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Iisalmi
ℹ️Practical info — Iisalmi
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Iisalmi is deeply connected to the Olvi brewery; looking for factory outlets or local bars to try fresh regional beers is a must.
- Take a stroll along the Paloisvuori ridge for beautiful nature right on the edge of the urban area.
- Check out 'Kuappi' by the harbor, famously known as one of the smallest restaurants in the world.
- The local Savo dialect is widely spoken here; don't be surprised if the Finnish sounds a bit different and very melodic.
🍽 Food
Try the local brews fresh in almost any pub or restaurant in town.
A traditional fish and pork pie baked inside a rye crust, available at local bakeries.
Enjoy a creamy salmon soup at a summer cafe near the guest harbor.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Purchase unique local beverages and souvenirs directly related to the town's famous brewery.
The local market square is excellent for buying regional crafts and seasonal produce directly from farmers.
A serene green space around the church, well-suited for a quiet afternoon reading or resting.
Walk along the water edges to enjoy the peaceful Finnish lake scenery at sunset.
Water temperature…
Iisalmi is a city in the northern part of the Savo region in central Finland, acting as the primary economic and cultural engine for Upper Savo. While it officially became a city in 1891, the area has been a significant ecclesiastical center since the 17th century. The town is famous in Finnish history as the site of the Battle of Idensalmi in 1808, where Finnish-Swedish forces secured a notable victory against the Russian army. In the modern era, Iisalmi is synonymous with Finnish brewing, being the headquarters of Olvi, the only large independent brewery remaining in the country. The city is also the home of Genelec, a world-leading manufacturer of high-end professional loudspeaker systems. Geographically, the town is situated on the shores of Lake Porovesi, providing scenic views and a direct link to the vast Saimaa lake network. One of its most peculiar landmarks is 'Kuappi', which holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's smallest restaurant with its tiny service area.
- Location: Finland
- Top sights: Ylä-Savon kotiseutumuseo · Brewery museum · Uimaranta
- Population: ~20.330
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -11 | -10 | -6 | 1 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 3 | -3 | -8 |
| Rain mm | 55 | 44 | 46 | 54 | 82 | 94 | 117 | 92 | 83 | 78 | 73 | 68 |
Geography
Facts
- Iisalmi was officially established as a city in 1891.
- The Battle of Idensalmi was fought on October 27, 1808.
- Olvi Brewery was founded in 1878 and remains a major local employer.
- Kuappi is the smallest restaurant in the world according to Guinness.
- Genelec loudspeakers are manufactured in Iisalmi since 1978.
- The city's population is approximately 21,000 residents.
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Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Iisalmi (9)
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