North Karelia at the Matka Travel Fair 2025

Familiarize yourself with the North Karelia Matka Travel Fair stand!

North Karelia is spectacularly present at the Matka Travel Fair 2025 from the 17th of January until the 19th of January at the Helsinki Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. From this page you will find more information about our unique attractions, local companies and other regional tourism destinations. Emma’s Matka Boutique is filled with delicious tastes from North Karelia and wonderful natural products, that you can purchase from the Matka Travel Fair as a souvenir to take with you.

Come meet the representatives and tourism entrepreneurs of our region – you will find us from the two stands 6D2 and 6F2 that are next to each other!

Program & guests

At the North Karelia fair stand events take place every hour!

Thursday 16.1.

10.00 Press conference – Kaisa Mäkäräinen
12.00 Press conference – Paola Suhonen
14.00 Karelian tasting event for influencers

Friday 17.1.

15.00 Set’akat – music performance
17.00 Set’akat – music performance

Saturday 18.1.

11.00 Kaivos festival
13.00 Finnish zither performance by Lotta Honkanen
14.00 Actor Hannu-Pekka Björkman
15.00 Finnish zither performance by Lotta Honkanen

Sunday 19.1.

12.00 Kakkarat – music performance
13.00 Actor Esko Kovero
14.00 Kakkarat – music performance

Karelian culture and the Orthodox monasteries

What is Karelian culture? Many people consider it to be connected to the Karelian way of living, the national epic Kalevala, tasty traditional foods, happiness and kindness as well as the pride in the own culture. Being Karelian can be seen as a mindset, which can be heard in the distinctive dialect, tasted in Karelian pies and heard in the touching notes of the Finnish zither. In addition to the traditions being Karelian is also connected in a modern way to the tourism services in North Karelia. For people interested in culture Nort Karelia is the home of endless stories where you can meet the Eastern culture at the dining table or museum visits as well as the accommodation options.

Rune Singer’s Village in Parppeinvaara

Museums and exhibitions | Ilomantsi

Rune Singer’s Village in Parppeinvaara, Ilomantsi presents Karelian culture and old local traditions. War history, Karelian cuisine, nature, and traditions of poem singing are showed in various exhibitions. At Parppeinvaara you will also find a collection of old historic buildings with traditional Karelian style.

A woman wearing a traditional Karelian styled dress

Bomba House and Karelian village

Art and culture | Nurmes

Bomba House and Karelian village are representing the authentic Karelian architecture and culture at its best. They are locating right next to Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, in Nurmes. From small boutiques you can buy handicrafts, souvenirs, and other local products.

Valamo Monastery

Monastery | Heinävesi

Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi is an active centre of the Orthodox religious life and culture in Finland. It is open all year around and provides a place to enjoy peaceful atmosphere and tranquility. Several events, exhibitions and courses are arranged in Valamo. In addition, there is accommodation, restaurant and own winery.

Lintula Holy Trinity Convent

Luostari | Heinävesi

Lintula Holy Trinity Convent is a nun monastery operating in Heinävesi. The monastery shop and café are open daily during summer for visitors and guided tours are also available. There is an accommodation possibility as well.

Monastery hike

RETKEILYKOHDE | HEINÄVESI

The monastery hike trail in Heinävesi has been developed and the new duckboards parts make it possible to both walk and cycle the trail. The trail takes you through beautiful forests, calming swamps and the historic monasteries of Valamo and Lintula. The trail combines nature, silence and cultural heritage. The trail can be done independently or you can reserve a trip package!

Unique Karelian culture attractions

North Karelia is filled with wonderful culture attractions and hidden gems in tourism. Familiairize yourself with the attractions!

A Nightwish Story exhibition

Museums and exhibitions | Kitee

A Nightwish Story exhibition in Kitee presents the history and story of internationally famous symphonic metal band, Nightwish. Exhibition is changing and has both interactive and virtual elements, so there is a lot to see around the whole year. There is also a fan shop with Nightwish products.

The Old Mine

Museums and exhibitions | Outokumpu

The Old Mine in Outokumpu is a popular attraction in North Karelia and provides adventures for the whole family. Get into the historical museums tunnels and learn more about the history of the copper mine in Mining museums. There is also Children Mine and a restaurant.

