Kuopio

Kuopio is a city and municipality located in the Northern Savonia region of Finland. It is the largest city in Northern Savonia and serves as the region's administrative and service center. The city lies on the northern shore of Lake Kallavesi.

Puijo Hill, northwest of the city, rises above the city and features an observation tower and popular ski slopes. Kuopio has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.

Kuopio traces its origins to the 17th century as a market town and grew as a regional center for trade and administration.

The city hosts the University of Eastern Finland's Kuopio campus and Savonia University of Applied Sciences, making it a hub for education in eastern Finland. Kuopio University Hospital (KYS) serves as a major medical facility in the region.

Landmarks include the Kuopio Market Square, the Kuopio Cathedral, and the Puijo Tower. The city hosts cultural events such as the Kuopio Dance Festival and draws visitors to its lakeside scenery.

As of the early 2020s, Kuopio has about 118,000 residents.