Outokumpu

Outokumpu is a town in North Karelia.

If you're in the metal industry, you may well recognize the city's name - Europe's largest stainless steel company was indeed founded in this mining town in 1914, and named after it. Iron mining ended in 1989, and the headquarters is in Helsinki, but the heritage is still alive in the old mine which has become a visitor attraction.

By car or bus. Outokumpu is next to Highway 9 between Kuopio and Joensuu. Coaches between Kuopio and Joensuu are frequent. There is also a coach line from Iisalmi.

• 62.730729.0051 Old mine (Vanha kaivos), Tornikatu 1. The old iron mine facilities are in themselves an attraction; you can visit the tunnels and a mining museum, in addition to seeing the buildings from the outside. There is also a mining theme park for children, and a restaurant.  (updated Aug 2023)

• 62.7288229.009842 Lutheran church, Kummunkatu 19. Brick church from 1955.  (updated Aug 2023)

• 62.719729.01683 Orthodox church. White wooden church, completed in 1954 and first functioning as an eukaterion.  (updated Aug 2023)

• Vanha Kaivos (Old Mine) (Outokumpu Mining Museum), Tornikatu 1 (In the historic mining area), ☏ +358 44 7559 222. Wed–Fri 10:00–15:00; check seasonal opening times. Explore Outokumpu's copper-mining history in the mining museum and underground museum tunnel. The historic industrial area also includes the mine tower, old processing buildings and exhibitions. The tunnel is cool even in summer, so bring a warm layer. €8 for adults. 

• 62.7504228.92751 Hiking at Särkiselkä (Särkiselkä nature trails), Rikkarannantie 37 (About 6 km from the town centre; the trail starts at the Särkiselkä campsite), ☏ +358 44 7559 222. Open year-round. Follow marked trails through forest, ridges and lakeside scenery. The Särkiselkä loop is about 7 km long, while shorter routes of 3–5 km are available around nearby lakes. There are lean-to shelters, cooking shelters and boardwalks along some trails. Free.  

• 62.7504228.92752 Canoeing on the 12-Lake Route (12-järven melontareitti), Rikkarannantie 37 (Start near Kaunisniemi café at Särkiselkä). Equipment rental generally available in June–August. Paddle a circular route of about 14 km through lakes and connecting waterways. Allow 5–6 hours including breaks. Canoes and kayaks can be rented in summer; life jackets, a route map and instructions are provided.  

• 62.7504228.92753 Swimming at Särkiselkä (Särkiselkä beaches), Rikkarannantie 37 (About 6 km from the town centre). Best in summer. Relax on two sandy lake beaches. One has a diving tower with 3 m and 5 m platforms, and both beaches have changing facilities. Kaunisniemi summer café is located between the beaches. Free.  

• Fishing at Musta and Valkeinen (Mustan ja Valkeisen virkistyskalastusalue), Outokummun Erä- ja luontokeskus (In the wilderness and nature centre area). Seasonal; check fishing permits and local regulations. Fish in the recreational fishing area around Musta and Valkeinen. The area also has nature trails and an accessible fishing spot for children. A fishing permit may be required. 

• Children's Fishing Area (Lasten kalakeidas), Outokummun Erä- ja luontokeskus (In the wilderness and nature centre area). Check seasonal availability. An accessible fishing spot designed for children. Children under 12 can fish for stocked trout and other salmonids free of charge, according to the local site's guidance. 

• Swimming and exercise at Outokumpu Swimming Hall (Urheilutalo-uimahalli), Outolamminkatu 1 (At the sports hall). Check the municipal timetable. Swim indoors and use the sauna. The adjacent sports facilities offer additional exercise opportunities throughout the year. 

• Films, theatre and concerts at Kulttuuritalo Marita (Marita Cultural Centre), Koulukatu 3 (In central Outokumpu). According to the programme. Watch a film, concert or theatre performance at this local cultural centre. Check the programme for current events and screenings. 

• Outokummun Pala & Kangas Palttina (Palttina), Kauppakatu 6 (In the town centre), ☏ +358 50 477 7838. Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00, Sat 09:00–13:00. Specialist fabric and yarn shop selling sewing and knitting supplies. Custom-made curtains and other textile products are also available. 

