5 Star Places To Visit in North Karelia, Finland (27)

1. 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..
   
2. 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..
   
3. 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..
   
4. 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. 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..
   
6. 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..
   
7. 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..
   
8. 5.0 Mokkamaa (6 reviews)
   - Lovely brews for coffee lovers
   Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 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..
   
9. 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..
   
10. 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..
    
11. 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..
    
12. 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..
    
13. 5.0 Saunalautta Joensuu - M/S Super Jahti (3 reviews)
    - Great crew, gorgeous sauna and immaculate vibes!
    Saturday: 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..
    
14. 5.0 Makravaara Hill (3 reviews)
    - Great views towards Ukko-Koli
    Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails
    
    
    2 km from Rantatie road See more..
    
15. 5.0 Nightwish Story (2 reviews)
    - A Nightwish 360- experience!
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    This is not a museum, but a cool experience center of a band made in Kitee! Nightwish is a local success Story and this exhibition center shows and tells its Story with visuals and sounds See more..
    
16. 5.0 VisitKarelia (2 reviews)
    Open now - 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
    
    
    See more..
    
17. 5.0 Rantakylä Swimming Pool (2 reviews)
    - Отличное место!
    Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes
    
    
    Swimming hall in Rantakyla, Joensuu. See more..
    
18. 5.0 North Karelian Museum's Kids' Street Mukulakatu (2 reviews)
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums
    
    
    Mukulakatu is part of the North Karelian Museum. It is a fairy tale town, which is based on the history of the city of Joensuu. See more..
    
19. 5.0 Ruunaan Matkailu (1 review)
    - Highlight of the summer!
    River Rafting & Tubing
    
    
    Now this is a MUST if you are in this area. We did a whitewater rafting experience (with the rubber boat) with two kids (10y and 12y), and it was so much fun. Very professionally organized and nice guys leading you through the rapids. Leaves every day at noon and takes 3 hours. Very reasonably priced. Be prepared to get wet! Put on something very small and easily dryable. Crocs or swimming shoes on your feet. And two tips: definitely take the lunch they offer (it is good!) and do not miss the opportunity to swim (float) in the rapid at the end of the tour. Even our kids did it, so pretty much anyone who knows how to swim can do it (but naturally the life jackets are on the whole time anyway, just good to know how to swim, so you can direct yourself a bit). And if you are contemplating between the rummer boat and the wooden boat - I would definitely take the rubber boat if you are not made of sugar. We will definitely return here next time we are passing this area, fabulous value for money and great entertainment. See more..
    
20. 5.0 Kesälahden Church (1 review)
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    See more..
    
21. 5.0 Pielisen Retki (1 review)
    - Great service and flexible excursions
    Fishing Charters & Tours
    
    
    We had an incredibly positive Ice Fishing excursion with Toni from Pielisen Retki. He was very flexible regarding times, locations and our ideas. He accommodated kids and adults alike, something that we appreciate a lot! I'm looking forward to my next fishing trip already... See more..
    
22. 5.0 Koski-Jaakko (1 review)
    - Super expérience
    River Rafting & Tubing
    
    
    Jaakko est adorable.Après nous avoir fait descendre la rivière avec des rapides pendant l après midi,il nous a préparé un délicieux barbecue dans sa cabane.Excellent moment.Allez y sans hésiter! See more..
    
23. 5.0 Riuttavuori (1 review)
    - Riuttavuori - nature trail and view
    Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts
    Easy to access by car, short hike by foot. Beautiful natural scenery from the cliff to the nearby Riuttalampi lake and Lake Pyhäjärvi. See more..
    
24. 5.0 Ikolan Museo (1 review)
    - Pikavisiitti museossa
    Temporarily closed - Closed until Jun 19, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    
    
    Ikola Museum is an agricultural outdoor museum located in Porokyla, Nurmes. On the museum area there are several buildings preserved to show Finnish rural life at the beginning of 20th century. There are also exhibitions on local fire brigade, dairy production and art. You can also find sheep grazing on the field and a summer cafe in the main building. Museum is only open in summer. See more..
    
25. 5.0 Steamrail (1 review)
    Scenic Railroads
    
    
    See more..
    
26. 5.0 Vapaudenpuisto / Park Of Liberty (1 review)
    - Stunning small park
    Parks
    
    
    This beautiful park is located between the town hall and the market square. The park is a popular place to sit in the summer. In the middle of the park, you can find the striking Statue of Liberty erected in 1923 to commemorate the Finnish War of Independence. Another bronze sculpture called Antti's Perch with fountains has been erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the city of Joensuu. The comprehensive renovation of the park was carried out in 2019. The flower arrangements around the Statue of Liberty are especially imposing. See more..
    
27. 5.0 Ilosaarirock Festival (1 review)
    - Best festival in Finland
    Music Festivals
    
    
    Ilosaarirock, known locally as the best weekend of the summer, takes place in Joensuu from the 16th to the 18th of July, 2021. The festival is held at a scenic lakeside location, and is within walking distance from the city centre. Ilosaarirock has been running since 1971, and is organised by the Joensuu Pop Musicians' Association, a non-profit organisation founded on the idea of supporting the live music scene. A share of the profits go to supporting local musicians, artists and cultural events, as well as towards environmental projects that aim to protect the local wildlife. Ilosaarirock prides itself on being independent, responsible and ethically- sound. The festival is much loved and treasured by both the organisers and guests, who return to the festival year after year. One of the oldest and most legendary summer festivals in Finland, and with 60 000 – 70 000 annual guests, Ilosaarirock is also one of the biggest. Watch out though - this festival is highly addictive! See more..