The route is best done on foot or by bicycle; not all sites are accessible by car. There are resting places along the route, for example, it is worth stopping at the Wine Tower for coffee while enjoying the beautiful views. Check the tower’s opening hours by clicking here.
Urban Walk
|Ilomantsi
Pogosta cultural route
The Pogosta cultural route is approximately 4.5 km long, equipped with signposts and information boards. The route circles 12 of the most significant cultural sites of Pogosta in Ilomantsi.
Description
Along the route are the Church of Saint Elijah, Kokonniemi cemetery, and the Ilomantsi war hero cemetery. The current Church of Saint Elijah reflects the long history of the parish and the Orthodox origins of the population in Ilomantsi. Kokonniemi is a typical Karelian cemetery right next to the village. The war hero cemetery is located at the site of the previous Elijah church. This holy ground holds the remains of a large number of fallen Orthodox men and women of Ilomantsi. The final destination is the summit of Pappilanvaara, where a small Elijah church stood over 500 years ago. From the hill’s top opens a beautiful hillscape across Lake Ilomantsi.
Other interesting sites include Kauppatie, a nationally significant cultural environment, and Mustamäki Cemetery, where thousands of Ilomantsi residents who died of starvation in the 1860s were buried. Welcome to the Pogosta cultural route! The route is introduced in the Ilomantsi guide and its own brochure.
Safety
Traffic and weather conditions must be taken into account on the route.
Location & Parking
See public transport schedules for the Joensuu area here.
When heading to the route, you can park the car in the parking lots of Ilomantsi town center.
Directions
There is a map brochure of the Pogosta cultural route available at the tourist info in Parppeinvaara, the Piirola Yard shop, or the Katri Vala Cultural Center. The route is clearly signposted and you can start the route even from the Kauppatie and Mantsintie intersection. The route and points of interest can also be found on Outdooractive: Pogosta cultural route
Tools and equipment
Shoes suitable for walking and rain gear if necessary.
Starting point
The designated starting point is Varismaa Cemetery, but you can begin the route at any point along the way.
Destination
The route markers end at Kauppatie.
Length
4.9km
Estimated time
01:15h
Ascent meters
69m
Descent meters
59m
Highest point
187m
Lowest point
147m
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Updated: 19.03.2026