Things to do in North Karelia
Discover the best attractions and experiences North Karelia has to offer
Historic Monuments
Discover sites and districts that reflect North Karelia's past, from old-town streets to notable historical buildings.
Joensuu Old Town area
A stretch of preserved wooden houses and historical storefronts that tell the story of the city’s past.
Lieksa Old Church area
Historic religious buildings and surrounding streets showcasing traditional Karelian architecture.
Museums
Learn about North Karelia’s culture, history, and nature through well-curated regional museums.
Pohjois-Karjalan museo (Carelic) – Joensuu
Regional history and nature museum exploring North Karelia’s culture.
Joensuu Art Museum
Museum featuring Finnish and regional artworks.
Religious Monuments
Visit significant churches and spiritual sites that shaped communities in the region.
Joensuun Tuomiokirkko (Cathedral)
A prominent Lutheran church with regional significance.
Lieksa Church
Historical church building in Lieksa reflecting local religious heritage.
National & Theme Parks
Get outdoors and immerse yourself in iconic Finnish landscapes and trails.
Koli National Park
Iconic Finnish landscape with hills, lakes, and forest trails.
Ruunaa Hiking Area
Riverside trails and rapids popular for day hikes.
Neighborhoods
Explore the character of towns and cities through their central districts and lively streets.
Joensuu City Centre
Walk along the Market Square, riverside parks, and local shops.
Nurmes Town Centre
Charming wooden-house streets with cafes and small-town charm.
Lieksa Town Centre
Gateway area with culture-focused stops and local flavor.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy nature and strolls that require no entrance fee, perfect for budget-friendly days.
Walk along Pielisjoki River promenade
Scenic riverside walk with views and photo opportunities.
Hiking on Koli trails
Free, well-marked trails offering spectacular viewpoints.
Public lakeside swim and lakefront picnics
Relax by the water at public access points.
Gastronomy
Taste the region’s flavors, from traditional pastries to hearty Nordic dishes.
Karjalanpiirakka tasting
Try the iconic Karelian pies at local bakeries.
Lohikeitto tasting
Sample Finnish creamy salmon soup and local river fish dishes.
Reindeer meat dishes
Enjoy rustic, traditional North Karelia specialties.
Nightlife
Evenings in North Karelia can be relaxed and social, with cozy bars and live music.
Lakeside bars in Joensuu
Casual venues with drinks and occasional live music.
Local pubs in Joensuu city centre
Casual spots for evenings out and socializing.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and events add color to the regional scene.
Joensuu City Theatre
Seasonal performances and touring shows.
Kalevala-inspired cultural events
Seasonal concerts and folklore-inspired events.
Sports
Active options for all seasons, from winter sports to water activities.
Cross-country skiing on Koli trails
Winter trails suitable for all levels.
Snowshoeing in Ruunaa area
Winter hikes through snowy forests.
Off the Track
Ventures off the beaten path for unique experiences in the forest and lake country.
Ice fishing on Lake Pielinen (seasonal)
Date-friendly activity on frozen waters.
Berry picking in North Karelia forests
Seasonal forest walks for berries and mushrooms.