North Karelian Lakeland: Culture and Cuisine

Image: Visit Karelia

This immersive journey explores the cultural heart of Karelia, a region renowned for its rich folklore, distinctive language, soulful music and deeply rooted culinary traditions. The area is also closely connected to the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, whose poems and myths were collected from Karelian oral storytelling and continue to shape the region’s cultural identity. Framed by forested hills and the vast waters of Lake Pielinen, the programme blends hands-on cultural experiences, traditional Karelian hospitality and moments of relaxation. From historic wooden architecture and ancestral recipes to folk songs resonating across Finland’s most iconic landscapes, the journey offers an authentic insight into Karelian culture and cuisine.

DAY 1

Arrival at Kajaani Airport and transfer through scenic lakeland landscapes to Bomba in Nurmes, located near the shores of Lake Pielinen, one of Finland’s largest lakes.

Check in at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to enjoy optional outdoor activities such as lakeside walks or gentle nature experiences in the surrounding countryside.

In the evening, unwind at the Bomba Spa, inspired by Karelian mysticism and ancient sauna traditions. The spa experience reflects the spiritual relationship Karelians have with nature and water. Relax in atmospheric saunas such as Kyly, Sampo and Taivaankansi, along with special showers and tranquil pools overlooking the lake.

Your day concludes with a three course dinner, introducing you to regional flavours and seasonal ingredients rooted in Karelian food traditions.

Overnight at Bomba.

DAY 2

After breakfast, immerse yourself in traditional Karelian culture with a visit to the historic Bomba House, located in the centre of a reconstructed Karelian village.

The house is an impressive example of traditional Karelian wooden architecture, reflecting the craftsmanship, symbolism and family centred lifestyle of the region. During a guided tour, you will learn about Karelian history, everyday life and customs passed down through generations.

Next, take part in a hands on baking workshop, where you will prepare traditional Karelian pies known as Karjalanpiirakat, one of the region’s most iconic culinary treasures. After baking, enjoy tasting your freshly made pies while learning about their cultural significance and role in Karelian households.

In the evening, enjoy a Karelian dinner at Bomba House, featuring local delicacies prepared using traditional methods with a contemporary touch and reflecting the flavours of the region.

After dinner, return to the Bomba Spa for another relaxing evening surrounded by serene nature and Karelian atmosphere.

DAY 3

After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Koli National Park, rising above the eastern shores of Lake Pielinen and considered one of Finland’s most treasured national landscapes.

Enjoy a guided nature and cultural experience in the park, renowned for its sweeping views across Lake Pielinen, whose vast waters, islands and changing light have inspired Finnish artists, poets and composers for centuries. Visit the park’s most iconic viewpoints, Ukko Koli, Akka Koli and Paha Koli, each named after figures and forces from ancient belief systems and long regarded as places of spiritual significance.

During the visit, experience the Bouquet of Karelian Songs, a unique cultural moment where a trained singer performs traditional Finnish and Karelian folk songs and ballads. Between songs, she shares stories about the region’s history, folklore, language and the traditional Karelian understanding of nature as a living and meaningful presence.

Afterwards, enjoy a coffee break by an open fire, with both sweet and savoury snacks prepared in traditional outdoor style.

Dinner and overnight in Koli.

DAY 4

After breakfast transfer to Joensuu for your return flights home.

Priced from 480€* per person including:

  • Transfers in Finland as described
  • 2 night’s stay in Bomba incl. 2 x breakfast & 1 x course dinner
  • Karelian dinner at Bomba House
  • Guided tour by bus in Koli national park
  • Karelian song performance with outdoor coffee break
  • 1 night’s stay in Koli including breakfast and dinner

*Based on a group of 30 travelling on a twin/double sharing basis.

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