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History of Kuusamo
Kuusamo with it's 16177 inhabitants is the center of northeastern Finland. It was founded in the 16th century by the Sami people. The name "Kuusamo" is widely believed to derive from a Sami word meaning "spruce forest". Reindeer husbandry, fishing, hunting and fur trading formed the cornerstone of the economy for decades.
During the Second World War many battles were fought in Kuusamo and neighbouring regions. Kuusamo even lost parts of it's area to the Soviet Union. In the final months of the war, the city center of Kuusamo was burned down by the retreating enemy troops. The locals however managed to rebuild the city.
Nature
Kuusamo's nature and climate are truly spectacular. Almost 90% of Kuusamo is forest and numerous rivers flow through the region. 166 lakes are also located in the area. Situated on plateau, Kuusamo is one of the hilliest places in Finland. This makes the climate unique, winters are very cold and Kuusamo receives one of the highest amounts of snowfall in Finland. Kuusamo is also the home to many types of wild animals. Reindeer, bears, and moose are common. Various types of fish are found in the numerous lakes, rivers, creeks and ponds in the area.
Activities
The unspoilt wilderness here is a paradise for those seeking a truly exotic Lappish adventure with the guarantee of snow. Kuusamo and it's unique nature provide a great setting for outdoor activities.
Snowmobile safaris and dog sled tours are among the most popular leisure activities through the untouched wilderness it is truly a great experience.
Aurora Borealis
The thrill of witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. Finland is one of the best places on Earth to spot the Northern Lights – they appear on more than 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland.
Ruka Ski Resort
The Ruka ski resort is located 20 km from downtown Kuusamo, has something to offer for both beginners and more advanced skiers. The view from the top of Ruka is breathtaking, with an unobstructed view in every direction, all the way to the border of Russia.