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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 1 \u2013 Arrival in Joensuu<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dinner is enjoyed at Bistro Heili. Day 2 \u2013 Koli National Landscape and Lake Pielinen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Koli, a journey of approximately 50 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon arrival, lunch is enjoyed at Restaurant Tervaskanto before exploring Koli National Park, one of Finland\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later, experience the scenery from a different perspective during a cruise on Lake Pielinen, allowing you to admire Koli\u2019s national landscape from the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon or early evening, relax at Koli Relax Spa, followed by dinner at Restaurant Grill It.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 3 \u2013 Art, Wooden Towns and Karelian Traditions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrive in Bomba, located on the shores of Lake Pielinen. After lunch at the traditional Bomba House, explore Puu-Nurmes, one of Finland\u2019s best-preserved wooden house areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy a relaxed campfire moment, either outdoors or in Bomba\u2019s campfire hut, followed by a Karelian pie workshop where you learn to prepare traditional Karelian pastries and taste them fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 4 \u2013 Lakeland Nature and Vuokatti<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Vuokatti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later, take part in a guided walking tour in the Sotkamo area or a sightseeing drive through the Vuokatti and Sotkamo region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dinner is enjoyed at Restaurant Kippo. Day 5 \u2013 History and Waterways of Kajaani<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kajaani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kajaani offers a blend of cultural history and northern Lakeland scenery. Join a guided walking tour of the town centre, learning about the city\u2019s origins, history and present day life as it approaches its 375th anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After lunch at Restaurant Rosso, enjoy a steamship cruise on Lake Ouluj\u00e4rvi and along the Kajaaninjoki River. The route passes landscapes that inspired Elias L\u00f6nnrot and poet Eino Leino, with steep sandbanks and summer light creating a classic Lakeland atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dinner is enjoyed at Restaurant Sulo. Day 6 \u2013 Tahko Adventures and Island Heritage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After breakfast, check out and transfer by bus to Tahko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tahko is an active year-round destination surrounded by lakes and forests. After lunch at Hillside Restaurant, experience Tahko Zipline, Finland\u2019s longest zipline, offering an exhilarating ride high above the landscape and Lake Syv\u00e4ri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later, enjoy a guided boat trip to Aholansaari Island, a historical and spiritual destination known for its cultural heritage and peaceful setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the evening, relax at the Rooftop Spa with panoramic views before dinner at Panorama Havu Kitchen and Bar. Day 7 \u2013 Kuopio, Lakeland City Life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuopio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon, take a lake cruise to admire Kuopio\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The day concludes with a visit to Puijo Tower and dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 8 \u2013 Departure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuopio Airport for departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Priced from 1830\u20ac per person (based on group of 30 travelling) including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact information for DMC\/incoming services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n tel. +358 201 303 357<\/a> This eight-day summer journey explores the highlights of North Karelia…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":16944,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-16943","dmc","type-dmc","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Overnight in Joensuu at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overnight in Koli at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kyl\u00e4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overnight in Nurmes at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overnight in Vuokatti at Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overnight in Kajaani at Original Sokos Hotel Valjus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overnight in Tahko at Break Sokos Hotel Tahko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overnight in Kuopio at Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
email: incoming@pohjolanmatka.fi<\/a>
You can also request an offer by using this form<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"