Things to do & places to visit in North Karelia, Finland

North Karelia #14 destination in Finland 2023. The average rating score is 4.44 based on 942 traveler reviews, of 118 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Helsinki, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 6:40.

Top things to do (38)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Ukko-Koli Hill (105 reviews)
- Finnish national view
Hiking Trails

Koli is known as Finnish national view. Ukko-Koli is easy to reach, only couple of hundreds meters from parking area. There is lot of walking routes and we went to Mäkränkierto which is about 7,5km walking route in Koli national park. Mäkrä walking route isn't too difficult, but you need proper hiking shoes because it's rocky and might be bit wet in some areas if it's raining. See more..
5.0 Paha-Koli Hill (14 reviews)
- Another hill at Koli
Hiking Trails

One of the three top rocks at Koli. Easy to go up but harder to go down. Worth of climbing of course. Take cup of coffee on the hill.. See more..
5.0 Joensuu Church (13 reviews)
- Different
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The Lutheran Church in Joensuu. Really nice architecture. Some what impressive. Nice park like surraundings See more..
5.0 Karu Survival (12 reviews)
- Amazing Survival Course
Ski & Snow Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

I spent three days with Mikko for a bespoke Arctic Survival course. Mikko tailored the course to my wants and needs to help me prepare for an upcoming trip to Lapland. He was very very helpful and expertly informative. The weather in Finland this winter has been unexpectably mild so I was worried we would not get much Arctic training but Mikko went out his way to find the snow and tailer the course accordingly. I must also mention the great variety of delicious food. Cooking Lihakukko (meat bread) and salmon on the open fire was a highlight. I am looking forward to seeing Mikko again, hearing more funny stories and learning even more from him. 10/10 and the best thing to do in Joensuu area (and beyond)!! See more..
5.0 Petkeljärven Kansallispuisto (7 reviews)
- Smallest and cutest national parc of Finland
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

A very beautiful national park where you can hike, canoe, fish, swim. It is the smallest Finnish national parc, but really worth a visit. The lakes around are amazing. See more..
5.0 KoiHu Adventures (7 reviews)
- A great week in the stunning wilderness of Finland
Kayaking & Canoeing

We, a familiy of four enjoyed our paddling trip with KoiHu Adventures very much.Our tour was organised perfectly: the owners answered every question we had in advance and searched the best route for us. During our tour they were always available on the phone. We didn´t care much that it was windy and rainy on some days as the nature was still so beautiful! The rest of the time we got to enjoy much sunshine and warm temperatures. Suming up, we recomend KoiHu Adventures to everybody how wants to experience unforgettable vacations in the breathtaking nature of East Karrelia! See more..
5.0 Räsävaara Observation tower (7 reviews)
- Great views
Spent < 1 hour Observation Decks & Towers

Couldn't miss this one despite the 2 miles gravel road and short steep hike to the tower itself. Would have to say it's not obvious where to go, but the views are exceptional and without the Koli crowds See more..
5.0 Mokkamaa (6 reviews)
- Lovely brews for coffee lovers
Sunday: Speciality & Gift Shops • Coffeehouses

We're a small lively delicacy shop specialised on craft coffee, chocolate and tea. In the back of the shop we have a little cozy room for enjoying the coffee, tea and chocolates of your choice. A warm welcome! See more..
5.0 Koli Activ Oy (4 reviews)
- Cross country ski
Kayaking & Canoeing

Booked cross county ski but due to lack of fresh snow on the trails we did a ski across the frozen lake which was a nice experience. Guide was helpful and also offered us a hike on Ukko- Koli hill as we had to cut the ski short due to the high winds. The day before our activity we were offered a set lunch in their private cabin in the woods and then this was not available on the day and they did not inform us which was a little disappointing. Overall the activity was great and staff very friendly,safe and helpful. See more..
5.0 Parppeinvaaran Runokyla (4 reviews)
- Good Karellian Food
Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Karelian cultural idiosyncrasies come together in Parppeinvaara Rune Singer's Village, Ilomantsi: kantele music, handicraft, orthodoxy and traditional food. On display in Parppeinvaara are also war history and Ilomantsi’s nature and its animals. The Rune Singer’s House , museum buildings of Mateli Kuivalatar and Korhonen, Border Major General Raappana’s Cottage, All Saints Chapel, Mesikkä Animal Museum and Restaurant Parppeinpirtti are all located in Parppeinvaara. See more..
5.0 Patvinsuon Kansallispuisto (4 reviews)
- Do visit before bears go to sleep
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

