Kuusamo, located on the water divide, has been a well-known passage throughout history on the trade route between the White Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. In the early days of tourism, more than a hundred years ago, there were concerns about the preservation of Oulanka’s nature due to extensive deforestation. Now Kuusamo is surrounded by national parks Hossa, Syöte, Riisitunturi, Oulanka, Salla and Paanajärvi on the Russian side.
Kuusamo’s diverse nature attracted researchers as early as the 18th century. Interest among researchers in the nature of the Oulanka region increased on both sides of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Kitkanniemi area and the Juuma streams also attracted interest. Attention was focused on the special features of the area’s nature, such as flora and geology.
In addition to researchers, the most significant marketers of Kuusamo’s nature tourism were writers, artists, and photographers. Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s paintings from Paanajärvi, I. K. Inha’s photographs from Kuusamo and, among other things, Santeri Ivalo’s travel photography from Kuusamo spread the image and word about the region’s natural beauty around the country. Kuusamo tourism began to develop from meeting the needs of tourists traveling to see Paanajärvi, for example in Käylä and Juuma.
Concern for the preservation of Oulanka’s unique nature grew at the end of the century. As early as 1897, the geographer J. E. Rosberg proposed the establishment of a national park in Kuusamo. A research trip financed by industrialist Karl Fazer began a purposeful study of Oulanka’s nature in 1917.
Oulanka National Park was founded in 1957. In the first year, a small amount of money was used to renovate campsites, signposts, and purchase equipment. In 1958, management of the park was transferred to Metsähallitus.
Kuusamo’s summer tourism has grown from Kuusamo’s unique nature. The national parks surrounding Kuusamo, and the diverse range of program services have made Kuusamo a significant summer tourist destination.
The history of Kuusamo’s tourism is widely displayed in the tourism and culture centre Karhuntassu.