Wilderness, Wellbeing & Warm Hospitality – A Week of Nature Adventures in North Karelia
This week is designed for active nature lovers who value experiences, peace and local atmosphere. For those who also want to walk their own paths.
Stay at Hotel Kontio
Hotel Kontio offers stylishly decorated and modern rooms that combine a cozy atmosphere and modern comfort. The hotel's location along the 6th road ensures easy access, also by bus - and Kontiolahti's comprehensive services can be found just around the corner.
At the end of the day, you can relax in the cozy sauna section, where soft steams pamper your body and mind. After the sauna, cool off in peace on the spacious terrace - the perfect end to the day.
Accommodation in a double room with a kitchen for preparing food. You can also freely use the hut in the yard.
Valid: 1.6.-30.9.2025, 2026
Group size: Min 2.
Program
Day 1 | Welcome to Kohtiolahti and the Kontio Hiking Hotel
Accommodation and exploring the area.
Sauna
Day 2 | Guided tour of Kolvananuuro
Kolvananuuro is a Magnificent gorge, millions of years old, between main road 6 from Joensuu to Kajaani and road 73 from Joensuu to Lieksa. The site is dramatically different from the surrounding terrain. A demanding hiking trail runs through craggy terrain – but the views are worth seeing. The trees are old, there's a lovely grove with ferns, and the ripple of a stream provides a pleasing soundtrack.
The Nature Reserve is 3km long, and more than 3km wide at its widest. The area has a marked Nature Trail and a campfire site. The trail is a demanding one, and passing it will take several hours, for the terrain is very difficult – yet rewarding.
Lunch on an excursion at the campfire site
Self-catering dinner at Hotel Kontio
Sauna
Day 3 | Koli National Park
Guided Koli National Park
After breakfast, we will go to Koli National Park. A guided tour of the most beautiful Koli peaks to the best scenic spots in Koli. During the tour, the guide tells about the colorful history and culture of the Koli region.This tour incl. transfers Kontialahti-Koli-Kontiolahti
Route: 4-5 km.
Tips: Visit to the Nature Center Ukko
- Lunch in Koli
- Tips: Visit the Koli Sculpture Park, relax at the Koli Spa for a wellbeing experience.
Self-catering dinner at Hotel Kontio.
Sauna
Day 4 | Lake Höytiäinen
A boat trip to Höytiäinen – A culinary experience in the middle of nature
Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure! This experience combines the beauty of nature, delicious food, and relaxation in a unique way. The trip begins with a boat transfer to an idyllic island, where you will enjoy a carefully prepared meal and dessert surrounded by nature.
Self-catering dinner at Hotel Kontio.
Sauna
Day 5 | Canoeing
Guided canoeing trip on the Pielisjoki River.
Departure point in Joensuu, so you can explore the city at the same time.
The Pielisjoki River is usually calm and easy to paddle, even for beginners. The kayaks we use are stable sit-on-top kayaks, which make it safe to go on the calm Pielisjoki River. Meeting at the Järven Taiga warehouse in Hasaniemi. We will travel upstream with the group to Lehmo by minibus, where we will launch the kayaks. The canoeing back to Hasaniemi, led by an instructor, takes about 4 hours.
On the way, we will stop in Utra and, if necessary, in Ilosaari. There is an opportunity to have a coffee brake.
Day 6 | Explore on your own
Enjoy a self-guided hike along the local trails or spend a relaxing day at your own pace.
Tips:
Kontionpolut is Kontiolahti's most popular route for mountain biking, trail running and walking. Kontionpolut consists of
four circular trails (Kontioniemi Trail 9 km, Stadium Trail 8.5 km, Salpalinja Trail 5 km and Välilampi Trail 13.5 km),
which connect to the Jaama Trail (approx. 60 km) and via Lykynlampi a connecting route along the Kinttupolku in Liperi.
kontiolahti.fi/kontionpolut
Day 7 Daparture
Price from: 1590€/person. 6 nights, 7 days
Incl.: Accommodation in a double room, including linen and use of the sauna and courtyard hut.
Trips: Guided: Kolvanauuro hiking, Koli hiking, boat trip to Höytiäinen, guided canoeing trip on the Pielisjoki River.
By order and for an additional fee:
Breakfast basket
Light evening snack basket
Biking trip
Guided SUP lessons
Transfers
