Iisalmi Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Iisalmi

Idensalmi

Town

Iisalmen kaupunki
Idensalmi stad

Iisalmi railway station

Flag	Coat of arms

Location of Iisalmi in Finland

Country

Finland

Region

Northern Savonia

Sub-region

Upper Savonia

Charter

1627

City rights

1891

Area

(2018-01-01)

• Total

872.20 km² (336.76 sq mi)

• Land

762.99 km² (294.59 sq mi)

• Water

109.22 km² (42.17 sq mi)

Area rank

110th largest in Finland

Population

(2023-12-31)

• Total

20,618

• Rank

53rd largest in Finland

• Density

27.02/km² (70.0/sq mi)

Population by native language

• Finnish

95.8% (official)

• Others

4.1%

Population by age

• 0 to 14

14.9%

• 15 to 64

58%

• 65 or older

27.2%

Time zone

UTC+02:00 (EET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+03:00 (EEST)

Iisalmi (pronounced EE-sahl-me) is a town and municipality in Northern Savonia, a region in Finland. It is located about 87 kilometers north of Kuopio.

As of 31 December 2023, about 20,618 people live in Iisalmi. This makes it the second largest town in Northern Savonia by population, after Kuopio. The town covers an area of about 872.20 square kilometres (336.76 sq mi), with a good part of it being water. Most people in Iisalmi speak Finnish.

Iisalmi is known for its strong export industries. It is also an important town for studies and learning in the region.

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History of Iisalmi

Iisalmi's story began in 1627. This is when the local church formed the parish of Iisalmi. The town's old wooden church, called Gustav Adolf Church, was finished in 1780.

In the 1700s, Finland was part of Sweden. Sweden often fought wars with Imperial Russia. The area of Koljonvirta in Iisalmi was a famous battlefield. Here, the Swedish army won one of their greatest victories. It was also their last victory on Finnish land. However, Sweden lost its final war with Russia. In 1809, Finland became part of the Russian Empire.

Iisalmi officially became a town on October 20, 1891.

Geography of Iisalmi

Iisalmi is a place with many lakes. There are 111 lakes in the area! The biggest ones are Lake Onkivesi, Lake Haapajärvi, Lake Porovesi, and Lake Nerkoo.

Economy and Industries

Iisalmi is home to several important companies.

The Olvi beer restaurant in Iisalmi

Olvi: This is the last large independent beer brewery in Finland. Its factory and main offices are in Iisalmi. Other big Finnish breweries have been bought by larger international companies.

Genelec: This company makes special speakers called active monitors and loudspeakers. These are used in recording studios around the world. Genelec's factory and main offices are also in Iisalmi.

Normet: This company designs and builds special machines. These machines are used for mining underground and digging tunnels. Normet's factory and main offices are in Iisalmi too.

Profile Vehicles: This company builds ambulances and police cars.

Iisalmi has its own railway station. It is part of the VR train network. The train line between Iisalmi and Oulu became electric in December 2006. This meant trains no longer needed to use diesel fuel.

Culture and Events

Iisalmi might be a small town, but it has many fun cultural events.

Local Events

Rompepäivät: This event means "the days of old junk and stuff." People bring all sorts of old items, from tiny sewing needles to old tractors. Everyone can see these items, and many small things are sold. Old restored cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors are also shown. Some of these are even made in Finland! People enjoy talking about "the good old times" or looking at "ancient artifacts." Sometimes, these beautifully restored machines are for sale.

Oluset: This is a music festival held every July. The local brewery, Olvi, is the main sponsor. "Oluset" roughly means "a few beers."

Limuset: Olvi also organizes a smaller festival called "Limuset." This name means "Little soft drink festival." Limuset is mostly for kids and young people. No alcoholic drinks are sold at this event.

Local Food

Restaurant Kuappi

In the 1980s, each town in the Savonia region chose its own traditional dishes. For Iisalmi, they chose Muurinpohjalettu. This is a thin pancake or crêpe made from wheat and barley.

Muurinpohjalettu

Iisalmi is also home to the world's smallest restaurant, called Kuappi. This is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records!

Music Scene

Iisalmi has produced some talented musicians.

The most famous band from Iisalmi right now is a funny country-rock group called Halavatun Papat.
Famous composer Joonas Kokkonen was born here.
Singer-songwriter Jaakko Teppo and jazz pianist and composer Jarmo Savolainen are also from Iisalmi.

Sports and Activities

Iisalmi has many great places for playing sports and being active.

There is a very nice frisbee golf course near the Paloisvuori ski center.
Iisalmi has many good beaches, like Perttu's beach and the Beach of the City. Many beaches also have places for beach volleyball.
In winter, Iisalmi offers good ski trails and skating rinks.
Winter sports fans can also go downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Paloisvuori ski center.
Iisalmi also has good places for gym workouts, swimming, bowling, and minigolf.