Lakes, rapids and Orthodox monasteries along the last stretch before Russia.
North Karelia is where Finland keeps its Orthodox minority and its wildest water. Koli hill gives the view that Finnish national painters made into a symbol of the country: ridges of forest and lake going grey into the distance. Ruunaa has runnable rapids, and the Karelian border zone is walked on the Bear’s Trail through taiga where wolverine and bear actually live. The food is different here too — karjalanpiirakka, rye pasties with rice, eaten with egg butter.
Known for
- Nature
- Camping
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
Best time to visit
The best months for North Karelia are May, June, July and August.
Suggested route
7 nights across 3 stops. Jourimo adjusts it to the length of your trip.
- 1Joensuu · 3 nights
- 2Lieksa · 2 nights
- 3Ilomantsi · 2 nights