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 activities online
Have you always wanted to try Finnish sauna, ice fishing or snowshoeing, but you are not sure where and how to do it? Or would you discover the best starlight tours and hidden gems in North Karelia?
Our local guides will help you and familiarize you to Finnish culture in the Lakeland region. Find the best activities from the online shop and explore Finland by doing. Let’s go on an adventure!
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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Have you heard of the `Blue Moment` or `Sininen hetki` in Finnish? ❄️💙
It’s that magical in the afternoon when the winter sky glows in all shades of serene blue, and it feels like time stands still. 🌌✨
Winter in North Karelia is full of these breathtaking moments — perfect for quiet reflection or simply soaking in the beauty of nature’s masterpieces. Come and experience the peaceful charm of winter’s blue hour. 🩵
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Pohjois-Karjalassa vastuullisuus ei ole trendi, vaan arjen tekoja ja elämäntapa. Meillä kierrätetään ja arvostetaan paikallisia perinteitä. Puhdas luonto pidetään sellaisena. 💚
Pohjois-Karjalan osasto on rakennettu kierrätetystä ja hiilletystä puusta Puuartisti Oy:n toimesta kanssa, ja ilmettä täydentävät Kolo Designin ekologiset tuotteet. ✨
Tuomme puhtaan luonnon tullessamme, somisteina on oikeita mäntypuita, sammalta, kuivakukkia ja räsymattoja.
Tule tapaamaan meitä ja kuulemaan inspiroivia tarinoita yrittäjyydestä, joka kantaa vastuuta tuleville sukupolville. ✨
Lue lisää meidän sivuiltamme. Linkki biossa!
@matkamessut, @pkmatkailury, @pohjois_karjala #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #northkarelia #matkamessut2025 #matka2025 #messukeskus #vastuullisuus #kolodesign #puuartisti #luonnollisuus #arjentekoja
🌟 On the 26th of December in Finland we celebrate "Tapaninpäivä" or the Boxing Day. This day is typically spent still eating leftover foods from Christmas and relaxing with family.
🌠 What are your traditions for the in between days after Christmas and right before the New Year?
Thank you for the picturesque picture @tinttapiaroo ! 💝
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Pohjois-Karjala rikkaassa ruokaperinteessä maistuvat aidot raaka-aineet ja rakkaus tekemiseen. Rukiista leivottu leipä, karjalanpiirakat, villiruoan herkut ja karjalaisen keittiön klassikot kutsuvat makumatkalle, jossa aika unohtuu. 🍽️
Helsingin kansainvälisillä matkamessuille Pohjois-Karjalan osastolla (17.–19.1.2025) pääset testaamaan karjalaista makumaailmaa maakunnan ykkösherkuilla ja lähituotteilla! 💚
Mukana on myös palkittua luonnonkosmetiikkaa, joka ammentaa aineksensa lähiluonnosta. Pohjois-Karjala näyttää, että puhtaus, laatu ja perinteet kulkevat käsi kädessä! 🌿
Lue lisää meidän sivuiltamme. Linkki biossa!
@matkamessut, @pkmatkailury, @pohjois_karjala #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #northkarelia #matkamessut2025 #matka2025 #messukeskus #ruokakulttuuri #karjalainenkulttuuri #karjalanpiirakat #ruokaperinne #emmanpuoti
Rauhallista joulun aikaa sekä onnellista uutta vuotta 2025! 🥰☃️
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025! ✨🎄
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien #kolinationalpark #itsenäisyyspäivä2024 #suomenitsenäisyyspäivä #independencedayfinland #ourfinland #visitfinland #koli #kolinationalpark #talvi #winter #winterinfinland❄️ #snow #snowdestination #winterinlakelandfinland
❄️✨ Winter has finally arrived, and there`s no better place to embrace the season than North Karelia!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photograph @maija.r.savolainen 🌬🩵
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien #kolinationalpark #ourfinland #visitfinland #talvi #winter #winterinfinland❄️ #snow #snowdestination #winterinlakelandfinland