Nurmes

Nurmes is a town and municipality of Finland, located in the county of North Karelia. The town has a population of 8,760 (31 December 2025) and covers an area of 1,854.78 square kilometres (716.13 sq mi) of which 253.7 km2 (98.0 sq mi) is water. The population density is 3.65 inhabitants per square kilometre (9.5/sq mi). Neighbouring municipalities are Juuka, Kuhmo, Lieksa, Rautavaara and Sotkamo. Nurmes railway station is the northern terminus of a twice-daily VR passenger train service from Joensuu. The service has been under threat of closure but is currently part of rail services that the Ministry of Transport and Communications requires VR to run in exchange for its monopoly on more attractive routes. The agreement is currently valid through 2030. Karelian village and spa hotel Break Sokos Hotel Bomba are situated in Nurmes. Bomba Karelian Village is a tourist destination for Karelian construction and food culture and traditions. Hotel Hyvärilä Youth and Holiday Centre, and Pielis-Golf golf course are located near the Bomba area.