Suomussalmi: Tie 5 - Palovaara - Kuusamoon

Tucked along Lake Kiantajärvi in the Kainuu region of northeastern Finland, Suomussalmi is a place whose character is shaped by its mosaic of lakes, forests and long winters. The municipality is closely associated with the Winter War: the Battle of Suomussalmi and fighting on the Raate Road in 1939–40 became defining episodes in Finland’s defence against the Soviet invasion. South of the centre, Reijo Kela’s environmental artwork The Silent People fills a field with thousands of human-shaped figures, dressed anew with the seasons. Hossa National Park, within the municipality, adds hiking and paddling routes through pine woods and clear waters, while the Värikallio cliffs preserve prehistoric rock paintings. Discover other points of interest through webcams located across Suomussalmi and Kainuu.

Among Finland’s regions, Kainuu stands out for its vast forests, clear lakes and deep connection to the eastern Finnish borderlands. Lake Oulujärvi, Finland’s fourth-largest lake, forms a broad inland expanse near Kajaani, the regional centre. The Kajaaninjoki flows through the town, where the ruins of 17th-century Kajaani Castle stand on a small river island. Farther east, Hossa National Park preserves a landscape of pine woods, ridges, lakes and ancient rock paintings. Kainuu’s identity is also shaped by traditional forestry, fishing and the long winter season. Continue through nearby webcams to explore the lakes, forests and towns of Kainuu.

The terrain of Finland ranges from low coastal plains along the Gulf of Bothnia to fells in Lapland, creating a country of forests, lakes and long northern distances. More than 180,000 lakes shape everyday life, while the Lakeland region is threaded with waterways and islands. Helsinki, on the Gulf of Finland, combines neoclassical landmarks around Senate Square with contemporary Finnish design. Farther north, the Sámi are Finland’s only recognised Indigenous people, and their culture remains closely connected to the Arctic region. In winter, snow and ice transform the north; in summer, long daylight extends outdoor life well into the evening. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Finland.