Joensuu Things to Do

there are two different kinds of exhibitions in north carelian museum: the permanent exhibition presents the local history and folk culture. the changing exhibitions are collected by north carelian museum or by some other museum from finland or abroad. the changing exhibitions in the entrance are free of charge.
there's also the tourist information with good info and a café. there's also free internet access.

In Marjala you can see the massive structures of the wartime Salpalinja, the largest construction site in Finland's history. Two renovated bunkers and their fortification works and wartime weapons are on view to the public at the Hyötiäinen Canal estuary on
the shore of Lake Pyhäselkä. The bunkers will take you back 50 years to the time when former generations fought for Finland's independence.

For 31 kilometres through some of Karelias most ruggedly handsome terrain,

the Ruunaa Rapids

flows free, plunging through six sets of foaming rapids and dropping 15.7 metres on the way. Put on the lifejackets and waterproof gear and let it go!!
Daily rapids-shooting excursions. Suitable also for experienced canoeists. Drop height of 15,7 m. The rapids form a state fishing area. The Ruunaa hiking consists of 50 km of hiking tracks, lean-tos, tent and campfire places along the tracks. Camping by Neitikoski rapids, 3 log cabins (advance reservation) by lake Neitijärvi.

Let´s have a walk at the
Market Place of Joensuu.Especially during Saturdays this is a lively place where You can try 'Lörtsy' - a sweet apple pie- or have a cup of coffee at 'Marttakahvila'.

This picture is taken during the Finnish 1st of May student festival. That is why all the high school graduated people are wearing a white cap.

The city of Joensuu, which was founded by the Czar Nikolai I of Russia in 1848, is the center of the region and the capital of North Karelia.