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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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Kontiolahti tarvitsee nyt sinua🙌
Kontiolahti on hakemassa MM-ampumahiihtokisoja vuodelle 2031 Pohjois-Karjalaan. Siksi käynnissä on jotain ainutlaatuista: voit ostaa ehdollisen lipun ja olla konkreettisesti mukana tuomassa kisat tänne.
Meillä on kaikki valmiina. Huippuluokan stadion. Varma lumi. Kansainvälisesti arvostettu osaaminen.
✔ Ostat lipun nyt
✔ Maksat vain, jos kisat saadaan Kontiolahdelle
✔ Saat lipun murto-osalla tulevasta hinnasta
Jos olet koskaan ajatellut, että olisi hienoa kokea ampumahiihdon MM-kisat Suomessa, nyt on hetki tehdä siitä totta.
Yhdessä voimme näyttää, mihin Kontiolahti pystyy.
👉 Osta ehdollinen lippu ja ole osa tarinaa
👉 Ehdollisen lipun hinta on 15 euroa (normaalihinta myöhemmin 35–60 euroa). Lippu oikeuttaa pääsyn pääkatsomoon.
👇Ehdollinen lipunmyynti Kontiolahden MM2031-kisoihin
@klahtibiathlon biosta.
📸: Esa Kinnunen
The weather is finally getting warmer ☀️🌿
The light lingers longer, the air feels softer and the weekend is just around the corner. A perfect moment to step outside, enjoy nature and take a breath from everyday life.
Wishing you a relaxing and sunny weekend from North Karelia!
#pohjoiskarjala #visitkarelia_finland
🌷 April Market at Joensuu Market Square! 🌷
Welcome to enjoy a lively spring market atmosphere in Joensuu on Friday and Saturday, April 10–11, 2026!
🕗 Opening hours
Friday 8 AM to 6 PM
Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM
🎶 On Saturday at 12 PM at the market stage
Joensuu Wind Orchestra presents the concert “Iskelmää ilmassa”
Conducted by Mika Hirvonen
✨ Expect delicious treats, great finds and a cheerful market vibe for all ages!
See you at the market square! 🌞
Hyvää pääsiäistä ✨
Pääsiäinen tuo mukanaan valon, kevään ja uuden alun. Luonto herää, päivät pitenevät ja on hyvä hetki pysähtyä nauttimaan rauhasta ja pienistä asioista.
Olipa suunnitelmissasi ulkoilu, yhdessäolo tai hetki omaa aikaa, toivotamme sinulle levollista ja iloista pääsiäistä 💛
ENG - Happy Easter ✨
Easter brings light, spring and a sense of new beginnings. Nature is waking up, the days are getting longer and it is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the little things.
Whether you are spending it outdoors, with loved ones or taking a quiet moment for yourself, we wish you a peaceful and joyful Easter 💛
📸: @sinituuliah