North Karelia Escape – Nature, Comfort & Local Warmth

7 days 6 nights
Finland
Photo Kirsi P.
Kirsi P.
Tour Provider
View Kirsi’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Midscale
Group size
2-6 tourists,
over 10 y.o.

There’s a moment, just before you step onto a forest trail, when the world seems to quiet down—as if nature is inviting you in. This week in North Karelia is built around that feeling: the calm that comes from open landscapes, steady footsteps, and days shaped by the rhythm of the wild.

Your journey leads through some of eastern Finland’s most striking places. Walk the ancient gorge of Kolvananuuro, climb the famous peaks of Koli National Park, drift across islands on Lake Höytiäinen, and paddle the gentle Pielisjoki River. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about local culture, taste meals prepared in the heart of nature, and enjoy the unhurried hospitality that defines this region.

Each evening, return to the cozy comfort of Hotel Kontio—your base between adventures. With a sauna waiting after every day outdoors and the freedom to prepare your own meals, it’s the perfect blend of independence and care. Join us for a week filled with fresh air, warm steam, and landscapes that stay with you long after the journey ends!

from
$1,838
per tourist for 7 days
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Jun and 30 Sep are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
2-6 tourists, over 10 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Kirsi P.
Kirsi P. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, Finnish
I am an entrepreneur working at the company which organizes vacation activities in Finland.

Tour highlights

Porkkalanniemi peninsula
Hidden Gems of North Karelia
From island-hopping to forest gorges, experience six days of landscapes you won’t find in guidebooks, each with its own mood and story
Sauna Evenings
Unwind every night in the warm, quiet sauna and cool off on the terrace—your daily ritual of Finnish wellbeing
canoyeing
Try Canoyeing on the Pielisjoki River
A calm canoe journey through Joensuu’s waterways, with stops in riverside districts and plenty of time to enjoy the rhythm of the river

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Upon arrival in Kohtiolahti, you settle into the Kontio Hiking Hotel and take some time to look around the area. In the evening, you can relax and unwind in the sauna.

Piilo finland
Piilo finland
Piilo finland 3 more photos
Day 2
Guided Tour of Kolvananuuro
Day 3
Koli National Park
Day 4
Lake Höytiäinen
Day 5
Canoeing on the Pielisjoki River
Day 6
Explore on Your Own
Day 7
Farewell Morning
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Comfort
Midscale
Hotel
5 nights
5 nights
Hotel Kontio

Hotel Kontio offers stylishly decorated and modern rooms that combine a cozy atmosphere and modern comfort. The hotel's location along the 6th road ensures easy access, also by bus - and Kontiolahti's comprehensive services can be found just around the corner.

At the end of the day, you can relax in the cozy sauna section, where soft steams pamper your body and mind. After the sauna, cool off in peace on the spacious terrace - the perfect end to the day.
Accommodation in a double room with a kitchen for preparing food. You can also freely use the hut in the yard.

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included
  • accommodation in double-room (including linen and use of the sauna and courtyard hut);
  • guided: Kolvanauuro hiking, Koli hiking;
  • boat trip to Höytiäinen;
  • guided canoeing trip on the Pielisjoki River.
Extras

By order and for an additional fee:

  • breakfast basket;
  • light evening snack basket;
  • biking trip;
  • guided SUP lessons;
  • transfers.

It's important to know

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage.

Cancellation of booking

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Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Jun – 30 Sep
    Request to book

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