Discover Savo and Karelia – Culture, Nature & Local Traditions in Finland

Arrival Kuopio

Accommodation in the center of Kuopio at Hotel Puijonsarvi.

Free time to explore the city.

Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit RIISA – Finnish Orthodox Church Museum

- A first-class overview of Orthodox art and cultural heritage.

Transfer to Iisalmi 

Teuvo Länsivuori Career Exhibition

Guided tour of the life and career of Iisalmi motorsports legend Teuvo "Tepi" Länsivuori.

Grand Prix motorcycles, awards and video material on display.

Shopping:  Finnish branded products | Marituulet Oy is located next to the Teuvo Länsivuori exhibition.

(Marimekko, Pentik, Aarikka...)

Dinner in the Byzantine Hall of Hotel Golden Dome. Enjoy a seasonal local dinner.

Guided tour of the hotel's Orthodox history and Byzantine interior.

Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta or Hotel Golden Dome, Iisalmi

Breakfast at the hotel.

OLVI Brewery Museum

Guided tour of the history of the Finnish brewing industry.

Lunch at Olvi Beer Hall

Hanhenlento Farm

Visit to the farmyard in a rural setting.

Coffee breaks at the farm.

- Weather-appropriate clothing and suitable footwear recommended.

Dinner at Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta.

Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta or Hotel Golden Dome, Iisalmi

Breakfast at the hotel.Independent visit to Iisalmi Market HallExploring local products and the opportunity to buy souvenirs.Note! In the summer, a local hostess will be at the market baking EU-protected wall-based pancake.Afternoon guided tour of Juhani Aho's childhood landscapes and the Finnish War in KoljonvirtaCome on a tour of a treasure trove of history and its transformation into the present day. We gather at the information board in the parking lot of the Koljonvirta Summer Theater, from where we move on to the landscapes of Juhani Aho's childhood home yard. Aho has brought these landscapes to life for today's readers through his chips. We explore the museum and its courtyard and continue the history trail, hearing about the stages of the Finnish War at this location in October 1808. Note! Choose comfortable shoes for walking on the trail.Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta or Hotel Golden Dome, Iisalmienirs

Breakfast at the hotel.

Independent visit to Iisalmi Market Hall

Exploring local products and the opportunity to buy souvenirs.

Note! In the summer, a local hostess will be at the market baking EU-protected wall-based pancake.

Afternoon guided tour of Juhani Aho's childhood landscapes and the Finnish War in Koljonvirta

Come on a tour of a treasure trove of history and its transformation into the present day. We gather at the information board in the parking lot of the Koljonvirta Summer Theater, from where we move on to the landscapes of Juhani Aho's childhood home yard. Aho has brought these landscapes to life for today's readers through his chips. We explore the museum and its courtyard and continue the history trail, hearing about the stages of the Finnish War at this location in October 1808. Note! Choose comfortable shoes for walking on the trail.

Accommodation: Original Sokos Hotel Koljonvirta or Hotel Golden Dome, Iisalmi

Breakfast at the hotel.Karelian pie workshop at MetsäkartanoEnjoy lunch in a beautiful natural setting by the lake.Drive to Nurmes, Bomba SpaRelaxation in a Karelian-style spa.Dinner at the hotelAccommodation: Bomba Hotel.Karelian village (Nurmes)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Karelian pie workshop at Metsäkartano

Enjoy lunch in a beautiful natural setting by the lake.

Drive to Nurmes, Bomba Spa

Relaxation in a Karelian-style spa.

Dinner at the hotel

Accommodation: Bomba Hotel.

Karelian Culture Day 

Breakfast at the hotel.

Guided tour of Bomba Karelian Village

Learn about traditional Karelian architecture, stories and cultural history.

Lunch at Bomba

Free time – opportunity for a spa, walking trails, shopping or a moment of rest.

Unigue Karelian evening at the Guesthouse

Traditional Karelian flavors, hospitality and a warm atmosphere an karelian poetry singing.

Accommodation: Bomba Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.Drive to KuopioVisit Puijon Tower- Stunning views over Kuopio and the lake area.Lunch in TowerFree time to shoppingAccommodation: in the center of Kuopio at Hotel Puijonsarvi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Kuopio

Visit Puijon Tower

- Stunning views over Kuopio and the lake area.

Lunch in Tower

Free time to shopping

Accommodation: in the center of Kuopio at Hotel Puijonsarvi

Breakfast at the hotel.The journey home begins – with plenty of memories of culture, nature and Karelian hospitality.

Breakfast at the hotel.

The journey home begins – with plenty of memories of culture, nature and Karelian hospitality.