visit north karelia

8 Things to do in North Karelia in Winter

Published February 12, 2023

// By Margherita

Have you ever considered visiting North Karelia in winter? First-time visitors rarely consider this region in Eastern Finland, but here we’ll show you why it should be on your radar, with 8 memorable winter experiences!

Yes, Finland! Yes, in winter, again! It’s our fourth winter visit to Finland, after visiting Mikkeli in 2015, Salla and Kemi in 2016 , and Oulu last November , and we never, ever tire of it. If you’ve been to the North in winter , you’ll know what I mean – from the soft Arctic light and the silence after a snowfall, to all the cool activities you can enjoy, it’s truly a magical place to be. 

This time, our destination was North Karelia , a region in the eastern part of Finland, close to the Russian border. If you’ve been to Finland, you’ll probably have tasted Karelian pies at some stage – small pastries made with buckwheat flour, filled with rice and served with egg butter.

Even after 7 trips to Finland, Karelian pies were the only thing we knew about Karelia. Time to change that we thought, so we jumped at the opportunity to visit North Karelia in winter during our last visit!

Where is North Karelia?

North Karelia in Finland is part of the wider Karelia region , currently divided between Finland and northwest Russia. The Finnish part of Karelia was once much larger, extending to the shores of Lake Ladoga – after Finland’s defeat in the Winter War , most of Finnish Karelia became part of Russia. 

Joensuu is the largest city in North Karelia , and the access point to the region. If you are pressed for time, the best way to get to Joensuu from Helsinki is a 50 min Finnair domestic flight , otherwise you can drive or take a train from Helsinki Central Station (4.5 hours travel time). 

North Karelia is known for its lakes (it sits in the middle of Finnish Lakeland), unique culture, language, and food, extending way beyond Karelian pies! Our itinerary took us to Bomba , in the northern part of the region on the shores of Lake Pielinen, then to Koli National Park , and finally to Joensuu . 

3 days were just enough to experience some of the fun activities on offer in North Karelia in winter – most of which are unique to the area and can’t be experienced elsewhere in Finland. Let’s take a look!

8 Fun Things to do in North Karelia

1) visit a karelian house in bomba.

The first stop of our trip to North Karelia was Bomba , a unique tourist complex not far from the town of Nurmes. The complex includes a hotel and a Karelian village, where visitors can stay in lakeside cottages.

The main building in the Karelian village is Bomba House , a huge two-storey mansion built with logs in traditional Karelian style. The Bomba house you see now dates back to 1978, but it’s the almost-exact copy of the original Bomba House , built in 1855 by farmer Yegor Bombin in the village of Suojärvi, now in Russia. It was a true mansion, with 27 rooms and a special entrance for visitors on horseback.

After WW2, it was decided to build a Karelian village on the shores of Lake Pielinen , and the Bomba House ‘replica’ was first discussed. The current house is slightly bigger than the original, and it houses a restaurant, a café, and a small museum with traditional Karelian clothing and handicrafts. 

Outside Bomba House you can visit a memorial with white crosses symbolizing the victims of the Winter War, mainly elderly people and children, and a short walk away there’s also a small Orthodox chapel. It’s worth spending some time wandering around the Karelian village, admiring the wooden architecture and brightly painted wooden shutters. In winter, it’s even more beautiful!

2) Taste Finnish Berry Wine

Have you ever had Finnish wine? When I was offered a glass, I wondered how on Earth grapes would grow in Finland. A greenhouse, perhaps? Guess what – grapes don’t grow in Finland, but you can also make wine with berries , something Finland has plenty of!

At Break Sokos Hotel Bomba you can enjoy a delicious tasting menu, with four courses and berry wine pairing. The wines are made in Valamo Monastery , a functioning Orthodox monastery. Valamo monks started using berries to make wine for church services, but soon extended the range and started selling it to local restaurants. 

Red wine is made from blackcurrant, strawberries, and raspberries, whereas white wine is made from white currants and gooseberries. They tasted sweeter than regular grape wine, and the red was a little too sweet for my palate, but I found the white berry wine really excellent. 

In the hotel, there’s also a great spa , with heated outdoor pools, two saunas, and a 25-meter swimming pool lit with green and blue lights, reminiscent of the Northern Lights. It’s a great place to spend a winter afternoon before one outdoor activity and another!

3) A Sibelius concert with Jussi and Nazig

North Karelia is also home to Jussi Makkonen , a cellist and one of Finland’s best-known musicians. Together with pianist Nazig Azezian, Jussi holds storytelling concerts, with the aim of introducing people to the music of Jean Sibelius, Finland’s greatest composer. 

Once again, besides having visited Sibelius’s monument in Helsinki , I knew nothing about the composer. Jussi welcomed us to his house in Nurmes, with large windows from where we could see the snow falling gently outside. Over the course of one hour, he and Nazig told us stories about Sibelius’s life and work , and played some of his pieces including Finlandia , composed to celebrate the country’s independence from Russia. 

I understand that a private concert is not an activity available to most people – we were lucky enough to enjoy it because we were with a group of visiting media. However, if visiting North Karelia in winter or any other season, check out Jussi’s Facebook page to see if they are holding a concert during your time in the region.

4) Smoke Sauna and Ice Swimming in a Secret Place

After our first trip to Finland, we quickly learned that sauna is a favourite pastime of most Finns , and you’re bound to enjoy one (or more) during your time in the country. During our trip to North Karelia we had what was probably the best sauna experience of all time . It was in Korven Kota , a place in the middle of nowhere – we drove through dark, snowy forests, until we finally stopped in a place marked by a little bonfire. 

In Finland, a kota is a simple wooden cone-shaped building , with a fireplace in the middle where people enjoy coffee and roasted sausages after spending time outdoor. Korven Kota includes both a traditional kota, a sauna, and a little hole for ice swimming. There is no electricity at all, everything is built in wood and lit by burning torches.

