Situated in the heartland of North Savonia, for decades Iisalmi has been one of the most important centres in the region for rail travel, history and culture. On an inexpensive trip to Iisalmi, you can attend a multimedia presentation of the Battle of Koljonvirta, which was fought during the Finnish War, the events of which are immortalised in Runeberg's Tales of Ensign Stål. Local brewery products are known throughout Finland, as Olvi drinks are manufactured in Iisalmi. At Runni Spa, you can enjoy rejuvenating treatments and spectacular cultural landscapes.
The district has good transport connections and is easily reached, so a tour of Upper Savonia might well begin with a small city holiday in Iisalmi. The Brewery Museum, next to the Olvi brewery, is certainly one of the most interesting places in the city, with a comprehensive collection of artefacts relating to beer production. The museum goes through the story of beer step by step from malt to bottle, and fortunately, it is not far to the beer hall, where you can sample finished brewery products. The Brewery Museum is an interesting place to visit for anyone interested in the history of the Iisalmi area, as the history of Olvi goes back to the 1800s and is associated in many ways with the development of the city.
The Finnish War between Sweden and Russia is still visible in the city's cultural landscape, owing to the bloody Battle of Koljonvirta, which was fought on the northern side of the modern-day city centre of Iisalmi in 1808. The best way to learn about the exciting events in Koljonvirta area is to follow the history trail, along the length of which there are several monuments. The monument of the Russian Prince Mikhail Dolgorukov and the Virta monument, which is a reminder of the Swedish Colonel Sandels, will carry your mind back to times of wars long past. Along the history trail, you will also find a Russian artillery battery, a cemetery for fallen soldiers and remains of dugouts.
No journey to Iisalmi would be complete without getting to know the famous author Juhani Aho. While strolling around the scenes of the Battle of Koljonvirta, you can visit the Juhani Aho Museum, which is right in the middle of the area. The courtyard of the museum in Mansikkaniemi includes the main building occupied by Aho in 1865-1876, as well as sheds, a barn and a windmill moved here from Ruotaanmäki. There is plenty to see, as the museum's collections include about 500 objects relating to Aho.
The most carefree way to spend a holiday in Iisalmi is certainly to relax at Runni Spa. The healing powers of the Runni spring have been the stuff of legend for centuries, but actual spa operations began only in the early 1900s. You can spend a night in the magnificent mansion, in an environment that exudes historic ambience. Current treatments at Runni include everything from physiotherapy to natural herbal baths, and the welfare of children is also covered. Wander around the picturesque cultural landscape and explore the Saarikoski Canal and Neulatammi Foaming Dam.
Iisalmi is easily reached by train from anywhere in Finland, as it lies at the crossing point of several tracks. The nearest airports are in Kuopio and Kajaani. Enjoy a great holiday in Iisalmi surrounded by beautiful natural waters, and top the experience off by attending the Oluset beer festival or the Limuset children's festival, which are held at the same time.
