Tourism Destinations of North Karelia

Lieksa is a city close to nature in the northern part of North Karelia, where extensive wilderness areas, waterways and a strong Karelian culture are highlighted. The area is especially known for the Koli National Park, whose national landscapes are among the most famous in Finland. During your visit, it is worth admiring the wide views of the Koli peaks, hiking on diverse routes and exploring the rapids and activities of the Ruunaa hiking area. In Lieksa, you can experience the true peace of nature and North Karelian hospitality all year round.

Juuka is just a stone's throw from Koli and introduces visitors to the world of geology in particular. Right along the 6-road is Kivikylä, where you can learn about the history of the Earth's formation, among other things. In Juuka, it is also worth hopping on a ferry and visiting Finland's highest island, Paalasmaa. In addition, Puu-Juuka and the Mill Museum area are worth visiting in the center of Juuka.

Nurmes, located on the shores of Lake Pielinen, is the northernmost city in our province. The Bomba area, which is particularly full of Karelian culture and traditions, and the Bomba Karelian village are among the top places to visit in Nurmes. The historically significant Puu-Nurmes, located in the city center, exudes the atmosphere of the past and you can go on a Karelian food trip, for example, with the guesthouse to guesthouse tours. Those interested in technology can stop by the Locomotive Depot to admire restored steam locomotives.

Ilomantsi is the easternmost municipality in Finland, where Karelian culture, military history and wilderness nature meet. In the area, it is worth visiting the Parppeinvaara poetry village and Parppeinpirtti, where you can get to know local traditions and tastes. The Hermanni wine tower offers stunning views of the Vaara region, and the Möhkö ironworks area offers an interesting glimpse into history. The nearby Petkeljärvi National Park is a great destination for excursions for the whole family.

Liperi is a municipality located near Joensuu, where water bodies, rural landscapes and diverse outdoor trails are nearby. The area has plenty to see, especially for culture and history lovers. During your visit, you should check out the Tähkä Countryside Museum, the Myllyn Vanhat Autot collection and the impressive Lammu miniature railway. In Liperi, you can enjoy the authentic rural atmosphere and peaceful environment all year round.

Outokumpu is a destination suitable for the whole family, combining mining history and beautiful ridge landscapes. The Old Mine, located in the middle of the city, offers an interesting glimpse into the past, and the area offers visitors the opportunity to explore the mining museum, museum tunnels and the Children's Mine all year round. For those interested in outdoor activities, there are marked trails, canoeing opportunities and fishing spots. At the Kolmikantan camping centre, you can relax in a wooden sauna and also stay in the peace of nature. In the summer, Särkiselkä Camping and the sandy beaches of Kaunisniemi offer a relaxed place to spend the day.

Located on the shores of the clear Höytiäinen Lake, Polvijärvi offers diverse outdoor terrain for every taste. The municipality, which consists of several smaller villages, takes you on a rural journey through beautiful landscapes. It is especially worth including Saarila farm tourism in your visit, where you can pet fluffy animals. The number one destination for boaters is definitely Hiekkasaari, whose unique and rugged nature takes visitors to a completely different world for a moment.

Kitee, the southernmost municipality in North Karelia, is known especially for its baseball and the internationally successful band Nightwish. In Kitee, you have the opportunity to learn more about the band's history at the A Nightwish Story exhibition center, which features instruments used on tours, original demo recordings and stories from along the way. You can grab delicious souvenirs from the Puruvesi smoked fish shop. The Kitee Animal Park, which is open all year round, is a great place for the whole family to visit.

Tohmajärvi is a municipality known for its culture, where literature, music and local history are strongly present. In the area, you can walk in the footsteps of Katri Helena and get to know the traditions at the Nymani Home and Pharmacy Museum. Kirkkonummi's beautiful lake landscapes invite you to enjoy yourself, especially in the summer. Puun Sielu 6 along the road offers a unique attraction for lovers of wood art.

Rääkkylä is located in the archipelago landscape of North Saimaa and offers a combination of culture and peaceful lakeside nature. In the area, you can visit the Cultural Center Villa Ruusula and get to know the kantele tradition. A spectacular flower festival held in the summer brings color and life to the area, as flower fields and country markets attract visitors to enjoy the atmosphere. The Eihveli observation tower offers magnificent views of Pyhäselä, and in Rääkkylä you can enjoy a genuine archipelago atmosphere all year round.

Heinävesi, the newest municipality to join North Karelia, is a paradise for holidaymakers and boaters. The clear waters and the six canals between them are delightful both from a boat and from land. For those seeking peace and quiet, the Valamo and Lintula monasteries are suitable for day trips or longer periods of relaxation. Kolovesi National Park is particularly popular with kayakers, and you can admire ancient rock paintings on the islands. Those who are lucky may also spot a Saimaa ringed seal basking on a rocky shore.