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 activities online
Have you always wanted to try Finnish sauna, ice fishing or snowshoeing, but you are not sure where and how to do it? Or would you discover the best starlight tours and hidden gems in North Karelia?
Our local guides will help you and familiarize you to Finnish culture in the Lakeland region. Find the best activities from the online shop and explore Finland by doing. Let’s go on an adventure!
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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🐟 North Karelia is a great place for fishing. We have possibilities for both beginners and for those more advanced in fishing.
🎣 Lakes Höytiäinen, Pielinen and Pyhäselkä provide unique fishing experiences. In addition Koitere and Koitajoki in Ilomantsi and the rapids of Ruunaa offer special fishing moments!
🚣♀️ For example Pielisen Retki and Sisu Fishing offer guided fishing trips where you can take part whatever your skill level is.
@pielisenretki @sisufishing
Thank you for the beautiful photo @lasse_eggers ! 🍂
#fishingtrips #kalastus #fishinginfinland #landdertausendseen #tuhansienjärvienmaa #fishing #pielinen #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien
🍂 Autumn season is the peak season for foraging of all sorts of food. Have you been to the forest to pick for example lingonberries, mushrooms or collected apples from your own yard?
🫐 A lot of Karelian cuisines uses these fresh local ingredients in their cooking. You can read more about Karelian flavours here:
https://www.visitkarelia.fi/en/karelian-flavors/
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnishnature #finnishhappiness #ourfinland #dicoveringfinland #berrypicking #retkipaikka #nordkarelien #finnland #seengebiet #seenplatte #blueberries #freshfromnature #luonnonantimet #tastesaimaa #europeanregionofgastronomy
Thank you for the fun picture @hakoniemiluovatila 🍎🍏
Greetings from Parppeinvaara, Ilomantsi! 🌺
We are still somewhere between summer and autumn. Look at these amazing colors! 🤩
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #parppeinvaara #ravintolaparppeinpirtti #ilomantsi #visitilomantsi #karelianculture #karjalainenkulttuuri #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #suomenluonto #autumn #ruska @visitilomantsi @parppeinpirtti
Did you know that North Karelia is also a great spot to travel with your pets? 🐕🐈⬛ The many hiking routes in the region provide a great active holiday option for people travelling with for example dogs.
You can look into nature activities and hiking routes in North Karelia from here:
https://www.visitkarelia.fi/en/nature-attractions/
Suomeksi vinkkejä lemmikkien kanssa matkustaville löydät osoitteesta:
https://www.visitkarelia.fi/majoitu/lemmikin-kanssa-matkustaminen/
Thank you for this adorable picture to @voittojaonni 🐾🫶
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien #lakelandbomba #travellingwithdogs #travellingwithdog #tourismwithpets #pettravel #dogsofinstagram #koli #kolinationalpark #ruunaa #herajärvenkierros #
We have witnessed some stunningly beautiful sunsets this summer! 🤩 Right now also the autumnal colours in the trees are coming as the seasons are changing. 🍁🍂
Thank you for this beautiful shot @rissanenl ! 🧡
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien #lakelandbomba
Have you already seen this side of Koli National Park? ☀🍂 Ryläys is officially not part of the National Park but it is definitely one of the amazing and unique views close by. From Koli Nature Center Ukko it is about 8,5 kilometers by foot to Ryläys.
📷 Thank you @hennue for sharing this beautiful picture with us!
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ryläys #kolinkansallispuisto #kolinationalpark #koli #showyourkoli #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #retkipaikka #luontoonfi #nordkarelien #finnland #seengebiet #seenplatte #lieksa #kontiolahti @showyourkoli