8-Day North Karelia and Lakeland Culture Winter Journey

Image: Visit Karelia

This eight-day journey takes you through North Karelia and the Finnish Lakeland, combining iconic landscapes, cultural heritage and active winter experiences. From lively regional towns to quiet lakeshores and forested hills, the itinerary offers a varied introduction to eastern Finland’s way of life. Along the way, you will explore nationally significant landscapes, experience traditional sauna culture, sample local flavours and take part in guided outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and husky safaris. Cultural visits, historic towns and moments of relaxation are woven together to create a balanced and immersive travel experience, showcasing the distinctive character, traditions and natural beauty of the region.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Joensuu, Gateway to Karelia

Arrival in Joensuu by flight, train or coach. Joensuu is easily accessible from Helsinki by air, rail or road and offers a lively mix of modern city life and surrounding nature.

After arrival, enjoy some time to explore the city at your own pace. Joensuu is known for its vibrant cultural scene, events, restaurants and shopping, while nature trails, riverside paths and lakeside scenery are always close by.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local bistro.


Overnight in Joensuu at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel.

DAY 2 – Koli National Landscape and Winter Experiences

After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Koli, one of Finland’s most iconic nature destinations.

Lunch is enjoyed upon arrival before heading out to experience Koli National Park, famous for its dramatic hills and panoramic views. A guided tour takes you to the park’s most celebrated viewpoints, Ukko Koli, Akka Koli and Paha Koli, places long associated with Finnish art, photography and traditional beliefs.

In winter, enjoy a guided snowshoeing experience through Koli’s peaceful forest landscapes. There is also time to visit Nature Centre Ukko, featuring exhibitions on local nature and culture, a small shop and a café.

Later, unwind with a visit to Koli Relax Spa, offering a relaxing contrast to the day’s outdoor activities.

Dinner in the evening and overnight in Koli at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä.

DAY 3 – Karelian Traditions in Nurmes and Bomba

After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Nurmes.

Arrive in Bomba, a place inspired by traditional Karelian culture and architecture. After lunch, visit the historic Bomba House, located in the heart of a reconstructed Karelian village and representing traditional building styles and ways of life.

Enjoy a cosy campfire moment, either outdoors or in Bomba’s campfire hut, followed by a Karelian pie workshop, where you will learn to prepare traditional Karelian pies and taste them fresh from the oven.

In the afternoon, set out on a snowmobile safari through the scenic winter landscapes surrounding Bomba.

In the evening, relax at the Bomba Spa, inspired by Karelian mystique and sauna traditions, before enjoying a traditional Karelian dinner with local flavours and modern touches.

Overnight in Nurmes at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba.

DAY 4 – Active Lakeland Experiences in Vuokatti

After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Vuokatti.

Vuokatti is one of Finland’s most versatile year-round destinations, known for its rolling hills, outdoor activities and active atmosphere. After lunch, take part in a guided cross-country skiinglesson and tour, learning the basics of this iconic Finnish sport on Vuokatti’s renowned trails.

Later, experience the excitement of a husky safari, gliding through snowy forests with a team of enthusiastic huskies.

Dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Vuokatti at Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti.

DAY 5 – History and Culture in Kajaani

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kajaani.

Kajaani offers a blend of cultural history and northern Lakeland nature. Join a guided walking tour of the town centre, learning about the origins, history and present-day life of Kajaani as it approaches its 375th anniversary.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before some free time to explore the town.

Dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Kajaani at Original Sokos Hotel Valjus.

DAY 6 – Winter Adventures in Tahko

After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Tahko, a lively ski resort and popular year-round holiday destination.

Begin the day with a snowmobile safari, including lunch along the way. Later, enjoy a reindeer experience with a campfire moment, combined with a cross-country skiing introduction.

After check-in, enjoy free time to explore the Tahko area or simply relax. In the evening, visit the Rooftop Spa, offering saunas, hot tubs and sweeping views over the surrounding slopes.

Dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Tahko at Break Sokos Hotel Tahko.

DAY 7 – Kuopio, Culture and Lakeside Traditions

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuopio.

Start the day with a visit to Puijo Tower, enjoying panoramic views over the surrounding lake district, followed by lunch at the tower restaurant.

Continue with a guided visit to the Lignell & Piispanen Distillery, learning about its long history and production methods, including a tasting at the visitor centre.

Later, experience authentic Finnish traditions at Jätkänkämppä, a historic lumberjack lodge, with a traditional smoke sauna and a refreshing swim in Lake Kallavesi.

In the afternoon, enjoy an independent visit to the Kuopio Quarter Museum, which presents life in Kuopio from the late 18th century to the early 20th century.

Dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Kuopio at Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi.

DAY 8 – Departure

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuopio Airport for departure.

Priced from 2200€ per person (based on a 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
  • Guided snowshoeing tour at Koli
  • Visit at Nature Centre Ukko
  • Campfire moment at Bomba
  • Karelian pie workshop
  •  Guided ski tour
  • Husky safari
  • Guided walking tour
  • Snowmobile safari
  • Campfire reindeer safari + cross country skiing school
  • Lingell & Piispanen distillery tour and tasting at the Visitor Centre
  • Visit to Jätkänkämppä
  • Independent visit to the Kuopio Quarter Museum
  • Entrance fees to Koli Relax Spa, Bomba Spa and Rooftop Spa Tahko
  • All the entrance fees, activities, 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