September October is being the best time to visit to see fat already sleepy bears preparing for their winter hive, gathering a special kind of mosses to their sleeping comfort- a bears den is more elaborate and comfy than you think, seeing one makes you understand how skillfully they are made. After all- day eating in summer bears are calm in the September October and not so fierce. Patvinsuo, Patvi Marshes, has another attraction too. Cranes migrating, you have to get migration routes updates to be there in right time, the cranes follow the ancient path and use landmarks like Koli, Lake Pielinen and an ancient meteor crater to navigate. This is optional for the first time movers, they learn the route for life. Seeing cranes arrive in the springtime, or depart in the autumn in vast formations, it is majestic sight. And you can always pick cloudberries and cranberries at the marshes. See more..
5.0 Lykynlampi Outdoor Centre (4 reviews)
- Отличное место для спорта или отдыха на природе.
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails • Cross-country Ski Areas • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Отличный маршрут вокруг озера для прогулок или бега, на велосипеде, если вы не спортсмен, не советую. Очень высокие подъемы. Есть очень длинная лестница, если хотите увеличить нагрузку. Помещение с раздевалкой, туалетом и душевыми в свободном доступе. Оборудованы места для пикников и гриля, но в выходные плотно занято. See more..
5.0 Saunalautta Joensuu - M/S Super Jahti (3 reviews)
- Great crew, gorgeous sauna and immaculate vibes!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Thermal Spas

Saunalautta Joensuu is a floating sauna that sails the Pyhäselkä -lake and Pielisjoki -river in the town of Joensuu in Eastern Finland. Our ship accommodates up to 15 guests. Our ship has a lounge-area with 180 degree views, a sauna with a panoramic floor to sealing window and a well equipped sun-deck with a BBQ- area. See more..
4.5 Sculpture Susi Kosiomatkalla (84 reviews)
- Sculpture wolf as a suitor
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Sculpture or statue sitting on the bench nearby Joensuu market area. Take a picture with wolf. There is also female wolf statue nearby sitting on the bench. See more..
4.5 Pohjois-Karjalan museo Hilma (46 reviews)
- Interesting museum
Speciality Museums

This museum located in the Carelicum building presents the history and cultural tradition of Karelia. In addition, the museum has changing theme exhibitions. In connection with the museum, there is a children's playground Mukulakatu. The permanent exhibition located on the second floor tells you about the prehistory and development of the North Karelia region, military history, Karelian cultural tradition and artifacts, miniature models of the city of Sortavala, and the birth of the city of Joensuu. See more..
4.5 Koli Relax Spa (39 reviews)
- A Spa with a view
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Spas

The Spa is located at the Hotel Koli. Parking is free, you need to take lift up to the hotel (also free). Price was 39€/adult (12/2016), price included sparkling wine, non-alcoholic drink or beauty products. There are three different kind of saunas, jacuzzi, hot and cold pools, outside tube - a view to lake Pielinen/ slopes of Koli. We visited at day time and were only customers, which was nice, but if spa is more crowded it could be noisy, I think. A view is awesome and well worth to visit. See more..
4.5 Paateri (33 reviews)
- Fell in love with Eva
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Came here as a stop over for and hour and fell in love with the place. Her work is sublime and simply beautiful. The guide spoke perfect English and was very helpful. So please we came here. See more..
4.5 Lake Pielinen (29 reviews)
- Brown trout.
Bodies of Water

We were one night at the hotel and then one week at a cottage at Hattusaari , cottage were nice and cozy and the lake gave fish nearly so much you wanted (pike,perch, pikeperch and one brown trout ) nice. We have to come back cause its so amazing place. See more..
4.5 Taitokortteli (24 reviews)
- Interesting place
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Coffeehouses

Taitokortteli is an old wood house quarter situated in the center of Joensuu. In this handcraft and culture quarter you'll find cafe Kauppaneuvos, Craft Centre, boutiques and various exhibitions and events. It is open all year round. See more..
4.5 Joensuun Taidemuseo Onni (24 reviews)
- Enjoyable visit
Art Museums

