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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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📣 Heads up for hikers: Suomun tila will reopen in Patvinsuo this spring
There is good news from Patvinsuo National Park for the upcoming hiking season. Suomun tila will reopen during the spring as Tiina’s café begins operating in the area.
☕ When Suomun tila opens in spring, visitors can enjoy café services and accommodation for hikers and travellers. You can stop by for a coffee, buy hiking food and local products, or stay overnight in the peaceful wilderness surroundings of Patvinsuo.
🏡 The main building of the former forest ranger’s farm offers accommodation rooms and shared lodging with over 20 beds in total. The area also has a caravan site with seven places and rental saunas.
🌿 During the busiest hiking season from summer to early autumn, Suomun tila will be open every day of the week. At other times the services will operate with more limited opening hours.
🥾 Suomun tila is an important starting point for several routes in Patvinsuo National Park. From here you can access trails such as Mäntypolku (4.7 km), Suomunkierto (15.9 km), and connections to longer hiking routes like Patvinkierto, Susitaival and Karhunpolku.
Add Patvinsuo to your spring hiking list already. 🌲
More information:
Patvinsuo Kansallispuisto
❄️ Weekend trip to Koli by Ski Bus!
🚌 It is easy to head to Koli for the weekend with the Ski Bus. Hop on in Joensuu and spend the day surrounded by Finland’s national landscapes.
🚠 At Koli you will find ski slopes and well maintained cross country ski tracks. You can bring your own skis or rent equipment on site. If you are looking for a more relaxed activity, the national park trails and the views from Ukko Koli offer beautiful surroundings for a walk. At the end of the day, you can also unwind in the warm pools at Koli Relax Spa.
🚌 The Ski Bus runs on Saturdays and Sundays based on reservations. You can visit Koli for the day or stay overnight and return the next day. Please buy your ticket in advance no later than 18:00 on the day before departure.
😊 Interested? Take a closer look, it costs nothing!
Website: koliski.fi
@koliskiresort @showyourkoli
#pohjoiskarjala #koli #joensuu #visitkarelia
🙋♂️Kalevala Day
Welcome to spend a shared museum day at Museo Eliel this Saturday, February 28!
Eliel Saturdays are themed days organised once a month, with a programme suitable for visitors of all ages. In February, the museum will be filled with workshops and guided tours inspired by Kalevala Day🤴🏽
✨ Programme ✨
Lintukoto – non stop workshop
Pedatila from 11 am to 3 pm
In this self guided workshop you can craft your own bird to take home or leave it in the Lintukoto installation. At the same time, you will learn about the birds of Finnish folk poetry and the Kalevala, such as the eagle, swan, pochard, swallow and cuckoo.
Mythical – guided tours for the whole family
Rahakamari at 12 pm and 1 pm
This interactive guided tour for the whole family explores creatures and spirits from Finnish folklore. You will also hear poems, stories and beliefs about mythical animals in folk poetry.
The Karelian roots of the Kalevala – guided tour
Rahakamari at 2 pm
This tour, aimed at adults and young people, explores the Kalevala in relation to the museum’s Karjalan neito exhibition and opens up the process behind the birth of the epic. How did Karelian runo singing and culture become building blocks of Finnish national identity through the Kalevala and artists inspired by Karelia?
See you at the museum!
Ticket prices:
Regular ticket - 12 €
Students, pensioners, unemployed, conscripts and children aged 1 to 17 - 5 €
Family ticket - 20 € (2 adults and 2 to 3 children)
🔥 Biathlon World Cup in Kontiolahti March 5 to 8, 2026
The world’s best biathletes return to Kontiolahti. Expect top level sport, thrilling finishes and an incredible competition atmosphere in wintery North Karelia. Join us on site to experience the speed and excitement.
🗓 Full competition schedule
Thursday March 5
• 16.00 venue opens
• 18.05 Individual competition, women 15 km
Friday March 6
• 16.00 venue opens
• 18.10 Individual competition, men 20 km
Saturday March 7
• 12.30 venue opens
• 14.40 Mass start, women 12.5 km
• 16.40 Relay, men 4 x 7.5 km
Sunday March 8
• 12.30 venue opens
• 14.30 Relay, women 4 x 6 km
• 16.40 Mass start, men 15 km
See you in Kontiolahti ❄️
Photos: Esa Kinnunen
@klahtibiathlon
#winterskiing #visikarelia_finland #visitkarelia #biathlon #kontiolahti #biathlon2026