8-Day North Karelia and Finnish Lakeland Summer Journey
This eight-day summer journey explores the highlights of North Karelia and the Finnish Lakeland, combining iconic national landscapes, lakeside towns and cultural heritage with relaxed outdoor experiences. Travelling through Joensuu, Koli, Nurmes, Vuokatti, Kajaani, Tahko and Kuopio, the itinerary offers a balanced mix of nature, history and local life. Along the way, you will experience panoramic hilltop views, scenic lake cruises, traditional wooden towns, regional cuisine and Finnish sauna culture, all set against the long days and gentle light of the Nordic summer.
Day 1 – Arrival in Joensuu
Arrival in Joensuu either by air, train or coach. From Helsinki, Joensuu can be reached by a one-hour flight, approximately four and a half hours by train or about five and a half hours by car.
Joensuu combines modern city life with easy access to nature. The city offers a lively calendar of events, a vibrant restaurant scene and good shopping opportunities, while riverside paths, beaches, campfire sites and fishing spots are all located close to the city centre.
After arrival, enjoy a relaxing visit to Kimmel Spa, where modern Karelian design meets wellbeing. The spa features jacuzzis, pools with light and sound effects, saunas and relaxation areas designed for unwinding after travel.
Dinner is enjoyed at Bistro Heili.
Overnight in Joensuu at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel.
Day 2 – Koli National Landscape and Lake Pielinen
After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Koli, a journey of approximately 50 minutes.
Upon arrival, lunch is enjoyed at Restaurant Tervaskanto before exploring Koli National Park, one of Finland’s most celebrated natural areas. A guided tour takes you to the iconic hilltops of Ukko Koli, Akka Koli and Paha Koli, offering sweeping views over Lake Pielinen. These landscapes have inspired generations of Finnish artists, photographers and nature lovers.
Later, experience the scenery from a different perspective during a cruise on Lake Pielinen, allowing you to admire Koli’s national landscape from the water.
In the afternoon or early evening, relax at Koli Relax Spa, followed by dinner at Restaurant Grill It.
Overnight in Koli at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä.
Day 3 – Art, Wooden Towns and Karelian Traditions
After breakfast, check out and visit the Koli Sculpture Park, an evolving outdoor exhibition combining art, plants and landscape design, created by Finnish artists and stone sculptors.
Continue by bus to Nurmes, with a guided drive through Puu-Juuka, a restored wooden house district that reflects traditional building heritage and small-town life in eastern Finland.
Arrive in Bomba, located on the shores of Lake Pielinen. After lunch at the traditional Bomba House, explore Puu-Nurmes, one of Finland’s best-preserved wooden house areas.
Enjoy a relaxed campfire moment, either outdoors or in Bomba’s campfire hut, followed by a Karelian pie workshop where you learn to prepare traditional Karelian pastries and taste them fresh.
In the evening, unwind at the Bomba Spa, inspired by Karelian mystique and sauna traditions, before enjoying a Karelian dinner at Bomba House featuring local flavours with a modern touch.
Overnight in Nurmes at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba.
Day 4 – Lakeland Nature and Vuokatti
After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Vuokatti.
Vuokatti is known for its rolling hills, lakes and wide range of outdoor activities. After lunch at Restaurant Hella, enjoy a Finnish nature experience with snacks prepared by an open fire at a wooden hut. Depending on the season, berry picking may also be part of the experience.
Later, take part in a guided walking tour in the Sotkamo area or a sightseeing drive through the Vuokatti and Sotkamo region.
Dinner is enjoyed at Restaurant Kippo.
Overnight in Vuokatti at Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti.
Day 5 – History and Waterways of Kajaani
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kajaani.
Kajaani offers a blend of cultural history and northern Lakeland scenery. Join a guided walking tour of the town centre, learning about the city’s origins, history and present day life as it approaches its 375th anniversary.
After lunch at Restaurant Rosso, enjoy a steamship cruise on Lake Oulujärvi and along the Kajaaninjoki River. The route passes landscapes that inspired Elias Lönnrot and poet Eino Leino, with steep sandbanks and summer light creating a classic Lakeland atmosphere.
Dinner is enjoyed at Restaurant Sulo.
Overnight in Kajaani at Original Sokos Hotel Valjus.
Day 6 – Tahko Adventures and Island Heritage
After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Tahko.
Tahko is an active year-round destination surrounded by lakes and forests. After lunch at Hillside Restaurant, experience Tahko Zipline, Finland’s longest zipline, offering an exhilarating ride high above the landscape and Lake Syväri.
Later, enjoy a guided boat trip to Aholansaari Island, a historical and spiritual destination known for its cultural heritage and peaceful setting.
In the evening, relax at the Rooftop Spa with panoramic views before dinner at Panorama Havu Kitchen and Bar.
Overnight in Tahko at Break Sokos Hotel Tahko.
Day 7 – Kuopio, Lakeland City Life
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuopio.
Begin with a guided city tour by bus or on foot, discovering how lakeside nature and urban life blend seamlessly in Kuopio. Lunch is enjoyed at the summer restaurant Wanha Satama by the harbour.
In the afternoon, take a lake cruise to admire Kuopio’s shoreline, architecture and surrounding Lakeland scenery from the water. Later, enjoy an independent visit to the Kuopio Quarter Museum, which presents everyday life in Kuopio from the late 18th century to the early 20th century.
The day concludes with a visit to Puijo Tower and dinner.
Overnight in Kuopio at Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi.
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuopio Airport for departure.
Priced from 1830€ per person (based on group of 30 travelling) including:
- Pohjolan Matka’s private coach and driver for 8 days as per suggested program
- Hotel accommodation in twin/dbl rooms for 7 nights
- Buffet breakfast x 7 -lunch x 6, dinner x 7
- Guided tour on the tops of Koli
- Cruise on lake Pielinen
- Visit at Koli Sculpture Park
- Guided drive through Puu-Juuka (Wooden-Juuka)
- Visit at Puu-Nurmes area
- Campfire moment at Bomba
- Karelian Pie workshop
- Finnish nature tour
- Guided walking tour in Sotkamo
- Guided walking tour in Kajaani
- Steamship Cruise -Finland´ s longest zipline
- Guided trip to Aholansaari island
- Entrance fees to Kimmel Spa, Koli Relax Spa, Bomba Spa and Rooftop Spa Tahko
- All entrance fees as described
- Local English speaking guides
Contact information for DMC/incoming services
tel. +358 201 303 357
email: incoming@pohjolanmatka.fi
You can also request an offer by using this form