Nurmes

Nurmes is a town in North Karelia that sits across a large area of forests, lakes, and varied landscapes along the shores of Lake Pielinen in eastern Finland. The town occupies terrain shaped by water and nature, with thick woodlands forming much of its character.

Nurmes was founded as an administrative center in 1810, marking the start of organized settlement and development in the region. This establishment laid the groundwork for it to become a key center in North Karelia.

The Karelian Village displays regional traditions through historic buildings, craft workshops, and traditional cooking methods that visitors can observe firsthand. These spaces show how local communities have maintained their customs and daily practices across generations.

Visitors can reach Nurmes easily by train from Joensuu, with the railway station serving as the northern terminus for passenger services. The town center is compact and walkable for exploring on foot.

Finland named Nurmes the national Christmas Song City in 2005, leading to yearly musical celebrations and concerts during winter months. This title makes the town a special destination for music and festival enthusiasts during the colder season.

Location: North Karelia

Inception: 1810

Reference: 541

Shares border with: Juuka, Kuhmo, Lieksa, Rautavaara, Sotkamo

Website: https://nurmes.fi/en

GPS coordinates: 63.54444,29.13333

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:48