This museum is located in the center of Joensuu, near the market square. The stunning Neo-Renaissance building is the former Joensuu Lyceum completed in 1894. Permanent exhibitions include Finnish art from the 1850s to the modern days. You can find works from the most famous Finnish artists from the Golden Age of Finnish art. The exhibitions also include Eastern Orthodox icons, Chinese art, Greek and Roman antiquities, and European church art. On our visit, the changing exhibition was a contemporary exhibition by the anonymous graffiti artist EGS and textile artist Niina Mantsinen. It was a quite different art experience. The museum has a suitable size. You don't get an overdose of art. See more..
4.5 Pielisen Museum (22 reviews)
- History at its best
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

We spent a few hours at this mainly outdoor museum and found it very interesting. Great to see how life was not so very long ago and how people lived and what utensils and tools they had to cope with. Facinating, a true history lesson. See more..
4.5 Era Eero (22 reviews)
- Amazing wilderness
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Welcome to Lieksa, Finland, to enjoy Karelian hospitality and watch and photograph local wildlife such as wolwerines, bears, wolves and birds. See more..
4.5 Koli Nature Centre Ukko (18 reviews)
- Interesting exibition and important info about the Koli National Park
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Koli Nature Centre Ukko offers Finland's best known national landscape, the hills of Eastern Finland and heritage sites. The Koli Heritage Exhibition displays Koli's geological features, natural environment and culture in a variety of ways and provides advice and tips for hiking in the Koli National Park. The Nature Centre is only a few hundred metres from the Ukko-Koli lookout point. See more..
4.5 Pakotarinat Joensuu (13 reviews)
- Exciting and fun!
Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Laadukkaat pakohuone -pelit Joensuun keskustassa, Torikatu 19. Tule kokemaan oma jännittävä pakotarinasi! See more..
4.5 Old Mine Mining Museum (12 reviews)
- Important part of Finnish industry history
Speciality Museums

If you want to know about the history of Finland’s mining industry and part of the story of Finland becoming wealthy, go to this place. It is a lesson about history and mining but has also really nice views. View from the tower is great. See more..
4.5 Matkailutila Paimentupa (10 reviews)
- Amazing, professional staff, gorgeous views and amazing horses
Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours

I love horses and horseback riding (once settled in), but since I have little to no experience, each time I climb on a horse I tend to tense up and feel very anxious and I take very long to feel safe and content, partially due to some scary experiences in the past. The same riddled me this time around, however the horses could not be better for an inexperienced, nervous rider like myself. They were calm, obedient, followed the convoy without any trouble and didn’t even get frustrated with each other. The guides were very knowledgeable, friendly and even provided the tour in English even though we were the only party out of the group that required it. I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience the beautiful landscapes of Koli in a more unique way. ❤️ See more..
4.5 Pyhän Nikolaoksen kirkko (10 reviews)
- Legacy of History
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The church is small, but with an interesting iconostasi. On the first line of saints pictures, on the extreme left, there is the imagine of Alexander Nevskij. Proclaimed saint also because he won the Teutonic Knights in the Masuri Lakes battle. The location of the church in the city plan is at the extreme point of one road at the opposite point in relation to the Protestant church. Good luck for finding it open when you go for visiting. See more..
4.5 Akka-Koli Hill (10 reviews)
- Another hill
Hiking Trails

One of the three higher rocks and hills. Not as magnificent as Ukko or Paha Koli but easy to visit and on your way to Paha Koli anyway.. See more..
4.5 Neitikoski Rapids (8 reviews)
- MTB biking round
Bodies of Water

32 km marked trail by mountain bikes or by walking. Great experience, close to nature, challenging trail, breathtaking views, great accommodation in hut in Neitikoski. See more..
4.5 Ukko-Koli Ski Slopes (7 reviews)
- Good shaped narrow routes to downhill skiing
Spent 2-3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

Well-managed nice steep slopes. If growded, be aware other skiiers - routes are quite narrow and there is one a little steep and narrow turning. 2 ancor lifts an 1 chairlift for 2. You can start from the top by the hotel and restaurants or from the bottom by the cafe (this is better, if you are by car and not spending your night in the hotel). See more..