Puolanka, municipality in the region of Kainuu in Finland
Puolanka is a municipality in the Kainuu region of Finland, spread across extensive forests and lakes in a quiet setting. The main town serves as the center for several small villages that together form this rural community.
Settlement in the area began in the 1550s, with the municipality formally established in 1867 when the church community also gained independence. The population peaked in the 1960s and has since declined, following patterns seen across much of rural Finland.
The name comes from Finnish roots and reflects the community's deep ties to forestry and farming. The coat of arms features stylized fir trees and cattle bells, symbols that remain central to how locals identify their region and its heritage.
The municipality covers a large area with villages spread out, so having a car helps for getting around and exploring. Natural attractions like waterfalls, lakes, and walking trails are accessible throughout the year for visitors.
The municipality is known for its humorous identity as Finland's most pessimistic town, a designation locals celebrate annually with special events that have become part of local tradition. This quirky reputation gained international attention when the BBC featured it in 2019.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
