Suomussalmi is a nature lover’s dream: living here is like staying in a natural destination all year round. Situated amidst clear waters and beautiful wilderness, Suomussalmi offers a blend of tranquility and seamless everyday life. The local nature provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and hiking, both on land and water. Fishing, hunting, and berry picking here are unparalleled. You can build your own home in beautiful lakeside settings while still being within a short distance from our compact town center with comprehensive services. Schools, daycare centers, health centers, shops, a spa, and a cinema are all within a few minutes’ walk of each other. In Suomussalmi, there’s space to live life on your own terms – welcome just as you are!

Suomussalmi boasts a thriving business environment and ample employment opportunities. Particularly in the IT, construction, mining, tourism, bioeconomy, and metal industries, as well as in social and healthcare services, education, service sectors, and retail, there are plenty of job opportunities. We also offer excellent conditions for remote work. Good internet connections and affordable housing enable both working and entrepreneurship smoothly from a distance. When you add the lack of congestion and extensive recreational opportunities starting right from your doorstep, the result is a framework for a functional and good life without unnecessary stress. Set up your own remote workspace by the lake and build your home in Suomussalmi! You can learn more about our plot offerings in the brochure on the next page.

Suomussalmi is known for its entrepreneurship-friendly environment. We offer guidance on all aspects of business and assist entrepreneurs in starting and developing their ventures. We also support entrepreneurs relocating to the municipality in finding suitable accommodation. In the coming years, ownership transfers will be pertinent for a significant number of Suomussalmi-based businesses. Ownership transfer presents an excellent opportunity to start a business within an established and successful company. The municipality advises entrepreneurs on ownership transfers and provides information on businesses available for sale.

In Suomussalmi, having your own home by the lake is not just a dream. There are opportunities for building a home or cottage both in planned areas near services and in the tranquility of the wilderness. Available plots are sold by the municipality of Suomussalmi, Laatumaa, and private plot owners. The coves of Lake Kiantajärvi in Ahonranta and Vaamanniemi are excellent building sites just a short distance from the new comprehensive school in Ruukinkangas and the services of Ämmänsaari town center. With the change in the detailed plan, the plots in Merkkivirta, previously designated for recreational living, will also be available for single-family home construction in 2025. The sunny slope plots in the beautiful sand ridge landscapes of Vuokinjoki are located close to the town center’s services. The plots are equipped with water and sewer pipes as well as electricity networks at the boundary.

Suomussalmi is a safe place for children to grow up, and here, families with children have everything they need for a good and functional everyday life. The new school, smoothly operating daycare with familiar caregivers, small class sizes, free childcare assistance for families with toddlers, and a wide range of free or affordable club activities and sports hobbies ensure the well-being of both children and their parents in the community. In addition to the municipality, club activities are organized by the 4H association, the church, and local sports clubs such as Suomussalmi Rasti and Suomussalmi Palloseura. Alongside clubs, the Kiannon Kuohut spa is also popular among children.

The Ruukinkangas school, completed in 2022, is located right in the center of the municipality. In addition to elementary school classes, the same building will also host Suomussalmi High School in the future. For children and youth, the school offers comfortable facilities with small class sizes, promoting learning and well-being. Outside of school hours, the facilities are actively used by various hobby groups, benefiting all residents. The construction of the school follows the Healthy House criteria, and its design focuses on durable and energy-efficient solutions. The adaptable spaces of the school accommodate various types of activities, and special attention has been paid to acoustic considerations in the choice of interior materials.

In Suomussalmi, it’s possible to live either in peace close to wilderness or in a more compact village center. Our twenty or so villages offer opportunities for living amidst the wilderness. Approximately 30 percent of our municipality’s population resides in these villages, and during the summer, the population swells with holidaymakers, sometimes tripling in size. Village associations play a significant role in maintaining and developing village life, organizing various activities and events throughout the year. Active village associations include Hossa, Kianta, Lappi, Myllylahti, Näljänkä, Pesiökylä, Piispajärvi, Pyhäkylä, Raate, Ruhtinansalmi, Vuokki, and Vääkiö. For those preferring a more compact living environment, Suomussalmi also offers the Ämmänsaari town center. Within walking or cycling distance, you’ll find all the essential services for daily life, such as shops, schools, and daycare centers. We have options to suit every dream and life situation.

In addition to village associations, many other organizations host activities open
to all residents. From the diverse offerings, everyone can find suitable activities
and opportunities for participation and networking. Below are examples of active
associations.