Botania

Garden | Joensuu

Botania in Joensuu is the world's northernmost private botanical garden with colorful butterflies. Indoor garden has tropical plants and outdoor garden has over 1 500 plant species in 4,5 ha area. Botania has also different live events as Visual Festival and Wintergarden with snow and ice statues. There is also a cafe in the garden.

Möhkö Ironworks

Art and culture | Ilomantsi

Möhkö Ironworks is locating in the most eastern village of Finland, in Möhkö, Ilomantsi. Ironworks is suitable for the whole family and gets you to know better the history of ironworks and war events of Eastern Finland. In the same area you can also visit an old housebout Möhkön Manta, which is nowadays working as a café.

Utran Uittotupa – restaurant & events

KULTTUURIKOHDE | JOENSUU

At Utran Uittotupa you can have unforgettable experiences by the Pielinen lake! You can enjoy events or organize your own. This year you can be prepared for wonderful dinners, music concerts, tasting evenings and the summer theater!

Idylliset puutalot virtaavan kosken rannalla

Wooden House District of Nurmes

KULTTUURIKOHDE | JUUKA

Beautiful wooden houses amongst birch trees and steep streets form the unique cultural environment of Puu-Nurmes, an idyllic residential area in the heart of Nurmes. Puu-Nurmes is one of the best preserved wooden house areas in Finland, with the majority of the buildings dating back to the 1880-1930.

Two holidays at once – that’s the style of Wintertown!

TAPAHTUMAT JA KULTTUURI | JOENSUU

Enjoy a diverse winter holiday in Joensuu! Here you can experience the magical winter nature during your skiing holiday and at the same time enjoy the urban experiences of a bustling city.

Sovintola – crafts, culture and community

Museot ja näyttelyt | Kitee

Sovintola boasts a handicrafts shop, second-hand bookshop and high-quality art exhibitions. The upper floor of the building features two charming B&B rooms: the chambers of Kerttu and Tyyne. The atmospheric wooden building is surrounded by a spectacular 100-year-old garden.

Nature destinations and activities

Our four unique national parks, numerous hiking destinations and the extensive trail network make it possible to go outside and enjoy the nature in various ways throughout the year. In North Karelia it is possible to have unforgettable experiences surrounded by nature every day. You can for example go on a cruise, a fishing trip, enjoy the Finnish sauna or go relax by the elements of water.

Skiing Center Pääskyvuori

Skiing and downhill skiing | Heinävesi

Pääskyvuori is a Skiing center in Heinävesi. There are four slopes and a Snowpark, which are suitable both for beginners and kids and also for professionals. In the area of Pääskyvuori are also good opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Sisu Fishing

Fishing | Kontiolahti

Sisu Fishing in Kontiolahti offers various guided fishing tours, island trips and fishing courses around the year. Outdoor dining with local ingredients is also possible to arrange together with fishing trips. Services are suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Koli National Park

National park | Koli

Koli National Park is one of the must-see destinations in Finland and the top attraction in North Karelia. Koli is our unique national landscape full of great hiking and skiing routes and various services and activities. National Park is open year around.

Petkeljärvi National Park

National park | Ilomantsi

Petkeljärvi National Park in Ilomantsi is the smallest national park in Finland and has around 10 km of marked hiking trails. In Petkeljärvi you have possibility to familiarize yourself with the history of World War 2 and enjoy pure Finnish nature and lakes.

Patvinsuo National Park

National park | Ilomantsi ja Lieksa

Patvinsuo National Park is locating in the areas of Lieksa and Ilomantsi. In total there are 80 km marked hiking routes with different lengths. Open marshes, sandy shore and old forests are the most typical landmarks of Patvinsuo. If you are lucky, you might see bears in the area.

Kolovesi National Park

National park | Heinävesi

Kolovesi National Park locates in Heinävesi and has amazing surroundings for kayaking and paddling. There are also couple hiking routes. In Kolovesi you can also spot some historical rock paintings and if you are lucky, you might also see rare Saimaa ringed seals.

Ruunaa Hiking Area

Hiking destination | Lieksa

Ruunaa Hiking Area in Lieksa provides great opportunities for hiking, fishing, and rafting. In total there are around 50 kilometers of marked hiking trails and various white waters to admire and to benefit within water activities. In the Ruunaa area are also available accommodation and restaurant services.

