Olavinlinna Castle | Lake Saimaa

The building of Olavinlinna, castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be built to protect the strategically important Savo region. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and every-day chores inside the security of the castle’s thick walls.

Today, Olavinlinna is a really popular tourist destination all year round. In addition to guided tours, many things happen in Olavinlinna, e.g. themed program, in the summertime Opera Festival and many other concerts.

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Hotel Järvisydän

Our unique Järvisydän hotel is in our awesome main building, which is constructed from Finnish stone and old wood – all locally acquired.

Standard Room
Standard rooms have double bed, balcony to the garden or forest and rocks, shower/toilet, hairdryer, minibar, tv and capsule coffee machine, and water kettle. Rooms are also equipped with towels.

Suite Room
Suite Rooms have a living room/small kitchen, bedroom, and a sleeping gallery. There is a double bed in the bedroom, and in the sleeping gallery there is one single bed plus a folding bed for one. The sofa of the living room can be used as an extra bed for two persons. In the bathroom there is a shower, jacuzzi and a toilet.

Superior Rooms
Our Superior Suite with a jacuzzi is a nice option also for a longer holiday. Superior has a double bed and the sofa can be used also as an extra bed for one person. In the bathroom, there is a shower, jacuzzi and a toilet. Superior have also a second toilet, hallway, and a balcony with the view to Lake Saimaa.

VIP suite
Our Vip Suite is located in the top floor of the hotel and we can recommend it for e.g. for a special occasion like honeymoons or for small meetings. Vip Suite is equipped with a jacuzzi, fireplace, kitchen, 2 toilets, meeting lounge, and of course with a view to Lake Saimaa.

Linnansaari National Park

Lakeland home of the unique Saimaa ringed seal ​

In Linnansaari, you are in the middle of the Lake Saimaa and the wonderful scenery of archipelago. You are also at the home of the unique Saimaa ringed seal. In summertime one can get to the park by a boat from Oravi or Rantasalmi. In winter, there is a maintained ice track across the lake from Oravi to Rantasalmi. In summer, several excursion harbours around the park welcome boaters. In the main island nature trails, heritage landscapes and lush forests welcome the hikers. There are also services in the main island of the National Park.

In nature conservation areas, everyman’s rights do not apply in the normal way. Please always check the rules Linnansaari before making your trip. National parks are nature reserves, whose key task is to safeguard biodiversity and enable people to enjoy and relax in nature on the terms of nature conservation.
All national parks in Finland are managed by Metsähallitus.

Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel – Hotel with Karelian Charm in Joensuu, Eastern Finland

We offer service with a personal touch – Any request, big or small, we’re here to help!

Each of our hotel rooms has a unique design and is equipped to a high standard. The decorative details in each room tell stories about local history, culture and nature. You may book your stay with or without local Karelian breakfast.

Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel has 30 double rooms and one smaller, single room. Some of the rooms can be combined to make a larger space for example for a family stay. All the rooms have their own kitchen and bathroom and are equipped with air conditioning and heating. Our hotel doors are secured by code locks.

If you book your stay directly from the hotel or on our website www.lietsuhotel.fi, parking is included in the price. Also, in direct bookings the use of the gym is free and you are offered a private 1-hour Finnish sauna with a river view.

We are proud to have the audited EcoCompass certificate for our responsible environmental management system (EMS), and we have gained the Sustainable Travel Finland certificate. We also collaborate with the Joensuu Climate Block project and are engaged in the national Energy Efficiency Agreement for the hotel sector. Equality and accessibility – well, isn’t it obvious that everyone is equal and all should have equal access to services? We believe so and strive to make everyone’s stay comfortable and safe.

Come and enjoy the relaxing Lietsu atmosphere in North Karelia!

Koli National Park

Finland’s best loved national landscape

When you take in the marvellous view over Lake Pielinen from the top of Ukko-Koli hill, it’s easy to see why this spot has attracted so many Finnish artists, photographers and nature-lovers over the centuries. The splendid scenery always instills a sense of serenity and wonder in visitors. Koli’s hills and lakes provide fine settings for enjoyable outings and activities at any time of year.

In nature conservation areas, everyman’s rights do not apply in the normal way. Please always check the rules of the destination before making your trip.
National parks are nature reserves, whose key task is to safeguard biodiversity and enable people to enjoy and relax in nature on the terms of nature conservation.
All national parks in Finland are managed by Metsähallitus.

Koli Sculpture Garden

The Sculp­tu­re Park is one of the fi­nest att­rac­tions in Ko­li! It co­vers an area of app­ro­xi­ma­te­ly one hec­ta­re and is lo­ca­ted 1.2 ki­lo­me­ters from Ko­li’s vil­la­ge cen­ter. The area is di­vi­ded in­to sec­tions ba­sed on the co­lors of plants. The con­ti­nual­ly evol­ving area is ador­ned with imp­res­si­ve sculp­tu­res crea­ted by a hor­ti­cul­tu­rist and self-taught ar­tist, as well as Fin­land’s mas­ter of sto­ne car­ving, Las­se Mar­ti­kai­nen.
The Sculp­tu­re Park is al­so well-sui­ted for fa­mi­lies with child­ren!

Lasse has been passionate about fantasy culture throughout his life, and this is strongly reflected in his sculptures. His subjects include mythological creatures like the Minotaur and unicorn. His art is also infused with a deep connection to nature. Koli and nature excursions with his father inspired him to create a life-sized iron tree. Sometimes, his subjects can merge, as seen in the three-meter-long caterpillar made to scale.

