North Karelia

Finland's easternmost lake region, where the view from Koli over Lake Pielinen is regarded as Finland's national landscape.

North Karelia lies in the far east of Finland, bordering Russia, with lakes, hills and forests interwoven, and Karelian culture and Orthodox traditions have a deep influence here. From the summit of Koli National Park you can look out over Lake Pielinen and its islands, one of Finland's most iconic views and a source of inspiration for many artists. The main city, Joensuu, is a university town, and the surrounding area has traditional Karelian villages and hiking trails. Summer is good for hiking and lake activities, autumn for fall colors, and in winter you can ski at Koli. Joensuu Airport and the railway are the main gateways.

Destinations

• Joensuu & Koli
• Kuopio

Itineraries

• Finnish Lakeland & North Karelia Self-Drive – A Lakeland loop starting from the southern shore of Lake Saimaa, passing through Savonlinna, Koli, Kuopio, and ending i…