Nurmes



Nurmes is a town in North Karelia.

Understand
Nurmes is a town of 8,000 inhabitants situated at the northern end of Lake Pielinen.

In the Middle Ages, Nurmes was part of the Novgorod Empire, and the area was the scene of several battles with Sweden. In the 17th century, Nurmes was incorporated into the Swedish Empire, but in 1721 it became part of Russia.

In the 19th century Nurmes developed rapidly with industry. Several sawmills, mills and iron foundries were established in the area, bringing new residents and prosperity to the town. Later, Nurmes also developed as a tourist town, attracted by its magnificent nature.

By car
Being pretty much off the beaten track, the easiest way to travel to and from Nurmes is by car.

By train
The national railway operator VR runs a twice-daily train from Joensuu, the trip takes a little less than two hours. is centrally located.

By bus
There are coach connections from Joensuu, Kuopio, Oulu and Kajaani. Timetables from Matkahuolto.

By boat
This is (besides Iisalmi) as far north as you get with a yacht via the Saimaa waterways. Welcome from anywhere! (10.5 or 12 m height restriction at Joensuu, though).

Get around
The town small, so you can easily get around by foot. Google Maps offers route planner which includes sparse long distance buses which can be used for local trips also, and Matka.fi route planner includes also some of them.

By dial-a-ride
Katuri service is open to all in the city of Nurmes, including Valtimo. Anyone can order a ride for their trips. Katuri rides are provided on request from door to door or from an agreed location. The service is available to people of all ages. The vehicles are equipped for people with disabilities.

Children under 12 years of age and people over 75 years of age receive two one-way trips a day free of charge. Prove your age with an identity card or a proof of age accepted by the driver (e.g. if you start from Sivakka, arrive in Valtimo and continue to Nurmes, it is one one-way trip).

By taxi
See North Karelia
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Taksi EHT
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Taksi EHT

Nature
There are some nature parks in the area around Nurmes, where you can walk, swim, fish and camp in the summer and enjoy cross country skiing in the winter.

Go next

 * Koli National Park with great views over Pielinen. Many painters of the Finnish Golden Age of Art got inspiration from those views.
 * Valtimo – former municipality, today part of Nurmes