Kajaani - Centre of the Kainuu Region - Four seasons

The City of Kajaani was founded by Count Per Brahe in 1651. The River Kajaaninjoki and the ruins of the historical Kajaani Castle are situated in heart of the town. Kajaani Castle will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2004.

Many notable personalities have contributed to the development of Kajaani. Elias Lönnrot, the compiler of Kalevala, acted as a district physician in Kajaani in 1833-53, from where he set out for his poem-collecting journeys to Viena Karelia. Poet Eino Leino was born in Hövelö, Paltaniemi, and late president Urho Kaleva Kekkonen attended the 2nd grade of the local secondary school and also matriculated from Kajaani in 1919. 

Kajaani houses a range of industrial and service enterprises and educational institutions. One of the most important lines of business is the woodprocessing industry. In addition, the town has several internationally renowned companies that have top-flight expertise in measurement technology, for instance. Kajaani is the centre of a region with 87,371 inhabitants distributed between 10 municipalities.  

Varied cultural town

The roots of the local culture lie deep in history. Kajaani has a lot to offer to those interested in culture, such as the fascinating world of theatre and concerts arranged in Kaukametsä's concert hall. In addition, the town library and various museums offer possibilities to admire artists' works or read about the town's colourful history at any time of the year. There are also art galleries for those wishing to buy works of art, for instance.

An active sports town

Kajaani offers excellent opportunities for pursuing sports and physical recreation in all seasons. There are well-tended hiking paths and skiing tracks and several indoor sports halls, some of which also have gyms for those interested in power sports. 

There are many sports grounds in Kajaani, the most modern one being situated in a sports and outdoor recreation centre in Vimpelinlaakso.

Kajaani is well known among fishermen, partly thanks to the River Kajaaninjoki that offers a unique possibility to lure salmon close to the town centre. There is also a 9-hole golf course only some kilometres away from the centre.

Dancing enthusiasts will enjoy the dancing pavilions of Naapurinvaara or Jormua while families with children can visit the children's traffic park. There are several facilities for young people as well where they can get to know each other and enjoy pastimes together. If you are interested in trotting, Kajaani trotting course is the place to be.

A lively congress town

A number of national and international meetings are arranged in Kajaani every year and the number of business occasions and incentive journeys is increasing. Organisers can choose from a broad range of meeting facilities and accommodation. Social programmes based on Kajaani's beautiful natural setting and rich cultural heritage make meetings an unforgettable experience.

Kaukametsä Congress Centre  is situated just beside the River Kajaaninjoki close to the town centre. It features a unique service concept made of the congress hall, two auditoriums, a meeting hall, group work facilities, Kaukametsä a la carte restaurant, open college, music institute and an amphitheatre. Scandic Hotel Kajanus and Kajaani Fitness Centre are within easy reach via a corridor. Meetings can also be arranged in the town library, town theatre and hotels.

The staff of Kaukametsä Congress Centre are happy to help organisers plan, think up and find the facilities, accommodation and programme services that suit the occasion. 

A varied school town

In addition to academic and university level schools, there are vocational educational institutions such as a teacher training college, polytechnic, Kainuu Vocational Institute and Kainuun ammattiopisto, aikuiskoulutus (former adult education centre).

An important garrison town

Kajaani is also the home of Kainuu Brigade, the largest military detachment in Finland and the largest standby force serving the Northern Defence Zone. Annually some 4000 conscripts, both male and female, complete their national service in the Kainuu Brigade. The garrison is also one of the largest employers in Kajaani.