North Karelia – Life in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
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Koli
Koli is one of North Karelia's best-known nature destinations and an important part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The views from its hilltops over Lake Pielinen have inspired artists, writers, and travellers for generations. The national landscape seen from Ukko-Koli is one of Finland's most iconic views and a sight that leaves a lasting impression.
Within the biosphere reserve, Koli represents a balance between nature, culture, and sustainable tourism. Visitors can hike along forest trails, explore traditional landscapes, and experience the changing seasons up close. Each season reveals a different side of Koli, from the lush green forests of summer to the vibrant colours of autumn and the snow-covered landscapes of winter.
Koli's national landscapes, pristine nature, and views over Lake Pielinen offer a chance to see how biodiversity, recreation, and tourism can exist side by side. This is what makes Koli one of Finland's most significant nature tourism destinations and an important part of the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve.
Koli National Park
Koli National Park is one of Finland's best-known nature destinations. The iconic national landscape from the top of Ukko-Koli, diverse hiking trails, and views over Lake Pielinen make it a memorable destination in every season. The national park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the nature of North Karelia responsibly and at their own pace.
Tarina-Aho
Tarina-Aho offers a unique accommodation experience on Kelvänsaari Island, surrounded by Lake Pielinen. The property is reached by boat, and guests can enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere, traditional lakeside saunas, and warm Karelian hospitality.
Gravel biking in Koli
Koli has a 25-kilometre cycling route that takes you through Koli's scenic hills, along the shores of Lake Pielinen, and to the Räsävaara Observation Tower. The route offers a memorable way to explore the nature of the biosphere reserve by bike.
Vuonislahti
Just a short ferry ride from Koli, Vuonislahti is a charming village where Karelian culture and a strong sense of community are still very much alive. The village's welcoming people and strong traditions offer visitors an opportunity to experience the authentic Karelian way of life.
Vuonislahti's best-known attraction is Paateri, the studio home of artist Eva Ryynänen and its impressive artist-designed church. Intricate wood carvings, a unique combination of art and traditional craftsmanship, and the surrounding nature make Paateri one of North Karelia's most remarkable cultural attractions. The nearby Paateri Trail also offers a peaceful way to explore the surrounding nature and landscapes on foot.
Vuonislahti reflects the idea behind the biosphere reserve: nature, culture, and local communities come together to create a vibrant and sustainable region. Visitors can experience the Karelian way of life, discover local cultural heritage, and enjoy genuine Karelian hospitality.
The Paateri Artist's Home
Paateri is the former home and studio of sculptor Eva Ryynänen and is also home to the renowned Paateri Church. Intricate wood carvings, unique works of art, and the surrounding nature make Paateri one of North Karelia's most remarkable cultural attractions.
Paateri trail
The Paateri Trail is a scenic hiking route that winds through forests, meadows, and lakeside landscapes, offering the chance to discover the area's nature, history, and Karelian culture along the way. During the hike, you can stop at the Koiraniemi campfire site to enjoy the views and have a picnic. At the end of the trail, Paateri awaits, where visitors can discover the life's work of one of North Karelia's best-known artists.
Cultural experiences by Pielisen Lumo
Pielisen Lumo ry keeps Vuonislahti's vibrant cultural scene alive throughout the year. Its activities include theatre performances, concerts, boating experiences, events, and experiences centred around local food culture. These activities bring locals and visitors together while keeping Karelian traditions alive as part of everyday life in Vuonislahti.
Ruunaa Hiking Area
Ruunaa Hiking Area is part of the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve and is particularly known for the rapids of the Lieksanjoki River, vast forests, and diverse outdoor activities. The area offers well-marked hiking trails, paddling routes, fishing spots, and rest areas, making it easy to explore nature throughout the year.
Ruunaa is one of Finland's best-known whitewater destinations. The rapids of the Lieksanjoki River attract paddlers, anglers, and visitors interested in whitewater rafting. You can explore the area independently or join a guided excursion.
Within the biosphere reserve, Ruunaa represents North Karelia's rich waterways and sustainable outdoor recreation. Nature conservation, recreation, and tourism complement one another, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the area's natural environment while respecting it.
Patvinsuo National Park
Patvinsuo National Park is one of North Karelia's most valuable nature destinations and an important part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The national park is known for its vast wetlands, crystal-clear lakes, and old-growth forests, which provide habitats for many rare plant and animal species.
At Patvinsuo, visitors can hike along marked trails, walk on boardwalks through beautiful wetland landscapes, and explore the area's diverse nature throughout the year. The national park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as several species typical of wetland habitats nest in the area.
Petkeljärvi National Park
Petkeljärvi National Park tells the story of both landscapes shaped by the Ice Age and the history of North Karelia's border region. The park's long ridges, clear lakes, and pine forests create a landscape that stands in striking contrast to the region's vast wetlands.
