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Route

Flavours of Eastern Finland

The journey begins in Joensuu, the vibrant capital of North Karelia, known for its rich culture and stunning nature. The route winds through Eastern Finland's breathtaking landscapes, including Koli National Park's forests, lakes, and hills. Along the way, experience Karelian traditions, warm hospitality, and unique cuisine, before ending in the town of Kajaani.

Credits: Jussi Helttunen

Nature, culture & culinary delights

The Flavours of Eastern Finland route combines the region's finest: pristine nature, stunning landscapes, rich local culture, and delicious cuisine. Begin by exploring Finland's iconic national scenery in Koli and experiencing Karelian traditions. Larger towns like Joensuu offer a cultural contrast with museums and events that complement the natural experience. As you head north towards Kajaani, the experience shifts towards serene, untouched beauty, with picturesque lakes, winding hills, and hiking trails offering a chance to find inner peace. This route is possible year-round, but winter driving skills are needed during snowy months.

Route overview

  • Starting Point: Joensuu
  • Length of route: 540 kilometres
  • Duration: 4 days
  • All year
  • By car: 7 hours

Travel tip

Begin your journey by flying from Helsinki to Kajaani, or opt for a scenic 4.5-hour train ride from Helsinki to Joensuu, where you'll enjoy beautiful views of lush forests and serene lakes along the way. 

Route highlights

Autumn foliage overlooking Lake Pielinen in Koli National Park, Finland. - Julia Kivelä
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Koli National Park, Finland's national landscape

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Koli National Park, one of Finland’s most cherished national landscapes with well-marked trails for all skill levels. Nestled in North Karelia, Koli features panoramic hills, pristine forests, and stunning views over Lake Pielinen. Rich in cultural significance, Koli has inspired artists for generations, making it a must-visit destination.
A person lights candles in Valamo Monastery. - Valamo Monastery
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Authentic flavours of Eastern Finland's culinary heritage

Savour the region’s culinary treasures at local restaurants featuring fresh fish from nearby lakes, seasonal berries, and locally handpicked mushrooms, and indulge in pastries crafted by skilled bakers. For an authentic experience, visit Valamo Monastery, renowned for its bakery and winery, or head to Bomba House, where you can enjoy traditional Karelian dishes with a modern twist.
Traditional Karelian pies, a classic Finnish delicacy. - Julia Kivelä, aitojamakuja.fi
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Dive into the rich tapestry of Finnish folklore

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of eastern Finnish folklore, especially the renowned Kalevala, where vibrant folk music narrates the tales of the land and its people. Discover traditional techniques such as wood tar burning, an age-old craft integral to the region's heritage, and the art of baking delicious Karelian pies, a beloved local delicacy.
Enjoy a husky ride in snowy Vuokatti, Finland. - Julia Kivelä
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Vuokatti, your all-season escape for adventure and scenic beauty

Vuokatti is one of Finland’s most versatile year-round holiday destinations, known for its stunning hills, serene waterways, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether it's hiking and mountain biking in the summer or hitting the slopes at Vuokatti Ski Resort in the winter for skiing and snowboarding, there's something for everyone.
A woman staring at the lake Oulujärvi in Finland. - Pihla Peurasaari
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Scenic shores of Lake Oulujärvi and Kajaani's unique events

The final stop is Kajaani, where you can explore the great outdoors around Lake Oulujärvi, with activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The Kajaani and Kainuu region also offers a vibrant events scene, with highlights including Kajaani Poetry Week, the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, the quirky Swamp Soccer World Championships, and the Kajaani Tanssii Dance Event.
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Places to eat

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Savour the local flavours, featuring fish from nearby lakes, locally foraged berries and mushrooms, and pastries from neighbourhood bakeries.
Flavours and aromas of four provinces of Finland
Sustainable Travel Finland
Nurmes
Flavours and aromas of four provinces of Finland
Restaurant Kippo
Sustainable Travel Finland
Vuokatti
Kainuurestaurant Kippo
Buffet at Hotel Kalevala
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kuhmo
Restaurant Kanteletar Hotel Kalevala
Valamo Wine Tasting
Sustainable Travel Finland
Nurmes
Valamo Wine Tasting
Karelian Pie Workshop
Sustainable Travel Finland
Nurmes
Karelian Pie Workshop at Bomba
Grill It! Koli
Sustainable Travel Finland
Koli
Grill It! Koli
The best tastes and flavours of North Karelia.
Joensuu
Kielo Restaurant
Local bread appetisers on a plate in Heikkilän Pirtti
Sotkamo
Taste of Kainuu Food Tour