Activities and experiences in nature

The nature and tourism providers in North Karelia make for a wonderful environment to enjoy one self and have new experiences. Relax in a sauna world, go on a fishing trip or spend a day down hill skiing! During summer you can experience cruising with full services. You cand find tours for both smaller and bigger groups. The professional guides make sure that everything works during and after the tours. Wilderness cooks offer delicious trip snacks and accommodation providers guarantee a deep sleep after an active day!

Kontiolahti Outdoor

Guided tours and excursions | Kontiolahti

Kontiolahti Outdoor operates in the area of famous Kontiolahti Biathlon Stadium and provides wide range of outdoor activities in beautiful surroundings. You can for instance familiarize yourself with biathlon, skiing, and biking. They also rent equipment for different activities.

Sisu Fishing

Fishing | Kontiolahti

Ruunaan Matkailu

COTTAGE | KOLI

Comfy accommodation right next to the Ruunaa rapids and Hiking area. These cabins are excellent for hikers and nature lovers who want to spend time in the nature. Rental services, guided activities, restaurant and cafe are close to the accommodation and available around the year.

Äksyt Ämmät

Guided tours and excursions | Several locations

Äksyt Ämmät is a responsible travel agency and program service provider in Nurmes. They provide nature and culture holiday with a local twist and co-operates with other local companies offering their online shop for others as well. All their products and services are available in online shop.

Skiing Center Pääskyvuori

Skiing and downhill skiing | Heinävesi

Kossun Koukku ja Kala

KALASTUSRETKET | LIPERI

Kossun Koukku ja Kala offers tailored fishing services in Liperi and elsewhere in North Karelia. The activity selection includes fishing in every season and nature trips.

Manta Nature Services

OPASTETTUJA RETKIÄ | ILOMANTSI

Get a relaxing break from your everyday life in the heart of Ilomantsi. Manta Nature Services offer unique and safe experiences throughout the year. Equipment rental also available.

Koli’s Mattila

MAJATALO | KOLI

Koli's Mattila is located by Koli village a kilometer away from the Koli national park. In the idyllic country side environment there is barn accommodation and accommodation in the main building availabe. Great connections to the hiking and skiing trails.

Kontiolahti Sauna World

SAUNAT | KONTIOLAHTI

Find your own sauna from Kontiolahti Sauna World and experience the soft feeling after a good sauna experience. In the Sauna World there are 17 different saunas that offer an unique experiences in the midst of nature.

Heinävesi – Visit and fall in love

RETKEILYKOHDE | HEINÄVESI

Experience the calm way of living and the strong connection to nature by boat cruises or canoeing, experience the clean air or take space for yourself. By the Kermajärvi lake you can find anything you could need for travellers. Come by boat, car or public transport!

Blue Lake Cruises

RISTEILYT | HEINÄVESI

The M/S Katrilli of Blue Lakes Cruises does cruises on the shores of Saimaa where the Saimaa ringed seal also lived: Savonlinna, Enonkoski, Heinävesi and Rantasalmi. During the cruises you can enjoy the wonderful nature and the historic canals of Heinävesi.

Korvenkota smoke sauna

SAUNAT | KOLI

Kolin Korvenkota smoke sauna is a traditional Finnish ready made smoke sauna in the middle of Koli national park. After the sauna you can refresh by swimming in the lake Pielinen and there is a hut nearby for many sorts of meals. In addition, guided trips and rental equipment available.

Accommodation

At our stand you can find a vast variety of the different accommodation options in North Karelia. Charming guest houses, close to nature cabins, hidden small gems and the unique hotels offer the grounds for easygoing vacations without rush.

Sustainable choice

Boutique Aparthotel Lietsu

Hotel | Joensuu

Lietsu is a new cozy aparthotel located in the center of Joensuu. Here you will find apartments, decorated in traditional Karelian spirit. Each apartment has a private kitchen, a dishwasher and a washing machine. Lietsu is also suitable for long vacations and remote work, and some of the apartments can be combined into a larger facility, for example, for families with children.

Karelia Cottages

Cottage | Rääkkylä

Karelia cottages is a good choice, if you dream of a vacation in the Saimaa archipelago. Each cottage is located in a secluded area and has its own exit to the shore. You can choose either a fully equipped cottage or a cottage without electricity. Karelia Cottages offers its clients a wide range of entertainment: skiing, fishing, hiking.

