Sotkamo

Sotkamo is a municipality and a town in the Kainuu region of Finland. It is located about 60 kilometers south of the regional capital Kajaani. The municipality has a population of approximately 10,000 people, with the town of Sotkamo serving as its administrative and economic center. The landscape of Sotkamo is characterized by numerous lakes and forests, typical of the Finnish Lakeland.

The municipality is known for its recreational opportunities, particularly its many lakes which are popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. The Vuokatti area within Sotkamo is a well-developed tourist destination, offering activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Vuokatti is also home to the Vuokatti Sport Institute, a training center for athletes.

Historically, Sotkamo has been an area of settlement for centuries, with its economy traditionally based on forestry and agriculture. In recent decades, tourism has become an increasingly important sector. The town of Sotkamo itself provides essential services for the surrounding rural areas. The municipality's name is believed to derive from the Finnish word "sotka," which refers to the goldeneye duck, a common waterfowl in the region.