The sauna is a traditional savusauna (smoke sauna), heated by a wood-fired stove with no chimney, allowing the smoke and steam to remain inside until it’s time to enter, at which point the room is aired out. It’s a very time-consuming process, requiring several hours of work and specialist knowledge to heat the sauna and let the smoke out in the proper way – our host said he started preparing the sauna at 7 AM for our 7 PM arrival!

After spending about 10/15 minutes in the sauna, we walked out to the ice hole , large enough for a quick dip. It may sound scary at first, but I find the switch between hot/cold to be very refreshing and invigorating. If you can experience a smoke sauna, in North Karelia or elsewhere in Finland , I highly recommend doing so!

5) Snowshoeing in Koli

I love Finland with all my heart, but there’s one department where the country is kinda lacking – mountains . The tallest peaks in the country are all around 100o/1500 meters above sea level, all located in the far north of the country close to the Norwegian border. 

However, North Karelia is home to Koli National Park , with tree-covered hills rising about 300 meters above the lakes, making for some truly spectacular views – without having to hike too much. The landscapes of Koli are among the best-known in Finland, having inspired artists, painters, and musicians with their beauty. Trust me, Koli National Park definitely needs to be on your North Karelia in winter itinerary!

Koli is known for being one the southernmost place in Finland where you can see pine trees really stacked with snow , a sight you’d typically have to travel to Lapland for. We stayed at Break Sokos Hotel Koli , just steps away from the ski slopes and the hiking trails. 

Since it had been snowing heavily, we went on a guided snowshoeing excursion to reach Ukko, Akka and Paha Koli hills – in one hour and a half we managed to reach all three, each offering different views over frozen Lake Pielinen. 

6) Biathlon at Kontiolahti Stadium

Biathlon is very popular in North Karelia , and Kontiolahti stadium just outside Joensuu often hosts biathlon world cup competitions. If you are curious about biathlon , the team that manages the stadium can organize ‘biathlon experiences’ including skiing along the course and shooting in the dedicated range. They also guide mountain biking tours in the surroundings of the stadium, and other tours in the region.

We were supposed to go try ‘fat bike biathlon’ , combining fat biking and shooting. Sadly, the weather was too warm and wet, melting the snow along the track – so we had to make do with only shooting , which was fun anyway. We started indoors, shooting with laser guns, and then we moved onto the official range, where we had a go at shooting with official biathlon rifles.

If you happen to be in North Karelia and a biathlon race is on, we recommend making time to attend – otherwise, if you are curious about the sport, get in touch with Kontiolahti stadium to arrange a visit.

7) Learn how to make Karelian Pies

Winter in North Karelia is often bitterly cold, so while outdoor activities like biathlon and snowshoeing are always fun, sometimes it’s fun to do something indoors. Naturally, you can’t leave Karelia without learning how to make its most popular export, pies!

We had a Karelian pie-making class in Pihlajapuu , a guesthouse just outside Nurmes in a stunning 100-year-old wooden building that used to be a school. Our hostess Minna had laid out a table with already-made pastry and fillings, and showed us how to roll the pastry in a perfect circle, how to place the filling and how to make the signature ‘curly edges’ to close up the pies. We made pies with two different fillings – rice and barley, both really good. 

The class was followed by lunch, where we ate our own pies alongside soup, salad, and homemade dessert. The pies were the best we’ve ever had, but I may be a bit biased since we made them!

If you’re after a truly adventurous thing to do in Karelia in winter , Minna also organizes 3-day cross-country ski tours, where you ski 20/40 km from one guesthouse to another while your luggage is carried for you. You need to be a good skier – but if you ask me, it’s worth learning, as cross-country ski is the best activity to enjoy nature in winter!

8) Visit a Tropical Botanical Garden 

Your North Karelia winter itinerary will more than likely include time in Joensuu , the largest town in the region. If you only have time for one sight, we recommend visiting Botania , a botanical garden with a greenhouse where you can see tropical plants. 

Botania also includes an outdoor section – naturally, in winter you won’t be able to see much in terms of plants. But you can see something even better! The owner of Botania is Kari K ola, one of the best-known Finnish light artists, and creator of spectacular large-scale installations. Have a look at his YouTube channel to know what I mean!

Every winter, Kari Kola recreates a life-size snow and ice replica of sights around the world , and decorates it with light installations. In 2022, he and his team built an icy version of Stonehenge at Botania, and at the time of our visit in early 2023, they were in the process of building a 1:1 replica of the Easter Island moai . Who knows what 2024 will bring?

Our visit to North Karelia was supported by Visit North Karelia and Toolbox Consulting as part of the Discover Finland, Estonia and Sweden 2023 media tour project.

North Karelia

• 2 Municipalities
• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By train
• 6.1 By taxi
• 8.1 Festivals
• 11 Stay safe

North Karelia is in the Finnish Lakeland .

Cities [ edit ]

• 62.429722 29.971389 1 Hammaslahti , formerly the parish village of Pyhäselkä, now a district of Joensuu
• 62.098611 30.1375 2 Kitee
• 63.316667 30.016667 3 Lieksa
• 63.544444 29.133333 4 Nurmes
• 62.725 29.018056 5 Outokumpu

Municipalities [ edit ]

• 62.425 28.633333 2 Heinävesi
• 62.666667 30.933333 3 Ilomantsi
• 63.241667 29.25 4 Juuka
• 62.766667 29.85 5 Kontiolahti
• 62.533333 29.383333 6 Liperi
• 62.855 29.366667 7 Polvijärvi
• 62.313333 29.625 8 Rääkkylä
• 62.226389 30.331944 9 Tohmajärvi
• 63.68 28.816667 10 Valtimo — small town

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 63.122 29.77 11 Koli National Park — When Finland was building its national identity in the late 19th and early 20th century, Koli inspired many painters and composers, e.g. Eero Järnefelt and Jean Sibelius. Koli became the probably best known national scenery of Finland. It lies on the western shore of Lake Pielinen in the municipalities of Eno, Lieksa and Kontiolahti, and covers 3,000 hectares.

