Notable persons

Kajaani has a rich history and it owes much of its development to many notable persons, such as district physician Elias Lönnrot, who set out from Kajaani for his poetry-collecting journeys and later compiled them into Kalevala, Finland's national epos. Poet Eino Leino was born and grew up in Paltaniemi, an aspect that was later also reflected in his works. The Eino Leino House in Paltaniemi contains an exhibition of his life and the first editions of his works. Former president Urho Kaleva Kekkonen began his sports career in the ranks of Kajaanin Kipinä, a local sports club, and also completed his early school years in Kajaani. Heikki Savolainen, a multiple Olympic medallist, acted as a physician in Kajaani.