Kajaani might not shout for attention the way Helsinki or Lapland do, but that is exactly its charm. This Kainuu capital is a place where history, forests, sandy ridges and lakes blend into a peaceful rhythm. It is perfect for travelers who want authenticity over crowds. Whether you are exploring castle ruins or wandering along riverbanks, Kajaani rewards you with moments that feel wonderfully unhurried. Kajaani has plenty of summer events that you can enjoy. Because of the climate, Kajaani has clear seasons and possibilities to enjoy the outdoors all-year-round.
1. Kajaani Castle Ruins
Standing on an island in the Kajaani River, the 17th‑century castle ruins (1619) are the city’s most iconic landmark. The castle was built to protect the important river way. The Russians exploded the castle in 1716 during the Great Northern War. Walk across the stone bridge, wander the old walls, and imagine the battles and political intrigue that once unfolded here.
2. Kaukametsä Cultural Centre
A modern hub for concerts, theatre, and exhibitions. If you want to experience Kainuu’s artistic side, check the event calendar. There is always something happening, from classical music to local festivals. The local municipal swimming pool is on the same premises. It has a small spa section to relax after exercise or shopping.
3. Paltaniemi Church (The “Picture Church”)
Just outside Kajaani lies one of Finland’s most unique wooden churches, famous for its 18th‑century ceiling paintings. The artwork is both beautiful and slightly eerie, making it a memorable cultural stop.
4. Kajaani Old Town Hall (Raatihuone) & City Centre
Designed by Engel and Arppe and built in 1831, the old bright yellow town hall is a national architectural treasure. The surrounding city center is compact and walkable with its pedestrian area. The city center is full of shops and cafés. You can enjoy a quiet moment with a pulla and coffee there.
5. Ämmäkoski Rapids
Right in the heart of the city, these rapids bring a burst of energy to Kajaani’s calm landscape. The riverside paths are perfect for photography, evening walks, or simply listening to the water rush by.
6. Kainuu Museum
This is a great place to understand the region’s cultural roots. You can learn about traditional livelihoods here. It is also related to the story of Elias Lönnrot, who collected parts of the Kalevala in this area. It is compact but rich in atmosphere.
7. Café Pekka Heikkinen and Bakery
This café is historical and it actually burnt down few years ago. Some parts of the bakery remained intact. One of the owners saw the flames roaring and said, “it would not hurt if it rained a bit today.” This tells about the Kainuu attitude towards things. Best not to worry too much. The bakery was first built in 1913 and it is famous for its rye bread, baked in the wooden oven. They have a wide selection of wonderful sweet and savory goods. My favorites are the sugary raspberry cream (tube) pastries.
8. Vimpelinvaara Outdoor Area
If you love nature (and I know you do), this is your spot. Hiking trails, ski routes, bike routes and peaceful forest paths make Vimpelinvaara a year‑round outdoor playground.
9. Paltaniemi Beach & Lake Oulujärvi and Ärjä Island
Finland’s “inland sea” is just a short drive away. In summer, the sandy beach is ideal for swimming and picnics. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a vast, quiet landscape. It is perfect for photography or snowshoeing. Ärjä is an island where you can visit by boat. The island is famous for a cottage that can be rented, if you also look after the sheep. Mainly, the island is a place for a picnic. It is also a great spot for a day out, enjoying the sandy beach, sandy ridges, and clear waters.
10. Kajaani Riverfront Promenade
End your day with a slow walk along the river. The views of bridges create a surprisingly romantic atmosphere. The soft glow of city lights adds to this charm, especially at sunset.
Kajaani and the surroundings
Drive a bit further to enjoy the Kainuu region and its wonderful nature. You should visit the Hepoköngäs rapids. Hepoköngäs is a natural rapid (about 20 m) located near Puolanka. Puolanka is the most pessimistic municipality in the whole country. They have actually made a marketing brand of it for themselves. You should also, consider visiting Hossa National Park. In addition to nature paths, you can visit a steep canyon lake. You will also find some 4500 year-old colorful wall paintings there.
Sotkamo and Vuokatti
When we talk about Kajaani, we should not forget Sotkamo and Vuokatti area only half an hour away. Vuokatti and the Katinkulta spa are a must-visit on any trip to Kajaani. The spa is the best and biggest in Finland. You can spend several hours there relaxing in the multiple saunas. You can even enjoy the outdoor pools in addition to the several jacuzzis and pools indoors. Vuokatti in winter is a great place for skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of slopes for families with kids of varying skill level and ages. There are cafés and restaurants by the slopes. You can take a break from skiing to enjoy a hot mint chocolate drink. Vuokatti has an indoor Superpark too. There are plenty of sporty activities there for half a day for the whole family.
Accommodation
There are several good choices for accommodation, but these are the ones we normally use in Kajaani and Vuokatti. We normally stay in the Sokos hotel Valjus in Kajaani. The hotel is right in the center of everything and the restaurant Sulo downstairs serves ample and tasty meals. In Sotkamo and Vuokatti we stay in Holiday Club Katinkulta Spa in one of the cottages or villas. The villas have everything you need for cooking yourself or you can enjoy breakfasts or dinners at the main building. There are plenty of sports you can do at the resort from padel and badminton to a gym and bowling. Do not forget the amazing spa.
You can book all of these hotels on Hotels.com. If you are looking for a seasonal getaway, Hotels.com is offering a -30% discount at this link so take a look! Just change the language on the site to your liking and you are all set to browse different hotels. Also if you want to book a cheaper holiday deal you can check out this Travelup link. With Travelup you can save up to 40% + £60 extra with code TU60. This means bookings over £1299. These are affiliate links. I may earn a commission from any qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost to you, so thank you for your support!
To round up our guide to Kajaani
Kajaani has plenty to see in addition to these 10 best places to visit and hidden gems. It has its own airport so it can be more easily reached nowadays. Kajaani is best if you experience its nature and atmosphere yourself. Now it is still its authentic self. Make sure you visit it before the tourism truly picks up.
During your trip you can also visit Iisalmi only one hour away. Read about visiting Iisalmi here.