Vuokatti is a population centre belonging to the Local District of Sotkamo and it is located at a distance of about 7 km from the centre of Sotkamo.
Vuokatti is the centre of tourism life and sports and fitness activities in the Local District of Sotkamo. Vuokatti it renown as a versatile and year-round centre of tourism. There is good reason for calling Vuokatti a centre of winter sports as it is home to the world's first ski tunnel and an indoor snowboarding half-pipe, both of which make it possible to ski and snowboard in the summer when in Vuokatti. Thanks to the presence of Vuokatti Sports Institute and the Katinkulta holiday resort, Vuokatti offers a unique selection of indoor activities. Vuokatti is a versatile destination the year round.
Sotkamo belongs to province of Kainuu and it is located in an area of great natural beauty, surrounded by lakes and rivers. The famous sandy shorelines of Hiukka, highland ridges, and greenery all combine to create congenial circumstances for both everyday living and holidaying. Sotkamo is a local district with a population close to 11.000 (in 2008: 10,719 inhabitants), and its known for its creativity and diversity. The diversity of Sotkamo is based on good services, numerous leisure-time activities, the developing of the local economic life, and the development-focused activeness of the local council. The Local District of Sotkamo has in recent years been recognised for its activeness; e.g. it has been awarded the title being the best and most creative local district, the most entrepreneur-friendly local district.
Tourism is the foremost industry in Sotkamo, and this can be seen in the everyday life in the area. Sotkamo records over 400,000 overnight stays in registered accommodation per year. About 1 million tourists visit Sotkamo each year; on average, this is about 3,000 tourists per day. These are impressive numbers when considering the Sotkamo's population (about 10,700).
Sotkamo is a lively local district, and this is demonstrated by the wide variety of events arranged throughout the year. Various sports and fitness events and competitions are all part of the local image; one prime example of this is the local (Finnish) baseball team Sotkamon Jymy. This team has the best record in playing the Finnish version of baseball, and it has carried the name of Sotkamo for several years, and it continues to represent competitive success.