Leveälahti Cottages

COTTAGE | LIPERI

Leveälahti Cottages have a tranquil location and all of them are by the lake in Liperi, North Karelia. The cottages provide a safe and relaxed holiday for the whole family and there are lots of opportunities for water activities. There is a private beach, rowing boat and sauna.

Maatilamatkailu Jänisvaara

Cottages | Koli

Maatilamatkailu Jänisvaara is located in the wilderness of Koli, on the shores of Pielinen and Savijärvi lakes, next to the infrastructure of Koli. One of the cottages is suitable for people with disabilities. You can order fresh takeaway food from the delightful Jänisvaara bakery.

Mantan Majatalo

Cottage | ILOMANTSI

The cottages are quietly located by the river in the village of Möhkö, 21 km from Ilomantsi. The interiors of the cottage convey the atmosphere of old Finnish wooden houses. The cottages have their own kitchen, shower and toilet. If you wish, you can order a sauna. Mantan Majatalo Cottages is a 10-minute drive from Petkeljärvi National Park.

Paksuniemen Majatalo

Camping | Rääkkylä

Paksuniemen Majatalo offers rooms with views of Lake Saimaa. Free WiFi is provided, as well as restaurant with terrace located by the harbour. Each individually decorated room at Paksuniemen Majatalo has a wardrobe and access to a shared bathroom in the hallway. Bicycle rentals, BBQ equipment and 2 bookable saunas are also available at Paksuniemi.

Petkeljärvi Center

Camping | Ilomantsi

Petkeljärvi Center is located in the center of the Petkeljärvi National Park. The center offers accommodation in rooms and in a caravan park from the beginning of May to the end of October. The natural attractions of the National Park, many places to visit in Ilomantsi and, for example, Finland's easternmost village, Möhkö, are close by.

Venejoen Piilo

OUTDOOR HOTEL | KONTIOLAHTI

Venejoen Piilo offers unique accommodation in the wilderness of North Karelia. The cabins' huge windows ensure that you'll wake up fresh and can start new day with great views. Koli National Park is only 30 km drive away from Piilo.

Koli’s Mattila

MAJATALO | KOLI

Valamo monastery

Hotel | Heinävesi

Valamo Monastery is an active center of the Orthodox religious life in Finland. The peaceful atmosphere of the monastery and close proximity to natural beautiful surroundings offer a rare opportunity to relax. Valamo Monastery provides simple and peaceful accommodation. The Monastery Hotel has a selection of single, twin and triple rooms. Some rooms have facilities for disabled guests.

Sampo’s Holiday Cabins

COTTAGE | KONTIOLAHTI

Sampo's Holiday Cabins offer nine different holiday cottages in the peace of nature, but right next to Joensuu's services. The cottages are suitable for 2 to 10 people. Some of the cottages are also for those traveling with a pet. There is a lean-to and hut, the possibility to rent a smoke sauna and old fashioned bathing tub.

Sustainable choice

Break Sokos Hotel Bomba

Hotel | Nurmes

Bomba is a unique resort on the shore of Lake Pielinen. The Bomba House in the Karelian Village and the totally renewed Spa Bomba are attraction in themselves, and both are part of Break Sokos Hotel Bomba. The hotel's restaurant offers an à la carte menu as well as international dishes, and Italian favourites can be sampled at Restaurant Trattoria Pielinen.

Sustainable choice

Break Sokos Hotel Koli

Spa hotel | Koli

Break Sokos Hotel Koli is located in the picturesque Koli National Park, close to the peaks of Koli. The challenging slopes of Ukko-Koli can be accessed directly from the hotel. It has a grill restaurant and spa with indoor pools, outdoor hot tubs and 3 saunas. Lake Pielinen provides nice fishing and boating options. Hiking, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing are popular among tourists.

Sustainable choice

Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä

HOTEL | KOLI

This new hotel in the center of Koli village offers a great haven for outdoor adventures and holidaymakers. Koli National Park with its unique landscapes is just behind the corner. Rental services, hiking trails, Tervaskanto restaurant and Puronmutka café make your stay complete without rush.

