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!
Please note: not all company websites are available in English. However, all hosts warmly welcome you and are happy to assist international visitors.
Well-being from nature
Winter joys at an easy pace
Ice fishing is part of Everyone’s Rights and a wonderful way to spend time together. Our local entrepreneurs know the best fishing spots – don’t hesitate to ask about equipment or guided experiences as well.
Find your perfect fishing spot
Ice fishing is part of Everyone’s Rights and a wonderful way to spend time together with friends or family. Our local entrepreneurs know the best fishing spots – don’t hesitate to ask about equipment or guided experiences as well.
Join us for a sauna
When was the last time you enjoyed the gentle heat of a wood-heated sauna and dipped into clean, natural water? Here, almost every accommodation offers a sauna with soft, relaxing steam – just the way it should be.
Company of the Week
Valamo Monastery – Journey to the Sacred Forest Paths
The pilgrimage route connecting the Valamo and Lintula monasteries takes you on a journey into history, spirituality, and the sanctity of the forest. In addition to autumn foliage tours, the monastery offers accommodation of various levels, inspiring programs, Russian-Karelian cuisine, and its own wines. Nourishment for the mind, soul, and body.
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!
Etiquette of a responsible tourist
1. Participate in village life
Visit the summer theater and village festivals – guests are welcomed with open arms.
2. Favor local entrepreneurs
Do your shopping locally – you will get nice memories as a bonus.
3. Respect sacred places
Monasteries, churches and cemeteries are places of silence for many people – dress appropriately and be quiet yourself.
4. Keep Lake Saimaa clean
Do not leave litter in nature and sort waste – favor public transportation and carpooling.
5. Protect Lake Saimaa’s nature
Stay on the trails, use the prepared campfire sites and give animals – including the ringed seal – sufficient distance and peace.
6. Share your experiences
Tell your friends where you had fun and what you experienced – be part of the story of Northern Saimaa.