Understand [ edit ]

The landscape of North Karelia is characterized by forests and numerous lakes, including the national landscapes of Koli National Park. In addition to its beautiful scenery, the region has a rich cultural heritage.

The economy of North Karelia is largely based on forestry and wood processing. There is also a growing technology sector.

While Finnish Karelia is originally part of the same cultural sphere as its namesake across the border, the Finnish part has long been part of first the Swedish realm, then Finland, and thus also has a Western, Lutheran heritage. The Karelian heritage can still be seen in many aspects of the local culture.

Get in [ edit ]

North Karelia is surprisingly far away from southern Finland, and for instance a drive from Helsinki to Joensuu will take about six hours – almost as long as up to Oulu.

The main roads, anticlockwise from the north, lead in from Kuhmo (road 75), Kajaani (6), Iisalmi (87), Kuopio (9, 75), Varkaus (23), Savonlinna (71) and Imatra (6). From Helsinki, use road 4 (to Jyväskylä, then road 9 to Kuopio), 5, 6 or 7.

The Blue Highway leads through the region by road 9, continuing across the Niirala/Värtsilä border crossing to Sortavala and Petrozavodsk . For other border crossings you have to come via Kuhmo (across from Kostomuksha ) or Imatra (from Vyborg ). From Saint Petersburg , choose between Nuijamaa ( Lappeenranta ), Imatra and Niirala.

By plane [ edit ]

You can fly directly to Joensuu from Helsinki; 62.6578 29.6139 1 Joensuu Airport ( JOE  IATA ) is located 11 kilometers northwest of the city centre. Also you can fly to Helsinki ( HEL  IATA ) and continue by bus or train. Lappeenranta ( LPP  IATA ) has some international flights, most of them operated by Ryanair.

By train [ edit ]

There are two long distance railroads terminating in Joensuu; one from Helsinki to Lappeenranta and along the border up to Joensuu and another going west–east through the country, via Jyväskylä and Pieksämäki . If you are going to Lieksa or Nurmes you can continue by local train from Joensuu. See VR .

By bus [ edit ]

There are coach connections from cities and towns in other parts of Eastern Finland, most notably from Kuopio and Lappeenranta , as well as coaches connecting Helsinki with Joensuu, see Matkahuolto .

Get around [ edit ]

The trains are useful on some routes, see above. From Joensuu there are connections towards Nurmes, Kitee and Heinävesi.

Coaches have a reasonably dense network of services. See Matkahuolto . The governmental ELY-keskus [dead link] has schedules for some regional traffic (here: Waltti).

By taxi [ edit ]

• Taksi Itä-Suomi offers taxi service in all of the region.
• Smartphone apps (as of 2020): Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Menevä

See [ edit ]

• Visit the WW2 bunker museum near Joensuu.
• See the largest wooden Orthodox church of Finland in Ilomantsi.
• Explore traditional Karelian culture in Joensuu, Lieksa and Nurmes.
• Visit the mine museum in Outokumpu.

Do [ edit ]

• Cross Lake Pielinen onboard a ship.
• Sample traditional food such as karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pie) and karjalanpaisti (Karelian stew)

Festivals [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ], drink [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

North Karelia region is a safe place.

Go next [ edit ]

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• Articles with dead external links
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Credits: Kalle Kervinen

Joensuu is the capital of Finland’s easternmost province in North Karelia.

Welcome to joensuu.

Joensuu is a centre of trade, culture, education and technology. Three higher education institutions – the North Karelia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland and the HUMAK University of Applied Sciences – call Joensuu home.

Where in Finland?

Population : 77 000

Distance from Helsinki :

– Plane 45 minutes – Train 5 hours – Car 440 kilometres, 7 hours

Flight connections : Joensuu Airport is situated 11 kilometres from the city centre.

Visit Karelia Länsikatu 15 (building 3B, 3rd floor) 80110 Joensuu Phone +358 40 487 4897 [email protected]

Metal and wood

The main business sectors are the metal, wood and forestry industries, as well as border control and cross-border collaboration.

Joensuu is the forestry capital of Europe and a stronghold of forestry research centres, including the European Forest Institute and Joensuu Science Park.

A range of cultural offerings

Joensuu is a prominent part of the Finnish cultural scene, having birthed several well-known artists and inspiring scores of film production companies to shoot in the area.

The Ilosaarirock Festival, featuring internationally acclaimed artists, is sold out every year months in advance.

The orchestra, theatre and art museum are among the local institutions catering to visitors seeking cultural experiences. Joensuu's Onni Art Museum is also an interesting place to visit. There you'll find exhibitions on European church art and much more.

Eastern wilderness and Karelian culture

The nearby wilderness areas provide the perfect setting for nature enthusiasts. Jogging paths and a wide variety of facilities are a delight to sportsmen and women alike. The iconic Koli National Park is only an hour's drive north of Joensuu.

Joensuu believes in regional and international cooperation as vehicles for development, which is manifested in numerous projects spanning different areas of expertise.

If you'd like to know more about the lively Karelian culture, read our article about this region at visitfinland.com.

National Parks of North Karelia

The unique nature of North Karelia offers tourists a wide diversity of places to visit. The region’s four national parks, Koli, Kolovesi, Patvinsuo and Petkeljärvi, reveal the beauty of Karelian nature. Hikers particularly treasure the Ruunaa hiking area, located in Lieksa, renowned as one of the most important hiking destinations of North Karelia.

Koli National Park

Koli Did you know that the peak of Ukko-Koli is 354 metres above sea level and it is the highest place in Southern and Central Finland, the bed rock of the national park is over 2 billion years old and there is a wilderness church at the top of Akka-Koli?

