Go BackBrowse Towns

Puolanka

Region: Kainuu | Population: ~2,345 (31 December 2024) | Area: ~2,598 km²

Puolanka coat of arms

Town Highlights

  • Known as the ‘most pessimistic town’ in global media
  • Home of Hepoköngäs waterfall and forest grazing traditions
  • Character-rich local events embracing pessimism theme

Nature & Climate

Taiga forests, bogs and the scenic Hepoköngäs waterfall.

Fun Facts

  • BBC labelled it the world’s most pessimistic town in 2019
  • Population density under ~1 /km²