Koli Freetime

Camping | Koli

Koli Freetime is an accommodation provider in the Koli region. It offers comfortable hotel rooms and more affordable economy rooms, roomy apartments and cozy cottages. Services also include an all year camping area. A clean and child-friendly beach for swimming (a hole in the ice on the lake at winter time), a barbecue hut, fire places and saunas are available.

The Taste of North Karelia – Restaurants and cafés

North Karelia offers a delicious region to explore the food where the traditions and modern kitchen meet. The pure resources from nature combine with the Karelian hospitality and honest tastes. In North Karelia food is an integral part of both our everyday life and celebrations. Enjoy the traditional Karelian lunch or taste the classics of the Finnish cuisine such as fried “muikku” or Finnish fried vendace. The pizzas and hamburgers use materials from the local farms and fish from the local lakes. How do the Karelian delicacies by the calm of the monastery of Heinävesi or a feast by the Pielinen river?

Read more about the restaurants and cafés in North Karelia from their websites:

War history in North Karelia

Finnish war history is present at many destinations in North Karelia.

Border of Memories Museum, Kontiolahti

Taistelijan Talo, Ilomantsi

Ilomantsi Battlegrounds Trail, Ilomantsi

Events happen throughout the year in North Karelia!

Folk music festival Kihaus Folk 27. – 29.6. in Rääkkylä

Biathlon World Cup 3. – 8.3.2026 in Kontiolahti

You can find all the unique and wonderful events in North Karelia from:

Event calendar of North Karelia!

Emma’s Matka boutique

Emma’s Matka Boutique is the heart of our stand, where you can find the tasty treats and souvenirs to bring home with you. At the fair you have the possibility to get to know the products better by tasting. You can also find natural cosmetics here! You are warmly welcome! ♥

Would you like to get more inspiration for your travels in North Karelia?

Follow us on

@visitkarelia_finland on Instagram

@VisitKarelia on Facebook

@VisitKarelia on YouTube

@VisitKarelia on LinkedIn

Learn more about North Karelia!

https://www.visitkarelia.fi/files/visit_karelia_vastuullisuuskampanja_bomba-13-of-20.jpg

Getting to North Karelia

https://www.visitkarelia.fi/files/vk-jarno-artika-parppeinvaara-summer2016-8-e1605702982860.jpg

Four distinct seasons in North Karelia

https://www.visitkarelia.fi/files/korvenkota-004.jpg

Messutarjoukset

Matka Travel Fair 2025

– North Karelia stand

Familiarize yourself with the North Karelia Matka Travel Fair stand!

Program & guests

Thursday 16.1.

Friday 17.1.

Saturday 18.1.

Sunday 19.1.

Karelian culture and the Orthodox monasteries

Rune Singer’s Village in Parppeinvaara

Bomba House and Karelian village

Valamo Monastery

Lintula Holy Trinity Convent

Monastery hike

Unique Karelian culture attractions

A Nightwish Story exhibition

The Old Mine

Botania

Möhkö Ironworks

Utran Uittotupa – restaurant & events

Wooden House District of Nurmes

Two holidays at once – that’s the style of Wintertown!

Sovintola – crafts, culture and community

Nature destinations and activities

Skiing Center Pääskyvuori

Sisu Fishing

Koli National Park

Petkeljärvi National Park

Patvinsuo National Park

Kolovesi National Park

Ruunaa Hiking Area

Activities and experiences in nature

Kontiolahti Outdoor

Sisu Fishing

Ruunaan Matkailu

Äksyt Ämmät

Skiing Center Pääskyvuori

Kossun Koukku ja Kala

Manta Nature Services

Koli’s Mattila

Kontiolahti Sauna World

Heinävesi – Visit and fall in love

Blue Lake Cruises

Korvenkota smoke sauna

Accommodation

Boutique Aparthotel Lietsu

Karelia Cottages

Leveälahti Cottages

Maatilamatkailu Jänisvaara

Mantan Majatalo

Paksuniemen Majatalo

Petkeljärvi Center

Venejoen Piilo

Koli’s Mattila

Valamo monastery

Sampo’s Holiday Cabins

Break Sokos Hotel Bomba

Break Sokos Hotel Koli

Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä

Koli Freetime

The Taste of North Karelia – Restaurants and cafés

War history in North Karelia

Events happen throughout the year in North Karelia!

Emma’s Matka boutique

Would you like to get more inspiration for your travels in North Karelia?

Learn more about North Karelia!