Parppeinvaara Rune Singer's Village, Ilomantsi
Parppeinvaara
Finland's earliest themed cultural village, centred on Karelian rune singing and the kantele, where you can eat traditional Karelian dishes.
Parppeinvaara is located in Ilomantsi, about 70 km east of Joensuu. Opened in 1964, it is considered Finland's earliest themed cultural village and honours the rune singers who chanted the epic poems of the Kalevala. On the hillside are traditional Karelian log cabins, a small Orthodox chapel and exhibitions. In summer, musicians in folk costume often play the kantele. The village's Parppein restaurant serves traditional dishes such as Karelian stew and rice pies. In town, St. Elias Church in Ilomantsi is also worth a stop on the way. It is open in summer, charges an admission fee, and you'll need a car to get there.
Opening hours
Usually open June–August; check the official website
Nearby sights
- Petkeljärvi National Park
- Möhkö Ironworks Village
- Patvinsuo National Park
- Ruunaa Hiking Area
- Paateri
- Pielinen Museum
- Ilosaari & Ilosaarirock
- Joensuu Town Hall