Petkeljärvi National Park

Petkeljärvi is Finland’s smallest national park. In Petkeljärvi, you can enjoy of the peace of the wilderness nature at the same time with reachas you immerse yourself in history and cultural heritage.

Patvinsuo National Park

An abundance of sandy beaches of in Patvinsuo national park make this a sunbather’s paradise. Near the national park, you can safely watch wildlife and animals, such as wolverines and bears, from the viewing cabins.

Kolovesi National Park

Kolovesi national park is a paddler’s paradise, where you may just might meet encounter one of the famed Saimaa ringed seals.

Ruunaa area

Outdoor enthusiasts relish Ruunaa area’s well-balanced mix of great opportunities for hiking, fishing, and rafting. In total, there are around 50 kilometres of marked hiking trails and various white waters to admire from the shore or the seat of a white-water raft.

Find out more about the national parks

To find out more about the national parks, their services and trails go to at nationalparks.fi.

visitkarelia.fi

Ammattilaisille: dmo.visitkarelia.fi

YHTEYSTIEDOT

Pidä tauko Pohjois-Karjalassa

Testaa millainen matkailija olet

Talven taikaa Pohjois-Karjalassa

Lumivarma Pohjois-Karjala tarjoaa loistavat puitteet talviloman viettoon! Nauti hiljaisesta ja puhtaasta luonnosta lumikenkäretkellä, anna kehon ja mielen rentoutua kylpylän lämmössä ja fiilistele pakkasiltoja takkatulen ääressä. Kuulaina öinä voit bongata värikkäänä leiskuvia revontulia ja ihastella kimaltelevia hankia tähtitaivaan alla. Täydennä vierailusi uppoutumalla syvemmälle karjalaiseen kulttuuriin ja paikallishistoriaan tai osallistu monipuolisiin talvitapahtumiin ympäri maakunnan.

Vietä talviloma Pohjois-Karjalassa

Elämyspuoti – täynnä uusia kokemuksia

Elämyspuodista löydät aktiviteetteja, retkiä ja hemmotteluhetkiä joka lähtöön. Miltä kuulostaisi esimerkiksi herkullinen suklaatasting Kolilla, karjalaiset olympialaiset tai savusaunan lempeät löylyt?

Elämyspuoti tekee loman suunnittelusta helppoa, koska palvelujen varaaminen ja maksaminen onnistuu näppärästi suoraan verkossa. Käy kurkkaamassa puodin kattava tarjonta ja löydä itsellesi, perheellesi, kaveriporukalle tai vaikka työporukalle sopivaa tekemistä.

Löydä ja varaa elämyksesi täältä

Ulkoilureitit Pohjois-Karjalassa

Nyt löydät näppärästi koko Pohjois-Karjalan kattavat ulkoilureitit yhden linkin takaa. Etsitkö kenties lyhyttä retkeilyreittiä, joka sopii koko perheelle vai haluatko sitten lähteä pidemmälle useamman päivän vaellukselle? Vai oletko liikenteessä pyörällä ja kaipaat vaativia maastoja, joilla pääset haastamaan itsesi toden teolla? Uusi ulkoilureitti kokonaisuus kokoaa yhteen eri lajeihin ja tarkoituksiin sopivat reitit ympäri Pohjois-Karjalan.

Tutustu reittivalikoimaan ja vietä unohtumattomia retkihetkiä puhtaassa Pohjois-Karjalan luonnossa!

Lähde ulkoilemaan

Sami Kurosen makumatka Pohjois-Karjalassa

Sami Kurosen makumatka Pohjois-Karjalassa kuljettaa upean luonnon, kulttuurin ja karjalaisen vieraanvaraisuuden äärelle Nelosella ja Ruudussa. Samin matkassa pääset mukaan maistelemaan karjalaisia perinneherkkuja ja modernimpia makuja fine-dining -tyyliin sekä nauttimaan mieleenpainuvista luonto- ja kulttuurielämyksistä.

Tutustu ohjelman jaksoihin

Polkaise poluille

Pohjois-Karjalassa polkuja riittää joka lähtöön! Jo pelkästään Joensuusta löytyy yhtenäinen yli 200 kilometriä pitkä polkuverkosto ja voit hypätä pyörän selkään vaikka jo suoraan juna-asemalta. Niin ikään Kontiolahden ja Liperin laajat reittikokonaisuudet tarjoavat sekä haasteita että leppoisia maastoja jokaiseen makuun. Kiteellä ja Rääkkylässä pääsee ihastelemaan vehreitä metsiä sekä kimmeltäviä järvimaisemia. Ilomantsi ja Lieksa tarjoilee vastapainoksi pidempiä pyörävaellusreittejä erämaisissa maisemissa.

Tutustu reitteihin

Rentoudu kaikessa rauhassa

Hemmottele itseäsi kylpylälomalla kauniissa järvimaisemissa tai pulahda virkistävässä järvivedessä saunan yhteydessä. Vai kaipaatko kenties vain rauhallista yhdessäoloa perheen ja ystävien kanssa? Siinä tapauksessa esimerkiksi tunnelmallinen mökkiloma luontokohteiden lähellä voisi olla valinta juuri sinulle.

Rentoudu ja voi hyvin

Tarinoita vastuullisuudesta

Millaiset arvot ohjaavat matkailuyritysten vastuullisuutta? Miten matkailija voi tehdä parempia valintoja omilla matkoillaan? Kuinka matkailuyritys voi huomioida ekologisuuden lisäksi myös paikalliskulttuurin sekä sosiaalisen ja taloudellisen vastuullisuuden?

Vastuullisuustarinoita Pohjois-Karjalasta on artikkelisarja, joka tekee tutuksi pohjoiskarjalaisten matkailuyritysten arjen tekoja ja heidän matkaansa vastuullisen ja kestävän matkailun polulla.

Uppoudu yritysten tarinoihin

Täältä meidät löydät!

