Savonian culture and history at its best
The Iisalmi area in Upper Savo allows travellers to experience Savo at its most authentic. Iisalmi is located about an hour’s drive north of Kuopio. The region is full of interesting places to visit, events, beautiful nature and history.
Koljonvirta is an area of cultural and historical significance and home to, e.g., a museum dedicated to the national author Juhani Aho. The area also has a fascinating, lively Karelian Orthodox community and a wide range of exhibitions.
The rural areas also display their finest sides in Upper Savo, and especially horse racing is a common activity in the region. One of the most popular destinations is Runni where an enchanting manor and a luxurious spa are combined with stunning sceneries.
The Iisalmi region offers a great setting and networks for the growth of tourism. New service providers are constantly drawn to the region to develop versatile tourism. A project named “Sustainable growth in tourism in Ylä-Savo” is currently ongoing in Upper Savo. The goal of the project is to develop the quality of tourism companies and service providers and to turn tourism services into saleable products. The service packages are based on the principles of sustainable development, showcasing the cultural history and nature of the region.
