Route

Flavours of Eastern Finland

The journey begins in Joensuu, the vibrant capital of North Karelia, known for its rich culture and stunning nature. The route winds through Eastern Finland's breathtaking landscapes, including Koli National Park's forests, lakes, and hills. Along the way, experience Karelian traditions, warm hospitality, and unique cuisine, before ending in the town of Kajaani.

Credits: Jussi Helttunen

Nature, culture & culinary delights

The Flavours of Eastern Finland route combines the region's finest: pristine nature, stunning landscapes, rich local culture, and delicious cuisine. Begin by exploring Finland's iconic national scenery in Koli and experiencing Karelian traditions. Larger towns like Joensuu offer a cultural contrast with museums and events that complement the natural experience. As you head north towards Kajaani, the experience shifts towards serene, untouched beauty, with picturesque lakes, winding hills, and hiking trails offering a chance to find inner peace. This route is possible year-round, but winter driving skills are needed during snowy months.

Route overview

Starting Point: Joensuu
Length of route: 540 kilometres
Duration: 4 days
All year
By car: 7 hours

Travel tip

Begin your journey by flying from Helsinki to Kajaani, or opt for a scenic 4.5-hour train ride from Helsinki to Joensuu, where you'll enjoy beautiful views of lush forests and serene lakes along the way.

Route highlights

Autumn foliage overlooking Lake Pielinen in Koli National Park, Finland. - Julia Kivelä

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Koli National Park, Finland's national landscape

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Koli National Park, one of Finland’s most cherished national landscapes with well-marked trails for all skill levels. Nestled in North Karelia, Koli features panoramic hills, pristine forests, and stunning views over Lake Pielinen. Rich in cultural significance, Koli has inspired artists for generations, making it a must-visit destination.

A person lights candles in Valamo Monastery. - Valamo Monastery

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Authentic flavours of Eastern Finland's culinary heritage

Savour the region’s culinary treasures at local restaurants featuring fresh fish from nearby lakes, seasonal berries, and locally handpicked mushrooms, and indulge in pastries crafted by skilled bakers. For an authentic experience, visit Valamo Monastery, renowned for its bakery and winery, or head to Bomba House, where you can enjoy traditional Karelian dishes with a modern twist.

Traditional Karelian pies, a classic Finnish delicacy. - Julia Kivelä, aitojamakuja.fi

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Dive into the rich tapestry of Finnish folklore

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of eastern Finnish folklore, especially the renowned Kalevala, where vibrant folk music narrates the tales of the land and its people. Discover traditional techniques such as wood tar burning, an age-old craft integral to the region's heritage, and the art of baking delicious Karelian pies, a beloved local delicacy.

Enjoy a husky ride in snowy Vuokatti, Finland. - Julia Kivelä

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Vuokatti, your all-season escape for adventure and scenic beauty

Vuokatti is one of Finland’s most versatile year-round holiday destinations, known for its stunning hills, serene waterways, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether it's hiking and mountain biking in the summer or hitting the slopes at Vuokatti Ski Resort in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, there's something for everyone.

A woman staring at the lake Oulujärvi in Finland. - Pihla Peurasaari

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Scenic shores of Lake Oulujärvi and Kajaani's unique events

The final stop is Kajaani, where you can explore the great outdoors around Lake Oulujärvi, with activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The Kajaani and Kainuu region also offers a vibrant events scene, with highlights including Kajaani Poetry Week, the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, the quirky Swamp Soccer World Championships, and the Kajaani Tanssii Dance Event.

Places to eat

Savour the local flavours, featuring fish from nearby lakes, locally foraged berries and mushrooms, and pastries from neighbourhood bakeries.

Flavours and aromas of four provinces of Finland

Restaurant Kippo

Kainuurestaurant Kippo

Buffet at Hotel Kalevala

Restaurant Kanteletar Hotel Kalevala

Valamo Wine Tasting

Valamo Wine Tasting

Karelian Pie Workshop

Karelian Pie Workshop at Bomba

Grill It! Koli

The best tastes and flavours of North Karelia.

Kielo Restaurant

Local bread appetisers on a plate in Heikkilän Pirtti

Taste of Kainuu Food Tour

Places to stay

Hotels, hostels, cabins and resorts along the Flavours of Eastern Finland route offer excellent accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay between your adventures.

Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä

Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä

Hotel Kalevala

Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel Room

Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel - Hotel with Karelian Charm in Joensuu, Eastern Finland

Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti

Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti

Lentiira Holiday Village (Kuhmo)

Break Sokos Hotel Bomba

Break Sokos Hotel Bomba

Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel

Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel

On January the sun rises just enough for the rays to reach the guesthouse.

Kolin Runo - Cozy B&B Near Koli Hill

Break Sokos Hotel Koli

Break Sokos Hotel Koli

Vaakuna in Joensuu city center

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Joensuu

Arctic Lakeland Igloos Vuokatti

Villa Cone Beach provides comfort under stars and moonlight.

Villa Cone Beach - Winter Wilderness Luxury

Manor House Hotel Karolineburg in Kajaani

Standard Triple Room

GreenStar Hotel Joensuu

Villa Ruhtinatar at Vuokatin Aateli

Villa Ruhtinatar at Vuokatin Aateli

Beautiful log cabin in Lapland

Finland Cottage Rentals

Villa Cone Beach and the Arctic Garden boast a private lakefront stretching 500 meters.

Villa Cone Beach - Summer Wilderness Luxury

Attractions to visit

Explore the unique natural attractions of the region, such as the Ärjänsaari Island and Vuokatti Fell, along with the breathtaking national landscapes of Koli National Park.

Bomba House

Kajaanin rauniolinnaa ympäröi Kajaaninjoki

Kajaani Castle Ruins

Kaksi perinneasuihin pukeutunutta naishenkilöä katsoo järvelle. Kuva: Miriam Pfähler

Koli National Park

The foliage view from Vuokatti Hill

Vuokatinvaara Hill and viewpoint

Suuren vanhan puurakennuksen päätyseinä suurin ikkunoin

Local Craft Centre Taitokortteli

Landscapes from Toivontorni observation tower.

Kohtavaara Nature and History Trail

Taidekeskus Ahjo

Art Center Ahjo

Kuva yhdestä Riikka Palosen Alku-nimisen näyttelyn teoksesta

Juminkeko Kalevala Exhibitions

Joukko retkeilijöitä viettämässä taukoa kevättalvisella laavulla. Kuva: Heikki Räsänen

Ruunaa Hiking Area

Harakkasaaren polku, kuva Harri Toivainen

Harakkasaari (island)

Mythical Hiidenportti National Park

Activities to explore

Immerse yourself in Eastern Finnish culture and unwind like a local with activities like sauna, wildlife watching, ice swimming, and hiking.

White Summer Days and Nights in North Karelia

Bear Watching and Photographing

Activities in Hotel Kalevala

Smoke sauna experience

Sauna for Happiness and Health

Ryhmä pyöräilijöitä kesäisessä metsämaisemassa

Kokkovaara Bike Tour in Lentiira

Accessible Tour

Accessible Tour in Kuhmo - Nature, Culture and History

Lakeside sauna at Bomba

Lakeside Sauna at Bomba

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