Pohjois-Karjala on Suomen itäisin maakunta. Maakuntamme pääkaupunki on Pielisjoen suulla, Pyhäselän rannalla sijaitseva Joensuu. Koko Pohjois-Karjala on täynnä mielenkiintoisia seikkailuja luontomatkailijalle, kulttuurin ja hyvän ruoan ystävälle sekä omaa rauhaa kaipaavalle.

Saapuminen Pohjois-Karjalaan, lue lisää

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Osallistu arvontaan ja voita liput matkamessuille! Pohjois-Karjala esittäytyy Matka 2024 -matkamessuilla 18. - 21.01.2024 Helsingin Messukeskuksessa. Nyt arvomme 20 pääsylippua matkamessuille yleisöpäiviin. Osallistu arvontaan 31.12.2023 mennessä kommentoimalla alle, mihin sinä haluaisit Pohjois-Karjalassa matkustaa ja mitä nähdä tai kokea? Meta ei ole mukana arvonnassa. @pohjois_karjala @matkamessut #matkamessut2024 #pohjoiskarjala ...

Minä lähden Pohjois-Karjalaan - lähde siis sinäkin! Pohjois-Karjala on mukana Matka 2024 matkamessuilla isolla yhteisosastolla, joka löytyy messukartan kohdasta 6f10. Tule rupattelemaan, nauttimaan vatsan täydeltä vieraanvaraisuutta, tapaamaan tuttuja pohjoiskarjalaisia ja hakemaan ideoita Pohjois-Karjalan lomallesi. Aisti, inspiroidu ja kohtaa koko maailma yhden viikonlopun aikana 19.-21.1.2024 Helsingin Messukeskuksessa. @matkamessut @pohjois_karjala @visitkarelia_finland ...

Embracing the magic of Kaamos in North Karelia, where darkness reigns and slows the pace. Amidst the shadows, we savor the precious rays of sunshine, finding beauty in the rhythm of the four seasons. 🌌🌅 @hemul75 📸photo: Heidi Multanen #kaamos #fourseasons #lakelandfinland #winterishere @pohjois_karjala @raakkylankunta @ourfinland ...

Exciting news! 🎬 Harvesting Memories, a short film co-produced by VisitKarelia and Torni-Filmi, has won the top prize at the international Food Film Menu 2023 competition at the Girona Film Festival in Spain. Directed and shot by Ukko Torni, written and produced by Minna Rautiainen-Cimrin, with music by Sari Kaasinen. A wonderful collaboration with VisitKarelia and the municipality of Rääkkylä. 🏆🎥 @tornifilmi @tastesaimaa @parastaraakkylaa @ourfinland @pohjois_karjala @igcat_org #HarvestingMemories #filmfestivalwinner #ruokamatkailu #europeanregionofgastronomy #northkarelia #lakelandfinland ...

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B&B Savikon Kartano

call +358400261552

Savikontie 37, 82500 Kitee

Aronsalmi Holiday Chalets

call +358400374634

Juusolantie 2, 75530 Nurmes

Ruoke Holiday Resort

call +35813371312

Ruokkeentie 58, 59800 Kesälahti

Koli National Park

Ylä-kolintie 31, 83960 Lieksa

Heinävesi railway station...

Heinävesi railway station.

Asematie 50 B, 79700 Heinävesi

Hattusaari Beach Cabins

call +358400341578

Hattusaarenkuja 1, 83960 Koli (Lieksa)

Petkeljärvi Outdoor Cente...

call +358414361790

Petkeljärvi Outdoor Center

Petkeljärventie 61, 82900 Ilomantsi

Uimaharju railway station

Ratatie 1, 81280 Uimaharju

Kesälahti railway station...

Kesälahti railway station.

Asematie 31, 59800 Kitee

Vihtari railway station

Ratatie 1, 79940 Heinävesi

Joensuu airport

Lentoasemantie 30, 80140 Joensuu

Jongunjoen Matkailu

call +358400949215

Kivivaarantie 21, 81970 Jongunjoki

Apartment Hotel Möhkön Ra...

call +358500649150

Apartment Hotel Möhkön Rajakartano

Mustakorventie 11, 82980 Ilomantsi

Villa Leinola Holiday cot...

call +358400375366

Villa Leinola Holiday cottages

Hornansaarentie 2, 82430 Kitee

Varpopirtit cottages

call +358505949059

Varporannantie 9 b, 82830 Ilomantsi

Vuonislahti railway stati...

Vuonislahti railway station.

Asematie 4, 81590 Lieksa

Kyykeri Manor Hotel

call +358452154060

Kyykerinkatu 18, 83500 Outokumpu

Viinijärvi railway statio...

Viinijärvi railway station.

Asema-alue, 83400 Viinijärvi

Taksi Itä-Suomi

call +35860110100

Ukkolantie 5, 80130 Joensuu

Petkeljärvi National Park...

Petkeljärvi national park.

Kourukoski Holiday Cottag...

call +358443344737

Kourukoski Holiday Cottages

Kourupurontie 49, 75890 Nurmes

Erä-Eero Wildlife Center

call +358400159452

Keljänpurontie 12, 81650 Lieksa

Lieksa railway station

Asemakatu, 81700 Lieksa

Kohtavaara railway statio...

Kohtavaara railway station.

75970 Nurmes

Wellbeing Itärajan Helmi

call +358447444070

Jouhkolantie 219, 82600 Tohmajärvi

Kylänlahti railway statio...

Kylänlahti railway station.