Visitors can explore marked hiking trails, discover ridge formations created during the Ice Age, and visit trenches dating back to the Continuation War. Nature and history go hand in hand at Petkeljärvi, making the national park a fascinating destination for those interested in both the natural environment and cultural heritage.
Parppeinvaara Rune Singer's Village
Parppeinvaara Rune Singer's Village is the heart of Karelian culture in Ilomantsi. Surrounded by scenic hills, the village brings the tradition of rune singing, the sounds of the kantele, Orthodox traditions, and Karelian hospitality to life. Historic buildings, fascinating stories, and traditional flavours offer a unique journey into the roots of the Kalevala and the culture of Border Karelia.
Möhkö Ironworks
Möhkö Ironworks is a diverse museum site in Möhkö, Finland’s easternmost village, in Ilomantsi. Explore the historic ironworks and the surrounding nature, and learn about the area’s wartime history at the museum.
Canoeing Route from Nehvonniemi to Lake Koitere
The canoeing route takes you into the heart of Ilomantsi’s wilderness, through the scenic ridges of Petkeljärvi National Park, protected wetlands, and the island-dotted waters of Lake Koitere. Canoeing is one of the most sustainable ways to explore the area’s unique natural environment: travelling quietly on the water allows you to experience the landscapes, birdlife, and wilderness up close without disturbing them. Along the route, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the Koitajoki River, the pine forests of the national park, and the vast archipelago landscapes of Lake Koitere.
Kesonsuo
Kesonsuo can be explored along a nature trail of approximately 1.1 kilometres, which leads to a birdwatching tower via wooden boardwalks. The tower offers views over the wetland landscape, and the area is especially popular with birdwatchers in spring and early summer.
Within the biosphere reserve, Kesonsuo represents North Karelia's valuable wetland habitats and biodiversity. The area offers visitors an opportunity to discover the ecosystem of a raised bog and observe birdlife while respecting the natural environment.
Joensuu
Joensuu is the regional capital of North Karelia and the Forest Capital of Europe, where urban life and nature come together.
Tuupovaara, a rural district of Joensuu, is part of the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve. From the city, it is easy to continue your journey to other destinations within the Biosphere Reserve, for example towards Lieksa.
In the heart of Joensuu, Taitokortteli (the Artisan Quarter) offers an opportunity to discover North Karelian craftsmanship and purchase locally made products. The Pielisjoki River, forests, and nearby natural areas bring nature into the cityscape, making Joensuu a natural stop on the way to the Biosphere Reserve.
Botania
Botania is a unique art garden where nature, art, and people come together throughout the year. The tropical garden, butterflies, exhibitions, and events offer experiences for all ages and an opportunity to discover biodiversity in the heart of Joensuu.
Hotel Lietsu
Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel offers accommodation where Karelian cultural heritage and sustainability play an important role. The hotel's stories, interior design, and local flavours invite guests to discover the culture of North Karelia throughout their stay.
Lykynlampi
Lykynlampi is one of Joensuu's most popular outdoor recreation areas, where visitors can enjoy nature throughout the year. The area offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, cross-country skiing, and relaxing in nature, just a short distance from the city.
Vekarus Accessible Trail
The Vekarus Accessible Trail offers a wonderful nature experience in a compact setting. The approximately 500-metre trail winds through impressive spruce forests and crosses the rushing Vekaruskoski rapids via a bridge. Along the trail, you will find an accessible traditional Finnish hut, a campfire site, and a dry toilet. Wheelchair users are advised to have an assistant due to the steeper sections of the trail.
Partnership network
The North Karelia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is not only a geographical area, but also a collaborative network. The network includes businesses, associations, educational institutions, and other organisations committed to promoting sustainable development through their own activities. The work of the Biosphere Reserve is built on collaboration.
Partners set their own sustainable development goals, which may focus, for example, on enhancing biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, improving energy efficiency, or promoting responsible tourism. The aim of the collaboration is to share good practices, develop new approaches, and strengthen North Karelia’s position as a model region for sustainable development within UNESCO’s global network of Biosphere Reserves. Practical measures are implemented through collaborative projects.
FAQs
A Biosphere Reserve is an area recognised by UNESCO whose purpose is to promote the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, as well as sustainable development through the active participation of local communities. Biosphere Reserves are therefore learning areas for sustainable development where UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is put into practice.
The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme launched by UNESCO in 1971 to improve the relationship between people and the environment. The programme combines the natural and social sciences to promote sustainable development. Its aim is to improve people’s livelihoods while protecting both natural and managed ecosystems. Biosphere Reserves serve as sites where the programme is put into practice.
The geographical boundaries of the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve encompass Lieksa, Ilomantsi, and the Tuupovaara district of Joensuu, while Biosphere Reserve activities extend throughout the entire North Karelia region.
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