Places to stay

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Hotels, hostels, cabins and resorts along the Flavours of Eastern Finland route offer excellent accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay between your adventures.
Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä
Sustainable Travel Finland
Lieksa
Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä
Hotel Kalevala
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kuhmo
Hotel Kalevala
Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel Room
Sustainable Travel Finland
Joensuu
Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel - Hotel with Karelian Charm in Joensuu, Eastern Finland
Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti
Sustainable Travel Finland
Vuokatti
Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti
Main building
Sustainable Travel Finland
Lentiira
Lentiira Holiday Village (Kuhmo)
Break Sokos Hotel Bomba
Sustainable Travel Finland
Nurmes
Break Sokos Hotel Bomba
Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel
Sustainable Travel Finland
Joensuu
Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel
On January the sun rises just enough for the rays to reach the guesthouse.
Sustainable Travel Finland
Koli
Kolin Runo - Cozy B&B Near Koli Hill
Break Sokos Hotel Koli
Sustainable Travel Finland
Koli
Break Sokos Hotel Koli
Vaakuna in Joensuu city center
Sustainable Travel Finland
Joensuu
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Joensuu
scenery
Sotkamo
Arctic Lakeland Igloos Vuokatti
Villa Cone Beach provides comfort under stars and moonlight.
Kuhmo
Villa Cone Beach - Winter Wilderness Luxury
Summer time
Kajaani
Manor House Hotel Karolineburg in Kajaani
Standard Triple Room
Joensuu
GreenStar Hotel Joensuu
Villa Ruhtinatar at Vuokatin Aateli
Vuokatti
Villa Ruhtinatar at Vuokatin Aateli
Beautiful log cabin in Lapland
Joensuu
Finland Cottage Rentals
Villa Cone Beach and the Arctic Garden boast a private lakefront stretching 500 meters.
Kuhmo
Villa Cone Beach - Summer Wilderness Luxury

Attractions to visit

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Explore the unique natural attractions of the region, such as the Ärjänsaari Island and Vuokatti Fell, along with the breathtaking national landscapes of Koli National Park.
Bomba House
Sustainable Travel Finland
Nurmes
Bomba House
Kajaanin rauniolinnaa ympäröi Kajaaninjoki
Kajaani
Kajaani Castle Ruins
Kaksi perinneasuihin pukeutunutta naishenkilöä katsoo järvelle. Kuva: Miriam Pfähler
Lieksa
Koli National Park
The foliage view from Vuokatti Hill
Sotkamo
Vuokatinvaara Hill and viewpoint
Suuren vanhan puurakennuksen päätyseinä suurin ikkunoin
Joensuu
Local Craft Centre Taitokortteli
Landscapes from Toivontorni observation tower.
Nurmes
Kohtavaara Nature and History Trail
Taidekeskus Ahjo
Joensuu
Art Center Ahjo
Kuva yhdestä Riikka Palosen Alku-nimisen näyttelyn teoksesta
Kuhmo
Juminkeko Kalevala Exhibitions
Joukko retkeilijöitä viettämässä taukoa kevättalvisella laavulla. Kuva: Heikki Räsänen
Lieksa
Ruunaa Hiking Area
Harakkasaaren polku, kuva Harri Toivainen
Kuhmo
Harakkasaari (island)
Mythical Hiidenportti National Park
Kuhmo
Mythical Hiidenportti National Park

Activities to explore

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Immerse yourself in Eastern Finnish culture and unwind like a local with activities like sauna, wildlife watching, ice swimming, and hiking.
White Summer Days and Nights in North Karelia
Sustainable Travel Finland
Joensuu
White Summer Days and Nights in North Karelia
Bear Watching and Photographing
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kuhmo
Activities in Hotel Kalevala
Smoke sauna experience
Sustainable Travel Finland
Lentiira
Sauna for Happiness and Health
Ryhmä pyöräilijöitä kesäisessä metsämaisemassa
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kuhmo
Kokkovaara Bike Tour in Lentiira
Accessible Tour
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kuhmo
Accessible Tour in Kuhmo - Nature, Culture and History
Lakeside sauna at Bomba
Sustainable Travel Finland
Nurmes
Lakeside Sauna at Bomba

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