Kylänlahdentie 96, 81820 Kylänlahti

Kontiolomat apartments an...

call +358440456110

Kontiolomat apartments and travel park

Kontioniementie 26 A, 80770 Kontiolahti

Kitee railway station

Asematie 3, 82380 Kitee

Patvinsuo National Park

Suomuntie 56, 81650 Lieksa

Motel Kontio

call 0400596063

Huoltamontie 8, 80770 Kontiolahti

Joensuu railway station

Itäranta 12, 80100 Joensuu

Fighters House

call +358408380269

Hatuntie 387 A, 82967 Ilomantsi

Valamo Monastery

call +35817570111

Valamontie 42, 79850 Uusi-Valamo

Nurmes railway station

Raatihuoneenkatu 26, 75500 Nurmes

Koli Niinilahti Holiday C...

call 0407702277

Koli Niinilahti Holiday Cottages

Niinilahdentie 100, 83960 Koli

Eno railway station

Asematie 8, 81200 Joensuu

Veilis Villas Cottages

call 0400299202

Kirtsinniementie 133, 82360 Onkamo

Männikkölän Pirtti Guesth...

call +358400889845

Männikkölän Pirtti Guesthouse

Höljäkkä railway station...

Höljäkkä railway station.

Konnantie 3, 75990 Nurmes

Hotel Pielinen

call 0451467600

Läpikäytäväntie 54, 81590 Vuonislahti

Gasthaus PikkuPriha

call +358405774616

Pogostantie 42, 82900 Ilomantsi

dmo.visitkarelia.fi/en

For travelers: visitkarelia.fi/en

Four Distinct Seasons

Each one is magical in its own way..

June – August

 Finnish summer certainly includes picturesque views with green forests and blue lakes. It’s time for a wide range of nature adventures: hiking, canoeing, picking berries and mushrooms and many more. The white nights (or nightless nights), when it doesn’t get completely dark even at midnight, occur here from the beginning of May to the middle of August. Unlike countries where the sun ruthlessly burns vegetation to crisps, Finland usually remains green all summer.  

 Daily temperatures in summer are usually around+15°C +22°C.  

September – November

 Autumn is the right season to see colours of nature at their most intense. In Finnish language this nature phenomenon that paints northern landscapes in deep and soft tones is called ‘ruska’. I n North Karelia t he exact time  for the “ruska” is usually around the last week of September and the first week of October. Nuances of yellow, orange, red and everything in between will mesmerise those who visit our region during this period.  

 Daily average temperatures vary from +5°C in September to -6°C in November.  

December – March

 Winter is probably the most famous of the Finnish seasons. It is usually snowy and pretty cold. North Karelia’s numerous winter activities make it possible to have an eventful vacation. Play in the snow, go skiing or snowshoeing, experience winter fishing or just let your mind and soul relax by watching the beautiful sceneries. It’s also the best season to spot the magical Northern lights on the night skies.  

 Daily average temperatures in winter are around -5°C to -11°C .  

April – May

 The awakening of nature in North Karelia is an impressive show: migratory birds arrive from the South to nest, trees fill with leaves almost overnight and everything is abuzz with life. In May Mother Nature, tired of lying dormant and frozen under a blanket of snow, finally bursts into wild blossom and bright colours. Spring is a great season to enjoy sunlight, birds chirping and the rhythmic dripping from the rooftops as the sun slowly makes the thick layer of snow melt.  

 Daily average temperatures vary from -5°C in March to 11°C in May.  

Welcome to North Karelia!

Things to Do in Lieksa, Finland - Lieksa Attractions

Things to do in lieksa.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Era Eero

3. Pielisen Museum

4. Neitikoski Rapids

5. Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto

6. Pikkukili

7. VisitKarelia

8. reposuo-kalliolahdensuon luonnonsuojelualue, 9. kuivalan islanninhevostalli.

10. Ruunaan Matkailu

11. Koski-Jaakko

What travelers are saying.

• Pielisen Museum
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• Neitikoski Rapids

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Rail route of the month: gliding past Finland’s pristine forests and lakes

Our slow travel expert explores Finland’s borderlands with Russia as she embarks on a 300-mile journey from Helsinki to North Karelia

T he monumental facade of Helsinki’s main railway station has an elegant symmetry. Four giant, granite men, each one holding a lantern, are there to greet me. It is before seven on a quiet Saturday morning and I am here on an eastbound mission, heading for the only passenger railway in the European Union to cross the 30th meridian east of Greenwich.

From its train number, Finland’s IC1 service sounds as though it should be the most prestigious train in the country, just as 50 years ago the number TEE 1 was reserved for the premium Trans-Europe Express which dashed nonstop from Paris to Bordeaux. Finland’s IC1 doesn’t dash anywhere, averaging just over 60 mph on the 300-mile journey through lakes and forests to Joensuu, the administrative centre of the region which Finns know as Pohjois-Karjala (North Karelia). From Joensuu, it is another 100 miles and two hours on a local train to Nurmes, passing through gorgeous North Karelian countryside and crossing the 30th meridian along the way.

Border markers

The Intercity train from Helsinki to Joensuu is nearly empty. What’s striking is the innovative interior design of the six-carriage, double-decker train. There’s a children’s play area, complete with slide, in one carriage, designated space for pets at the end of the train and elsewhere a choice of private compartments for two or four people (which can also be booked with a supplement by solo travellers), and some airy, open-plan carriages. I head for the restaurant car and a simple breakfast of oatmeal porridge with berries, accompanied by orange juice and coffee (all for €7.90).

Now we are slipping out of Helsinki, passing sidings on the left where a couple of Allegro trains look very smart in the morning sunshine. Until late March, these sleek high-speed trains were used on the regular run to St Petersburg. The service was axed in protest at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the trains ran, St Petersburg was just three-and-a-half hours in Allegro comfort from Helsinki. Now the Russian city seems light years away.

The IC1 from Helsinki to Joensuu runs close to the Russian border; at one point we cross the eastern arm of Lake Simpele, passing within half a mile of the frontier. For Finns, the eastern territories ceded to Russia in the second world war have been the subject of much myth-making, with stories of an idealised Karelian past which so inspired Finnish music, song, art and literature in the 19th century. The reality of life on the other side of the border is less romantic. “See those dark clouds?” asks the train manager pointing to the east. “That’s pollution from the Russian pulp mills at Enso,” he says, emphatically using the former Finnish name for the Russian community that is now called Svetogorsk.

