Moving to Suomussalmi
In Suomussalmi, where vast wilderness and pristine waterways meet, the tranquility of nature blends seamlessly with everyday convenience. In the compact village center of Ämmänsaari, you'll find comprehensive services within just a few minutes' walking distance. In Suomussalmi, you can build your own cozy cabin on a beautiful lakeside spot, with quick access to work, school, daycare, the health center, shops, a spa, a cinema, ski trails and much more.
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A year-round holiday destination
Living in Suomussalmi allows nature lovers to fulfill their dream of enjoying the outdoors year-round. Its extensive network of trails offers opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, paddlers, and even stand-up paddleboarders. In this region known for its snowy winters, skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers will find ideal conditions. The high-quality sports facilities in Ämmänsaari support a variety of activities, from swimming to disc golf, while Kianta College offers options for those interested in culture and crafts.
In the heart of Suomussalmi's wilderness, a strong sense of community thrives, built on teamwork and mutual support. Local associations are active, providing opportunities for communal activities ranging from theater to village organizations.
Suomussalmi is a paradise for hunters and gatherers. With over 300,000 hectares of state land designated for small game hunting, the municipality is among the regions where permanent residents can hunt on state lands without a separate permit. This free hunting right is deeply valued, and hunting is practiced with respect for nature.
The 3,511 bodies of water in Suomussalmi offer a rich variety of options for fishing and water activities. You can explore the vast open waters of Kiantajärvi and Vuokkijärvi or spend time discovering rivers, streams, and crystal-clear kettle ponds. There’s plenty to see and experience for a long time.
Moving to work in Suomussalmi
Suomussalmi offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries. The manufacturing sector is particularly versatile, with jobs available in electronics, construction elements, wild berries, mining, metalwork, bakery, and confectionery production. Additionally, there is a regular demand for new employees in tourism, hospitality, service, transportation, construction, and social and healthcare sectors.
For remote workers or entrepreneurs seeking proximity to nature, Suomussalmi is an ideal place to settle. Here, you can add a fresh twist to your office routine-work from your dock while admiring the sunrise or unwind after a day’s work with a ski trip on snowy trails. If needed, you can also book a municipal remote work facility.
Entrepreneurship is another excellent way to employ yourself, and often taking over an existing business through an ownership transition is a great way to start your entrepreneurial journey. Contact us for more details, and we can point you toward businesses in Suomussalmi seeking new owners.
For those moving to Suomussalmi for work, the municipality offers an initial housing solution with shared accommodations at the Karhulanvaara dormitory.
The municipality of Suomussalmi offers shared accommodation at the Karhulanvaara dormitory as an initial housing solution for those relocating to the area for work. The dormitory is located on the grounds of Karhulanvaara School, about seven kilometers from the municipal center. Shared accommodation is an ideal temporary solution for individuals needing immediate housing while searching for a long-term home in Suomussalmi.
The dormitory consists of units with four rooms each. The allocated room may be in a unit where some of the other rooms are already occupied. Potential tenants can visit the premises with staff from Suomussalmi’s immigration services to familiarize themselves with the accommodations. The apartments are partially furnished: they have beds in the bedrooms, tables and chairs. There is no television, set-top box or washing machine in the apartments. The decision to accept pets is made on a case-by-case basis, but taking into account that the pets should not cause damage or any damage will be compensated by the tenant. We try to accommodate those staying with pets in their own cell apartments.
How to Rent a Room:
- Contact: Those interested in dormitory housing should reach out to Suomussalmi’s immigration services to arrange the rental of a shared apartment.
- Eligibility: At least one resident in the household must have a job contract with a Suomussalmi-based employer or a study placement at the Suomussalmi Skills Factory (Taitotehdas). The household may also include a spouse and children. For those relocating within the Kainuu-Koillismaa employment region, the dormitory can be used on the basis of a fixed-term work contract.
- Rental Terms:
- Rent is based on room rental, priced at 250 euros per room, including water and electricity.
- The rent includes access to the shared facilities within the unit.
- End of Tenancy: The right to dormitory housing ends if the job contract with the Suomussalmi employer is terminated.
This arrangement provides a convenient and affordable starting point for newcomers to the area.
Contact details:
Immigration instructor
Tytti Matero
tel. +358 44 777 3234
e-mail: tytti.matero(at)suomussalmi.fi
Refugee counselor
Jarmo Korhonen
tel. +358 44 777 3233
e-mail: jarmo.korhonen(at)suomussalmi.fi
Suomussalmi for families with children
From the perspective of families with children, Suomussalmi offers a pleasant living environment, combining a peaceful atmosphere with comprehensive services. A newly built school, smoothly operating daycare, small class sizes, free childcare support for families with young children, and a wide range of free or affordable clubs and sports activities ensure that both children and parents enjoy life in the area.
In addition to the municipality, clubs and activities are organized by the 4H Association, the local parish, and sports clubs such as Suomussalmen Rasti and Suomussalmen Palloseura. There’s something exciting for everyone, from toddlers to older schoolchildren, whether their interests lie in sushi-making or floorball.
Build your dream in Suomussalmi
In Suomussalmi, you can make your dream of building a home or cottage on a beautiful lakeside plot come true. There are locations for building a home or holiday retreat ranging from areas near services to remote wilderness lakesides where you can enjoy complete tranquility.
The coves of the expansive Lake Kiantajärvi in Ahonranta and Vaamanniemi offer excellent building plots within cycling distance of Ruukinkangas Comprehensive School and the services in Ämmänsaari. With the partial master plan change for Kaunisniemi, the Merkkivirta plots in the scenic surroundings of the Vuokinjoki River also provide opportunities for residential construction close to the town center.
In addition to the plots offered by the municipality and Laatumaa (laatumaa.fi), plenty of options are available on private real estate websites such as Etuovi (etuovi.com), Oikotie (oikotie.fi), and Tori (tori.fi). For those accustomed to property prices in densely populated urban regions, the affordability of plots in Suomussalmi may come as a pleasant surprise.
In Suomussalmi, where vast wilderness and clear waters abound, the peace of nature blends seamlessly with everyday convenience. In Ämmänsaari’s compact village center, all essential services are within a few minutes’ walking distance. Here, you can build your dream home on a stunning lakeside spot, with quick access to work, school, daycare, healthcare, shops, a spa, a cinema, ski trails, and much more.