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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The Biathlon World Cup kicks off today in Kontiolahti! 🤩⛷
💙 Come and enjoy the exciting international competition atmosphere and a variety of side events. The program includes e.g., hot air balloon rides, a Christmas season opening at the stadium, athlete interviews, food and sales stalls, and music. Entry to the event square is free of charge.
🚌 Free shuttle buses run every 15-20 minutes from Joensuu city center, Lehmo, and Kontiolahti.
➡ More information: @klahtibiathlon and see the link in our bio.
@kontiolahti_kunta, @kontionloikka, @pohjois_karjala, @visitjoensuu #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #kontiolahti #ampumahiihto #biathlon #biathlonworldcup #biathlonworld #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #nordkarelien #visitlakelandfinland
🌬 Have you ever tried ice swimming? Ice swimming has many reported health benefits such as enhanced immune system, improved cardiovascular health and circulation, reduced stress and even pain relief.
🧊 Ice swimming places in different locations in North Karelia:
🩵Joensuu
- Winter swimming center Joensuu Polar Bears (Joensuun jääkarhut): https://www.joensuunjaakarhut.fi/in-english/
- Sauna Oasis (Saunakeidas)
https://www.saunakeidas.fi/en/
💙Private sauna in Paihola, Kontiolahti:
https://www.paihola.fi/en/sauna
💦 Koli Freetime ice swimming:
https://kolifreetime.fi/en/to-see-and-to-do/sauna-and-iceswimming-in-koli
🏊♀️ You can read more about the Finnish sauna here: https://www.visitkarelia.fi/en/finnish-sauna-2/
❄ Suomeksi lisätietoa avantouinnista Pohjois-Karjalassa löydät osoitteesta: https://www.visitkarelia.fi/aktiviteetit/avantouinti/
#findyourinnerfinn #happiness #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #discoverfinland #avantouinti #iceswimming #suomenluonto #luontokuva #finnland #finnishnature #finnishsauna #sauna #avanto #visitfinland #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala
Pohjois-Karjala on mukana Matkamessuilla 17.-19.1.2025 Helsingissä! 💎🩵
Tule osastollemme inspiroitumaan, löytämään uusia helmiä sekä kuulemaan lisää myös vanhoista tutuista kohteistamme. Kannattaa pysyä kuulolla, sillä messujen lähestyessä luvassa on paljon lisäinfoa sekä ainutlaatuisia messutarjouksia!
@matkamessut, @pkmatkailury, @showyourkoli, @lakelandbomba, @pko_osuuskauppa, @emman_puoti, @pohjois_karjala #matkamessut2025 #matkamessut #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #northkarelia #matkatravelfair #matkatravelfair2025 #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #ourfinland #discoveringfinland
Who’s ready for winter adventures? Have you gotten the sleds or skis out of the storage yet? ☃️🌲
The winter season is fast approaching and we`re looking forward to having a lot more snow during the dark November. ❄
Thank you for sharing the picture of beautiful wintery landscape with us @galinakoponen 🩵
#northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #visitkarelia_finland #visitlakelandfinland #lakelandfinland #discoveringfinland #ourfinland #winter #talvi
We have had a couple frosty mornings already this November in North Karelia. Are you ready for the snowy winter season? ❄️
These pictures are from a swamp in Ilomantsi called Kesonsuo, where there is a 2,2 km trail to a birdwatching tower.
Suomeksi lisätietoa Kesonsuosta löydät osoitteesta: https://www.visitkarelia.fi/ulkoilureitit/kesonsuon-luontopolku-ja-lintutorni/
Have a relaxing weekend! 🩵
Thank you for the beautiful wintery pictures @aalimarjaana !
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ilomantsi #kesonsuo #visitilomantsi #suomenluonto #luontokuva #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #discoverfinland #ensilumi #natur #finnland #schnee #firstsnow #luontoonfi #outdoors #november #suomi #finland #lakelandfinland #finnishlakeland
🌲 Have you yet visited the autumnal Patvinsuo? The national park has a variety of beautiful trails, differing in length and difficulty.
🪵 More information about the trails in Patvinsuo you can find from here: https://www.nationalparks.fi/patvinsuonp/trails
Thank you for sharing these pictures with us @riitta_ha ! 🧡
#Patvinsuonationalpark #visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #retkeily #hiking #finnland #nordkarelien #patvinsuo #autumn #visitlakeland