Karelian identity

There is an increasingly Russian feel to the landscape as the IC1 heads deeper into Finnish Karelia. There are Orthodox churches aplenty, easily identifiable by their distinctive cross, and many timber houses-cum-barns combined into very large two-storey buildings. The train’s pace slows as we cruise up the east shore of Pyhäselkä and enter Joensuu. It’s the end of the line for the IC1, and here those bound for rural outposts further north must change to a Czech-built railcar for the onward journey. Within a dozen minutes of arriving in Joensuu, we are on our way north, rattling over a white girder bridge that spans the fast-flowing Pielisjoki.

About 15 minutes later, we cross the 30th meridian east of Greenwich – the first of four occasions when our train passes that line of longitude. The easternmost railway station on the line (and thus anywhere in the European Union) is at Uimaharju, a village that lies as far east as St Petersburg. Uimaharju enjoys a fine lakeshore setting, slightly marred by a cluster of pulp mills and saw mills. Here, an Orthodox priest joins the train. We chat and he explains that Orthodoxy may be a mark of the east, but it’s not necessarily Russian. “The Finnish Orthodox Church is an official state church here in Finland,” he says, breaking off to point out a tiny wooden chapel capped by an Orthodox cross, in the forest by the railway. “That’s what we call a tsasouna ,” he says.

The last 90 minutes of the journey, from Uimaharju up to Nurmes, is the finest part of the entire ride from Helsinki. When this line was built, the Grand Duchy of Finland was part of the Russian Empire, and there are moments when I feel transported back in time to the rural Russia of tsarist times. By now, the green-and-white diesel railcar has emptied out. We slip by clearings in the forest where rye and potatoes are grown, past Karelian-style wooden houses and some very fine wooden churches. This is a journey into another world, one that all too soon reaches Nurmes. On the approach to the town, we pass a huge farmstead which had been painstakingly moved, log-by-log, from its original location on the Russian side of the border. It’s a nice example of how Finland has “recreated” elements of Karelian culture and identity within its constrained, postwar borders.

Nurmes is a lovely wee township that is gearing up to mark the 150th anniversary of its founding by Tsar Alexander II in 2023. This rural community, perched on a narrow peninsula jutting into the northernmost part of Lake Pielinen, is a perfect spot to spend a day or two. While it is just possible to make a day trip from Helsinki to Nurmes and back, a round trip of more than 16 hours, the better choice is to stay overnight and then continue on by bus. The two main options are to head north-west through the Karelian forests to Kajaani or south-west to Kuopio, both well-placed on Finland’s mainline rail network. Both bus routes run once daily (except Saturdays), with a journey time of about two hours.

Travel notes

The IC1 leaves Helsinki daily except Sundays at 6.57am. With a change in Joensuu, arrival in Nurmes is at 2pm. The return service leaves Nurmes at 3.40pm, giving arrival in Helsinki at 11.03pm. Interrail passes are valid throughout without any supplements.

One-way tickets in standard class (called Eco in Finland) from Helsinki to Nurmes if booked well in advance start at €25.60, but may be more than twice that if booked just prior to travel. The supplement to upgrade to first class is always €17.90. Fees for private compartments vary with how many people are travelling. Book tickets online at VR Finnish Railways .

Tickets for onward bus journeys from the railhead at Nurmes can be booked on the Matkahuolto app or website . The single fares from Nurmes to Kuopio and Kajaani are €21.80 and €25.80 respectively.

Nicky Gardner is a Berlin-based writer. The 17th edition of her book Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide is available from the Guardian bookshop . She is co-editor of Hidden Europe magazine

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In English pääkuva

North karelian museum.

• pohjoiskarjalanmuseo.fi

,Info in English

Welcome to north karelian museum.

North Karelian museum Hilma is located in the centre of Joensuu, in an old bank building next to the market square. The museum's permanent exhibition displays the prehistory and the history of Karelia and North Karelia. There are also several temporary exhibitions each year concentrating on various themes, such as local culture and history. You can find an audio guide to our permanent collection here .

Permanent exhibition: Visiting Karelia

The permanent exhibition “Visiting Karelia” takes you all the way from prehistoric times to present day in North Karelia. People in the area have always lived at nature’s mercy and the exhibition also covers this relationship between people and the environment.

Wars have left their mark on the area. This part of history is portrayed from different points of view. The traditional sauna shows how it served people for centuries as a place for both birth and death. The vibrant North Karelian rock music scene also has its own exhibition room.

We hope “Visiting Karelia” will be a rewarding journey to you, providing information and insight along with emotional experiences.

NEW! You can listen to an audio guide on your phone while visiting us, open the guide here . For the best museum experience, please bring your own headphones.

Mukulakatu – Children's Museum

Mukulakatu is a miniature museum street full of activities for our youngest visitors. The atmospheric alley of small wooden buildings completed with a marketplace and a harbor is built specifically for children. Please note that it is not allowed to leave your child alone at Mukulakatu.

Past exhibitions

13 oct–13 dec 2023.

The oldest aviation club in Finland, Joensuun Ilmailukerho (JIK), celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The autumn exhibition at the North Karelia Museum Hilma, titled " A Hundred Years of Aviation in North Karelia , " commemorates the illustrious history of the club and the 175th anniversary of the city of Joensuu.

The exhibition highlights both old and new visual material, as well as aviation-related objects and various ages and sizes of aircraft models. A special attraction in the exhibition is the fuselage and wing of the post-war Joensuu Aviation Club glider, Harakka II.

The 175th anniversary of the city of Joensuu is remembered in the exhibition with the film " Joensuun yllä ," which was shot in the autumn of 2022.

"A Hundred Years of Aviation in North Karelia" is the final exhibition for the North Karelia Museum Hilma in its current location at Carelicum.

13 May–17 Sep 2023

M_itä biennale.