• Heliè, Kummunkatu 18 (On the main shopping street), ☏ +358 40 218 6243. Mon–Fri 09:30–17:00, Sat 09:30–13:00. Independent women's clothing boutique. 

• Karelia-Laser (Outokumpu bookshop), Kummunkatu 13 (In the town centre), ☏ +358 50 383 8237. Bookshop and general stationery store selling books, office supplies, games, craft materials and small gifts. Passport photos are also available. 

• Kesämiehen Kirppis ja Kierrätys, Sepänkatu 7 (In the town centre), ☏ +358 45 855 5799. Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat 10:00–15:00. Second-hand shop selling used goods and household items. 

• Valmennusympäristö Kupari – Kierto&Kirppis (Kupari flea market), Kummunkatu 21 (In the Old Mine area), ☏ +358 50 433 9547. Tue and Thu 10:00–14:30. Small charity-style second-hand shop selling donated clothes, books, household goods, textiles and toys. The proceeds support the activities of Kupari. 

• Leipomo-ravintola Kaski (Kaski Bakery and Restaurant), Kummunkatu 2 (At the beginning of Kummunkatu). Weekdays for lunch; check current opening times. Bakery, café and lunch restaurant serving homemade food, fresh sweet and savoury pastries, coffee and cold drinks. 

• Hotelliravintola Kumpu (Hotel Restaurant Kumpu), Asemakatu 1 (In the town centre), ☏ +358 50 339 5561, hotellikumpu@uudeturat.com. Daily; check current opening times. Hotel restaurant serving weekday lunch and à la carte dishes. Café Kumpu next door serves speciality coffees and freshly baked pastries. 

• Ravintola Metsähovi & Pub Wildhouse, Kummunkatu 14 (In the town centre), ☏ +358 13 318 550, wildhouse@uudeturat.com. Check current opening times. Restaurant and pub with a relaxed atmosphere, summer terraces, games and occasional events. 

• Pizza Posti, Kummunkatu 24 (In the town centre), ☏ +358 13 555 030. Check current opening times. Family-run pizzeria serving pizzas, kebabs, burgers and other grill dishes. Takeaway and delivery are available. 

• La Milano, Kummunkatu 11 (In the town centre), ☏ +358 13 561 611. Mon–Fri 10:30–21:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–21:00. Family-run restaurant serving pizzas, kebabs, chicken dishes and salads. Has an outdoor terrace. 

• Turulan Ruokala (Turula Lunch Restaurant), Kuvernöörinkatu 1 (In the industrial area), ☏ +358 50 356 4537, turulan.ruokala@gmail.com. Mon–Fri 06:30–14:00; lunch 09:50–13:00. Lunch restaurant serving home-style Finnish food on weekdays. Catering and private events can be arranged. 

• Kaunisniemen kahvila (Kaunisniemi Café), Rikkarannantie 37 (At Särkiselkä, between the swimming beaches), ☏ +358 400 236 598, anne@wildkarelia.fi. Seasonal; check website. Summer café with a large terrace overlooking the lake. Serves coffee, drinks, sweet and savoury snacks, and local specialities. Canoe and kayak excursions are available nearby. 

• Ravintola Vanha Paja (Old Forge Restaurant), Kaivosmiehenpolku 4 (At the Old Mine tourist area), ☏ +358 44 7559 223, myynti@vanhakaivos.com. Seasonal; open at summers. Restaurant in a former mine repair workshop, offering buffet meals and event dining in a historic industrial setting. (updated Oct 2026)

• 62.7266829.014651 Ravintola Metsähovi & Wildhouse, Kummunkatu 14. Pub. Some nights they have karaoke, disco and dart competitions.  (updated Aug 2023)

• 62.7262529.014751 Hotelli Kumpu, Asematie 1, ☏ +358 50 339 5561, hotellikumpu@uudeturat.com. Hotel and restaurant in central Outokumpu.  (updated Aug 2023)

• Joensuu
• Tuusniemi