Many of his works use recycled materials, such as old greenhouse heating pipes and cultivation troughs, giving them a new lease on life. This brings art into the modern day and makes it more environmentally friendly.

New sculptures and plants are added to the park every year, so it’s worth visiting the park multiple times.

Bomba House

Bomba House is a copy of a house built in Suojärvi, Russian Karelia. The original house was built by Jegor Bombin in 1855 for his son Dimitri Jegorov and it was built using long round logs. The original house had 27 rooms and you could even ride in with a horse.

After the Second World War the house was decided to be re-built to Bomba, Nurmes. This beautiful building represents traditional Karelian style architecture with its surrounding Karelian village. The building has a Restaurant Bomba, café and museum rooms.

Welcome to visit the Bomba House and explore more of the Karelian history of the area!

Spa Bomba

Relax at the luxurious Spa Bomba in Nurmes, overlooking lake Pielinen. Try the Karelian sauna Kyly, experience a traditional Finnish sauna Sampo or relax at the steam sauna Taivaankansi. The sauna department also has experience showers and foot baths.

The pool area pampers you with hot and cold pools, a main pool with different kind of massaging showers and streams and special showers with light and sound. The outside terrace has outdoor jacuzzis which are perfect for relaxing while looking at the stunning view. The pool bar serves you and you can enjoy the refreshments at the relax area of the spa on the heated seats. Come and experience the Karelian themed spa!

Juminkeko Kalevala Exhibitions

Get to know Juminkeko’s temporary exhibitions about the Kalevala and the Karelian culture

Juminkeko features temporary exhibitions all year round.

The exhibitions deal with the Kalevala as well as the Finnish and Karelian folklore. They can also be connected to a certain annual theme.

We wait for you at one of our openings, concerts, lectures or perhaps at the Arhippa Perttunen’s symposium.

You will have a taste of how the Kalevala and the folklore are still a source of inspiration for a lot of artists both from Finland and other countries.

You can take part in our events virtually. Check out Juminkeko’s YouTube channel.

Juminkeko’s permanent exhibition features the statues of the Karelian runosingers and the translators of the Kalevala by Alpo and Nina Sailo.

Martti Aiha’s sculpture “Arhipan kivi” dominates Juminkeko’s courtyard. Commissioned by the Finnish Kalevala Society and the Karelian Culture Society, this work is dedicated to the singers of the Kalevala.

Antti Nieminen’s statue “Ruoto” is also on display.

Lentiira Holiday Village (Kuhmo)

Lentiira Holiday Village offers traditional cottage accommodation in nine cosy wooden cottages in the arctic lakeland Kainuu region, located 45km north of Kuhmo town. The family run company is known for heartfelt hospitality and unforgettable nature experiences since 1967.

We offer unique experiences for the active adventurer, hunter of natural wonders and nature explorer. Lentiira offers pure nature and dark skies free of light pollution. Depending on the season, stargazing or solar viewing is offered with our astronomical telescopes and guided by the resident astronomer.

In addition to comfortable cottage accommodation, we have a traditional smoke sauna with sauna & massage therapist. For a relaxing break, forest hiking, canoeing, cycling, as well as classic winter activities and husky safaris are all popular with guests. Fishing traditions are also maintained in the holiday village. Pets are warmly welcome!

AURORA BIRDHOUSE

Let your mind rest in the silence of the horizon and be inspired by the magic of nature.

The cabin’s large landscape window welcomes you to be part of the wild nature 24 hours a day. Enjoy and make yourself comfortable in the motorized bed surrounded by peaceful nature. Pause for moment in relaxing landscape sauna after an outdoors. The highlight of your stay is the outdoor jacuzzi on the terrace with its magnificent views: glowing sunsets and wildly dancing Northern Lights await you there! Make memories that will last a lifetime.

These well-equipped Aurora Birdhouse cabins are perfect hideaway for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and romantic getaways for two.

Feel complete relaxation in your body and your mind. Feel the soothing rhythm of nature in your heart.

MAX. 2 adults + 2 children. Suitable max. 3 adults.

BIRDHOUSE CABIN

A night at the Arctic Giant Birdhouse is an unforgettable nature experience.

There’s nothing better than waking up on a hilltop with stunning views of nature. The cabin’s large landscape window welcomes you to be part of the wild nature in all seasons. Pause for a moment and admire the glowing sunsets, vast starry sky, and magical Northern Lights. Enjoy and make yourself comfortable in the motorized bed, and have a relaxing sauna after an outdoors. Listen to the calming rhythm of nature and be a part of it – like a bird in its nest!

These well-equipped Birdhouse Cabins are perfect hideaway for celebrating anniversaries and birthdays for two.

A place to pause. Truly.

MAX. 2 adults + 2 children. Suitable max. 3 adults.

LUXURY BIRDHOUSE ROOM

Feel the magic of the surrounding nature 24/7, and enjoy life like an owl in its nest!

Enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace as the sun rises over the hills. Relax in the outdoor jacuzzi as the glowing sunset touches the horizon. Experience the full cycle of day and admire the ever-changing, wonderful landscapes!

These 2nd floor (top floor) Luxury Birdhouse landscape apartments are luxurious and romantic owl nests, perfect for a relaxing getaway for couples.

The landscape sauna and warm outdoor jacuzzi after outdoor activities offer relaxation at its best. Comfortable bed and the soothing light of the electric fireplace will take you to sweet dreams. The apartment has two terraces, so you can experience both sunrise and sunset.

For slow, enjoyable moments…

MAX. 2 adults + 2 children