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Here we are!
North Karelia is a part of the Lakeland Finland. Joensuu is the regional hub of North Karelia, located approximately 400 km to the Northeast from Helsinki. Read more about the most convenient ways of reaching our destination and Finnish Lakeland.
Book experiences and adventures!
Now you can easily find a great selection of activities, experiences, events, attractions, rental services and restaurants behind one link! North Karelia offers e.g. adventures for every season. Try for instance Authentic Karelian Culture & Cuisine in Finnish Lakeland, Biking Tour around Lake Pielinen or have sauna like a Finn!
The best of North Karelia
Where can you go nowadays to escape from the concrete walls and traffic jams of the big city, without winding up in overcrowded tourist resorts?
Is there anywhere where you can spend a holiday which really does get you “away from it all”? If you are looking for a different type of holiday, then North Karelia might be just the right destination for you.
Find your nature
In North Karelia you may spend a relaxing holiday in a traditional holiday house located by a lake. The Finnish national landscape that opens from the oldest bedrock of Europe, Koli hills is of course something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. For nature lovers the four national parks of our region offer great trails for day-hikes.
Karelian culture in two ways
Karelian flavors
North Karelia is a great destination for food enthusiast. You´ll find authentic flavors and experience how food is prepared from what the lakes and forests offer during different seasons. Autumn brings to table all harvest delicacies with the combination of soft and sour flavors. Forests are also full of tasty berries and mushrooms waiting for someone to pick them up.
Karelian culture
Karelian culture is not just about food. Our region can tell you many interesting stories about orthodoxy, rune singing, war history, karelian traditions and other characteristics of life between East and West.
Stories of Sustainability
Here in North Karelia our actions rely strongly on sustainability, and we are proud of our unique nature and culture. Are you aware, how differently companies can take account both ecological, social, economic, and cultural aspects of sustainability in their businesses?
A series of articles presents sustainable stories behind North Karelian companies, which have received Sustainable Travel Finland label from Visit Finland. Familiarize yourself with the businesses and follow their journey on the sustainable development path.
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🎈 JOENSUUN VAPPU 30.4.–1.5.2026 🎈
Kokosimme yhteen vappuaaton ja -päivän menot Joensuussa – nappaa tärpit talteen!
🎓 VAPPUAATTO 30.4.
klo 11.50 Vapaudenpatsaan lakitus, Vapaudenpuisto
klo 15.00 Alkukivien lakitus, yliopisto
klo 15.15 Vappukulkue yliopistolta Ilosaareen
klo 16.00 Vappuleijonan metsästys (opiskelijatapahtuma)
klo 16.00–18.30 Opiskelijoiden vapputapahtuma, Ilosaari
klo 17.00 Vappumatinea, Joensuun konservatorio
🎉 VAPPUPÄIVÄ 1.5.
📍 Kauppatori
klo 9.00–16.00 Vapputori
klo 9.00 Vapputervehdys, puhallinorkesteri & mieslaulajat
klo 10.15 Vappumarssi ja torijuhla
klo 11.30 Simasuut torilavalla
✨ Lisäksi
klo 10.00–12.00 Vanhojen autojen näyttely, ravirata
klo 12.30 Vanhojen autojen paraati keskustaan
klo 12.00–16.00 RytmiHäiriköiden konsertti, Ilosaari
klo 15.00 Vappuravit, ravirata
klo 17.00 Vapputanssiaiset, Ahjo
Nähdään vappuhulinassa! 🥳
🎈 MAY DAY AT BOTANIA! 🌿
Thu 30 Apr 09:00–18:00
Fri 1 May 09:00–21:00
Welcome to celebrate May Day at Botania, surrounded by lush greenery!
The indoor garden is starting to bloom beautifully, and it’s always warm in the tropics, rain or shine. There’s plenty to explore for all ages.
A new art exhibition, “Deepened Glimpses”, is on display in Botania’s café. The exhibition brings together nine works from an advanced project by visual arts education students at the University of Eastern Finland. The pieces explore memories, storytelling, materials and different forms of visual expression. The exhibition runs until 15 May 2026.
At the café you’ll find donuts, ice cream, sima and other treats throughout the week. Enjoy them in the tropical warmth 🌴 Authentic May Day sima made at Botania is also available in 1L bottles while supplies last.
🎟️ Free entry to the café
🎟️ Garden day tickets 8 / 10 / 15 €
🎟️ Annual pass gives unlimited access to the gardens and events all year round
Come celebrate May Day in a green oasis 💚
#pohjoiskarjala #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #joensuu
Dreaming of summer in the North Karelia region? ☀️
Endless lakes, peaceful forests and light filled nights are waiting for you. This is where nature slows you down and every moment feels like a breath of fresh air.
Save this for your summer plans and let North Karelia surprise you 💚
#pohjoiskarjala #visitkarelia #koli #sauna #northkarelia
🌞 Summer Opening Event at Joensuu Market Square! 🌞
Kick off the summer season in North Karelia at Joensuu Market Square on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 9 AM to 5 PM!
Discover the best of the region all in one place. Meet local tourism operators, explore charming villages and get inspired by summer destinations, events and experiences across North Karelia.
🎶 Program on the market stage starts at 10 AM
✨ Expect a vibrant atmosphere, local flavors, unique finds and plenty of ideas for your summer adventures!
Welcome to celebrate the start of summer! 🌿
🤩 Tänään käytiin edustamassa Rääkkylässä Villa Ruusulassa VisitKarelian matkailutoimijoiden aamukahvitilaisuudessa "aamukaffeil"!
Oli nimittäin pöytä katettuna päähän. Ja ei jäänyt nälkä! 😋
Suuri kiitos osallistuneille! 🥰
🌹 Voit lukea lisää Villa Ruusulasta täältä:
https://www.villaruusula.fi
🌊 Rääkkylän matkailutarjonnasta voit lukea lisää osoitteesta:
https://pohjoinensaimaa.fi/pohjoisen-saimaan-alue/raakkyla/
#pohjoiskarjala #villaruusula #rääkkylä #visitkarelia #visitkarelia_finland