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 had a chance to visit the Utra islands (Utran saaret) yet? Utra islands are located six kilometres from Joensuu city center.
🍂 The area is great for taking walks, you can grill sausages and enjoy the autumnal views. The islands are connected with wooden bridges.
Thank you for the gorgeous pictures @vesa_koivu 💛
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien #ruska #utra #utransaaret #luonto #retkeily #thebestoffinland #pielisjokiriver #pielinen #joensuu
Enjoy your week! 🍂
Local newspaper Karjalainen recently had a traditional competition in North Karelia for the best ruska (autumn foliage) photograph.
Here is the winning picture by @sinituuliah, thank you for sharing it with us! 🥰
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien #ruska #visitfinland #autumnfoliage #autumn #fall #syksy
Autumnal view from Koli, the national landscape of Finland 🍁🍂 What is your favourite season to go to Koli? 🌲
📸 This amazing picture is captured by @mirasivonen
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #northkarelia #koli #kolinkansallispuisto #kolinationalpark #showyourkoli #retkipaikka #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #hiking #lakepielinen #lieksa #pielinen #visitlakelandfinland #lakelandfinland #nordkarelien #seenplatte #seengebiet @showyourkoli @retkipaikka @retkipaikkakoli
🌲 Have you heard of the Juuanharju esker? The scenery is filled with ridges, swamps, lakes and old forest with its deadwoods.
🚶♀️ This trail is approximately seven kilometers long and its medium difficulty.
🍂 On the trail is also a wilderness hut where you can stay for the night, make fire, swim or fish. From June to end of October there is also a rentable Pettäinen hut.
🍁 Map details available here (Juukaharju trail, Keihäsjoki trail):
https://www.infogis.fi/juuka/?link=gEzuVxGCYA
☁️ Reittiohjeet ja lisätietoja suomeksi löydät osoitteesta:
https://www.juuka.fi/juukaharju-ja-keihasjoki
Thank you for the beautiful pictures @nokipannunmatkassa ! 🥰
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #retkeily #hiking #finnland #nordkarelien #juuanharju #juuka #keihäsjoki
Have you visited Koli with your furry friends yet? The scenery of Koli and the trails of the national park provide a fun experience for both you and your pets. 🐾🌲
Read more about the national parks in North Karelia:
https://www.visitkarelia.fi/en/see-and-do/national-parks/
Thank you for the adorable pictures @mervijou ! 🐕
#visitkarelia_finland #visitkarelia #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #ourfinland #discoveringfinland #lakelandfinland #visitlakelandfinland #finnland #nordkarelien #travellingwithdogs #dogsofinstagram #koli #kolinationalpark #kolinkansallispuisto
Some spectacular shots of the colourful aurora last week! 🤩
Did you know that The Northern Lights appear when solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere? This is how the magical dance of colors is created. Nature’s own light show! 🌌✨
Thank you for the wonderful pictures @simoniiranenphotography 💜
#Aurora #NorthernLights #aurora #northernlights #northkarelia #pohjoiskarjala #visitkarelia_finland #visitlakelandfinland
#lakelandfinland #discoveringfinland #ourfinland