Veljmies Statue: A Symbol of Kuopio's Entrepreneurial Spirit

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A bronze statue in Kuopio's heart, the Veljmies Statue symbolizes the city's entrepreneurial spirit and is a beloved local landmark.

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Veljmies Statue

The Veljmies Statue, a bronze sculpture by Heikki Konttinen from 1959, stands proudly on Kuopio's marketplace, representing the city's entrepreneurial spirit and history. It's a beloved landmark and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Veljmies Statue

Kauppakatu 45, Kuopio, 70110, FI
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit the Kuopio Market Hall, an Art Nouveau building near the statue, for local delicacies and souvenirs.
Explore the Kuopio Market Square, known as 'Mualiman Napa' (the world's navel), for a taste of local life.
During Vappu (May Day), join the locals in the tradition of washing and capping the Veljmies statue.

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Getting There

Walking

The Veljmies Statue is located on Kauppakatu 45, in the heart of Kuopio's Market Square. From Kuopio Market Hall, simply walk east towards the open square; the statue is located at the end of the square. From the Kuopio bus station, walk southeast on Kauppakatu street for about 5-10 minutes. The statue will be visible on the eastern end of the mall.
Public Transport

Kuopio's local transport buses provide easy access to the Market Square. Several bus lines stop near the Kauppakatu. Check the Vilkku website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ticket within zones A and B costs €4.75 when purchased via the app or with contactless payment. A single ticket purchased with cash costs €7.00.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Kuopio. Simply provide the address, Kauppakatu 45, 70110 Kuopio, as your destination. A short taxi ride from the Kuopio train station to the Market Square typically costs between €10-€15.

Discover more about Veljmies Statue

The Veljmies Statue, meaning 'Brother Man' in Finnish, is more than just a piece of art; it's a symbol of Kuopio's identity and its vibrant marketplace. Created by sculptor Heikki Konttinen, the bronze statue was erected in 1959 as a gift from local entrepreneurs to celebrate Kuopio's 175th anniversary. Konttinen won the Kuopio Private Entrepreneurs' Invitational Competition in 1957, which led to the statue's creation. The statue depicts a young man holding fish, representing the hard work and dedication of the local people. It is located on the eastern end of the Kuopio marketplace, a bustling hub of activity since 1856. The marketplace itself is considered the heart of Kuopio, a place where locals gather to shop, socialize, and celebrate. Over the years, the Veljmies Statue has become an integral part of Kuopio's cultural landscape. It's a popular spot for photographs and a traditional place for students to celebrate Vappu (May Day) by washing and capping the statue. The statue was temporarily removed during renovations to the market square but was returned to its rightful place in 2014, much to the delight of the locals.