Like a local inNorth Karelia LAKELAND FINLAND

Finnish National landscape in Lakeland Finland

There are about 2,000 lakes and two thirds of the area is covered by forest. North Karelia is a place where the Finnish national

epic, the Kalevala, was created and it continues to be a source of inspiration for many. It is a unique meeting point of the eastern

and western cultures and religions. Koli National Park, the official Finnish National Landspace is one of the most famous attractions

in Finland. The landscape seems to continue forever and ever. There are three national parks in North Karelia: Koli National Park

is the most popular and offers the most facilities for visitors.

NORTH KARELIA

North Karelia offers peace and quiet,

genuine interaction with locals and

activities all year round.

What makes North Karelia such a special place to visit? You can, for example, go wild animal watching, take part in themed tours, enjoy your holiday in a cottage, visit national parks, try rafting in a traditional wooden boat, or even cross the border to visit Russian Karelia.

Feel like a local - activities with North Karelian hospitality

NORTH KARELIA

NATIONAL PARKS

NATIONAL PARKS & WILD ANIMAL WATCHING

You may see, hear and even photo-

graph brown bears, wolverines and

other wild animals.

A safe way to meet the large carnivores is to spend a night in an animal watching lodge in the middle of the wilderness.

Explore like a local in the middle of the taiga forest…

The landscape continues forever and ever

“

Would you like to experience

something new? Shoot six rapids

over 31 kilometres on a traditional

wooden boat, steered by an

experienced skipper.

You will see and encounter all the six rapids foaming around you. Ruunaa rapids are the last freely roaring rapids in Finland, offering an outstanding experience, a true wilderness adventure.

Explore like a local

WOODEN BOAT WHITE WATER RAFTING

THEME TOURS

Everything is green and in bloom“

THEME TOURS

Get to know North Karelian culture,

nature, cuisine and people on foot,

on skis, by bike or by canoe on

different nature and culture tours.

For example tours from guesthouse to guesthouse are a nice mixture of a relaxing and an active holiday. Choose your theme and enjoy the white summer nights or the snowy winter at your own pace.

Live like a local

COTTAGES

Just relax and enjoy the Finnish summer“

If you want to spend your holiday as

the Karelians do, there is no better

way than to rent a holiday cottage!

There is a wide range of locations and comforts. There is something for everyone: from exclusive villas to wilderness huts. You can choose, for example, a basic cottage surrounded by beautiful nature or you can treat yourself to all the conveniences and luxuries you could possibly imagine.

Feel like a local - Mother Nature has arranged everything

CUISINE

The favourite dish of many locals is

the iconic Karelian pie. It is a tradi-

tional rye crusted pasty filled with

rice or mashed potatoes and served

with egg butter.

Karelian kitchen is famous for its rich buffet tables with dishes made of fish, vegetables, mushrooms and berries. We have pure and fresh vegetables and herbs growing in the nature. Turnips and potatoes are common in traditional cooking. During your visit you will get the opportunity to learn to make your own Karelian pie!

Eat like a local - the one and only Karelian pie

CUISINE

North Karelian cuisine cherishes authentic flavours

“

MONASTERIES AND RUSSIAN KARELIA

A place of peace and beauty beyond compare“

North Karelia has a strong cultural

heritage that is based on both the

Karelian and Orthodox identities.

Combine your visit to North Karelia

with a tour to Russian Karelia.

Visit the New Valamo Monastery in North Karelia, and the original Valamo Monastery (also known as Valaam Monastery) in Russian Karelia. Visitors of the New Valamo Monastery can gather strength in the silence enjoying the excellent library and peaceful walks in the nature. The island of Valaam in Russian Karelia is best known for its unique nature and the Spaso-Preo-brazhensky Valaam Monastery located on the island is a great architectural landmark.

Explore like a local - life between eastern and western cultures

Image: kihzi.karelia.ru

Image: kihzi.karelia.ru

Best enjoyed on the spot“

EVENTS & MAPS

North Karelia is full of events for

every taste.

How about Karelia Rowing Tour, Kihaus Folk Festival, Lieksa Brass Week or the marathon of the Koli hill? Moments that are so fun to look back on after a successful holiday!

Image: Arttu Kokkonen

Helsinki

Tallinn

Helsinki

Joensuu

Oulu

MoscowStockholmOslo

St. Petersburg

PetrozavodskSortavala

Kuopio

You can fly from the great cities of Europe to

the peace and quiet of Karelia in just a few

hours. International flights arrive in Helsinki

and there are connecting flights to Joensuu.

FAR AWAY YET CONVENIENTLY CLOSE

Image: Koli ry/Pekka Ovaskainen

Distances from Joensuu:• Helsinki 437 km• St. Petersburg 392 km• Sortavala 137 km• Petrozavodsk 360 km• Kuopio 136 km• Lappeenranta 234 km• Oulu 394 km• Rovaniemi 550 km

TransportBy road: From Helsinki along Highway 5 via Lahti and Varkaus or along Highway 6 via Lappeenranta: app. 5,5 hours By train: Trains 7–8 times a day from Helsinki; app. 4,5 hours By air: 2–5 flights a day between Helsinki and Joensuu. Flying time app. 1 hour. Alternative airport Kuopio, with up to 7 flights a day to/from Helsinki. Flying time app. 1 hour.

Kitee

Feel the Most Authentic Finnish Karelia

Karelia Expert Tourist Service Ltd

Teollisuukatu 15, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland+358 (0)20 743 4660 | sales@visitkarelia.fi | www.visitkarelia.fi

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