The M_itä? Biennale of Contemporary Art is an overview of contemporary art which will be held every two years in East Finland. Its name is an acronym of the Finnish words mitä (what) and itä (east). The exhibition concept was created in association with Arts Promotion Centre Finland and its production is a collaboration between art museums of Kuopio, Mikkeli and Joensuu, with different professional curators for the individual exhibitions.

21 Jan 2023–16 Apr 2023 Natural Balance?

Pictures and videos of the nature of Eastern Finland are brought to Hilma by two experienced and award-winning nature photographers Jouni Erola and Jarno Artika.

15 Sept 2022–8 Jan 2023 Urbaretum 

Urbaretum – a collection of urban findings is an exhibit of the dialogue between archeological findings and Pasi Rajamäki’s photographs on the relationship between trash and treasures. By comparing these elements we can also consider how wasteful humankind is—how many incidental signs of existence we’ve left behind throughout the ages.

Photo: Pasi Rajamäki

12 May­–28 Aug 2022

Unforeseen is based on donated objects and photographs that have not been on display before in the entire 105-year history of North Karelian Museum.   The common theme for all the memorabilia in this exhibition is home and living – the oldest pieces represent the more unusual decorative objects from late 19th century bourgeois homes, e.g. a fireplace cover folding screen and a tobacco table. Many of the more recent objects may bring back memories, perhaps you had the same coffee mug, plate, vase or electric mixer at your grandmother’s home, your summer cottage or your home.

Photo:  Armi Jaloniemi / North Karelian museum

2 Feb–14 April 2022 East is East

Photographer Kimmo Kirves and culture journalist Suonna Kononen bring a colourful overview to East Finnish culture makers, artists and researchers through editorial photos at Hilma Museum. Kononen and Kirves interviewed people from four eastern counties: North Savo, South Savo, North Karelia and South Karelia. East is east -exhibition is based on a book by the same name. The book is a collection of these fascinating encounters. 

In the photo musician Joose Keskitalo , photo by Kimmo Kirves.

10 June–12 Sept 2021 East of Finland in Photography

The East of Finland in Photography is an amusing and wistful story of people, nature and boundaries. It tells of the heroes of the east – maidens spinning thread, loggers, hunters and evacuated Karelian mothers – but also how the modern cities of the east were built. The exhibition wanders through a mythical land, opening a window on life in the regions of Karelia, Savo and Kainuu. Its chronological span of photographs from the 1860s up to the present day reveals how the east has been seen at different times and how it has been chosen to be represented. The exhibition has been curated by visual culture researcher Riitta Raatikainen.

Koskikatu 5 (Carelicum) 80100 Joensuu Finland

North Karelian museum is located in the centre of Joensuu close to the market square, ca 1 km from the train station. Show on map

Opening hours

North Karelian museum and Children's Museum Mukulakatu

Monday–Tuesday 10 am–4 pm Wednesday 10 am–7 pm Thursday–Sunday 10 am–4 pm

Exceptions 2023

6 Jan closed, Epiphany 7–10 Apr  closed,   Easter 18 May closed, Ascension Day 23–25 June  closed, Midsummer 4 Nov  closed, All Saints' Day 6 Dec closed,   Independence Day 24–26 Dec  closed, Christmas

Changes may occur.

Open Days 2023

Admission to the museum is free on the first Wednesday of the month 4-7PM. (Wednesdays: 4 Jan, 1 Feb, 1 March, 5 Apr, 6 Sept, 4 Oct, 1 Nov & 13 Dec)

There's a free entrance to the museum on theme days. 2023 open days are as follows:   International Museum Day  18 May,  Joen yö  19 August, Joensuu Day  29 November.

With the exception of the "Adult + one child only to Mukulakatu" ticket, all other ticket types include admission to the entire museum, including both permanent and temporary exhibitions and the children's museum Mukulakatu.

• Museum ticket for adults 8 €
• Combination ticket including North Karelian Museum and Joensuu Art Museum 12 € (valid on the day of purchase)
• Adult + one child only to Mukulakatu 7 €
• Students, pensioners, unemployed, children (1–17 years) 4 €
• Children under 1 year for free
• Family ticket (2 adults, 1–3 children) 14 €
• Groups of more than 10 persons 4 €/person
• Club card to Mukulakatu (valid for 12 months) 31 €
• Museum Card is your ticket to North Karelian Museum and 300 other museums all around Finland. New card  76 €, renewal of valid card  69,5 €  (valid 1 year from first use).  

Audio Guide

https://tarinasoitin.fi/hilma  

Book a guided tour

Guided tours to the exhibitions are available by advance booking.The tour takes about 45 minutes.

• Guided tour in English or Russian: 67 € (Saturdays 70 € , Sundays and public holidays 134 € )
• Guided tour in Finnish: 62 € (Saturdays 64 € , Sundays and public holidays 124 € )

Bookings and enquiries [email protected] Tel. + 358 50 520 2762

Customer service

[email protected] Tel. +358 50 520 2762 Monday–Friday 9 am–3 pm

Museum is temporarily closed

We will open in a new location in 2025

Museum ticket 4 € Adult + child 7€

Museum card

Be all that you can be in the happiest country in the world, madly welcome by its most warm-hearted people –the North Karelians.

You’re welcome.

8 reasons to move to North Karelia

Practical Assistance

Yep, moving is a huge, life-altering decision, and we bet you have a lot of questions relating to that. Don’t worry; we are here to help! We want to make your decision-making process as smooth as possible. In fact, finding answers is what we do best (believe it or not, it’s our full-time job). And if we don’t have an answer right away, we’ll find it for you. That’s our core customer promise.

Better than New York!

Tsultrim tamang.

– Of course it was a culture shock to move from New York to Joensuu, but a positive one. Life is much better and calmer in Joensuu, says Tsultrim Tamang with a smile. The brilliant young man was brought to Finland and Joensuu by a Finnish wife and daughter.