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Trails, tranquility, and a taste of true hospitality
Northern Saimaa in North Karelia stands out as a region rich in lakes, pure nature, and responsible tourism – a place to enjoy the outdoors with a touch of culture. Cycling routes and hiking trails wind along sandy roads and rolling hills, now glowing in autumn colors.
Good food and generous meals are a natural part of Karelian hospitality. At the monasteries of Valamo and Lintula, you can experience the unique rhythm of Orthodox life.
Cafés, restaurants, events, and accommodation offers await you – welcome to visit us!
Seasonal Highlights
Saimaa by Cycle – the most beautiful gravel routes
Have you tried the cycling routes of Northern Saimaa yet? The new gravel routes in Rääkkylä, Liperi, and Heinävesi take you through beautiful rural landscapes.
Harbors & Cruises – Enjoy life on the water
Northern Saimaa is the most water-rich area of North Karelia – a place for cruises and boating. Between islands and bays, you’ll also find scenic canoeing and kayaking routes.
From Monastery to Monastery – A Modern Pilgrimage
Finland’s only pilgrimage route leading from an Orthodox monastery to a convent is a truly unique experience. The trail can be explored on foot or by bike.
Come, Explore and Fall in Love
Events
Unique and communal events, special museums, and monasteries invite travelers to explore. Be enchanted by culture, folk art, and the relaxed Karelian way of life.
The Charm of the Monasteries
In the monastery, you can truly breathe peace. The doors of Lintula Convent are open during the summer, while Valamo Monastery offers unique accommodation, courses, and its own wines all year round.
Guided Tours & Experiences
Planning a recreation day for your team or looking for something special to do with a group? How about a Karelian pie workshop? You might even find harmony together while strumming a shared kantele, the traditional Finnish harp.
Activities
Would you like to go fishing or kayaking with a guide? In winter, you can try ice fishing and experience traditional winter net fishing. Downhill skiing is available at the Pääskyvuori Ski Center.
Meeting Services & Event Venues
Tired of boring meeting rooms that spark no inspiration? Or are you looking for a cozy event venue? With us, you’ll find unique settings, warm atmosphere, and delicious catering full of local flavors.
Cafés & Restaurants
Cafés and restaurants serve their very best with cheerful hospitality. Taste authentic Karelian pies (karjalanpiirakka), burgers made with local ingredients, and traditional Finnish home cooking.
Accommodation
Do you long for the peace of a monastery hotel, the cozy atmosphere of a guesthouse, a high-quality rental cottage, or the simplicity of a campsite – or would you rather spend the night in a former jail cell?
Getting Here
By bus or train you can reach the cycling routes directly. We recommend using public transport – local entrepreneurs are happy to help you find your way. Part of the journey can even be made on the Nestori ferry.
Let’s Make Tourism Better Together
Let’s Make Tourism Better TogeWhether tourism leaves a positive or negative mark on the environment, local culture, and economy is decided by travelers and businesses together. For many companies here, responsible choices are already part of everyday life: recycling, reducing food waste, choosing local and organic products, and hiring local youth.
Heinävesi, Liperi, and Rääkkylä have realized that visitors are not interested in municipal borders, but in destinations and services. Tourism is being developed through the Northern Saimaa Development Project as part of Lakelandia, which brings together 35 companies and three associations.
Together, we are improving services and routes – respecting nature, listening to local people, and valuing local culture. Welcome to be part of making tourism better!
The Monasteries Chose EcoCompass
The monasteries of Lintula and Valamo are applying for the Finnish EcoCompass certificate, a commitment to minimizing environmental impacts. They already meet many criteria of social and cultural responsibility.
Strength in Cooperation
Together we have carried out marketing, taken part in fairs and events, and studied topics such as communication and responsibility. We hope that travelers will discover our harbors, routes, and excellent services.
What’s New with Us?
There’s always something happening in Northern Saimaa. We update current events, company news, and videos on our social media channels. Join us – follow along and share your thoughts!