Kuhmo local culture. Particularly, I think the charm of this center lies in the intelligence and dedication of the hosts. In fact, they are the outstanding atmosphere carriers for this center as a destination.
Furthermore, we had a chance to went on a tour hosted by Keijo Ahtonen. He is Rimmi Uljaska’s grandson in the fifth generation, who was the inspiration of VĂ€inĂ€möinen in Kalevala epic. We were following Elias Lönnrot’s footstep to near the border of Russia. Also, he let us drink from Gold Spring Water that Lönnrot used to drink to cure his alcoholism. Interesting belief right? In brief, it was a nice experience despite the weather and some atmosphere killers, specifically at the Orthodox Cemetery.
What is best for Kuhmo as a destination?
I think the line between nature-based and literary tourism is extremely blurred when promoting Kuhmo as a destination. Why would I say so while these are two different kinds of tourism?
First of all, literary tourism is weaker by all aspects comparing to nature-based tourism. The target customer group is smaller and to be honest, not many people are willing to choose cultural activities for their vacation. In addition, Kalevala isn’t well-known enough to attract real literature lovers around the world, or even domestic visitors.
On the other hand, even though nature tourism is popular in this area, it is not enough to differentiate their market to other places in Finland. There are other destinations which have their own strengths, for instance, Vuokatti for skiing. Also, I think focusing only on developing nature-based activities with higher economic benefits is a disregard to local and national own culture related to Kalevala.
Overall, why don’t Kuhmo consider both? They can develop tourism concentrating of both nature and literature. This can be done through tourism routes or packages. First important thing to remember is to found an official DMO for Kuhmo. I think this city of rich culture and extraordinary nature have the potential to be more than what it is at the moment.