Cultural and Adventure Trip to Savo and Karelia
Experience the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking lake landscapes and warm hospitality of Eastern Finland on this unforgettable journey through Savo and Karelia. This tour combines authentic local encounters, historical sites, delicious regional cuisine and peaceful moments in nature – offering your group a beautifully balanced blend of culture, history, adventure and relaxation.
Your trip begins in Iisalmi, where motorsports history and the story of Finnish brewing come alive. Explore exhibitions, museums and local farms while discovering the traditions that have shaped this region. Continue your journey to the iconic Bomba Karelian Village in Nurmes, where you can immerse yourself in the unique Karelian atmosphere, enjoy the spa, wander through traditional wooden architecture and indulge in a heartfelt Karelian evening at the Bomba House.
The tour concludes in Kuopio, the vibrant heart of Savo, with visits to the renowned RIISA Orthodox Church Museum and the scenic Puijo Tower. Throughout the journey, you’ll savor local flavors, meet locals and travel through landscapes filled with forests, lakes and timeless tranquility.
This tour is ideal for groups interested in culture, architecture, history, nature and authentic Finnish experiences.
Highlights
- Explore Iisalmi’s motorsports heritage and the OLVI Brewery Museum
- Visit a traditional rural farm and enjoy local delicacies
- Lunch at Metsäkartano’s scenic lakeside setting
- Stay at the iconic Bomba Karelian Village and relax in the spa
- Enjoy a guided tour of the traditional Karelian village
- Experience an authentic Karelian evening at the local Guesthouse
- Discover Kuopio: RIISA Orthodox Museum and Puijo Tower
Valid: May–June, August–October, 2026
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Group size: Minimum 16 max. 50
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Kuopio
Accommodation in the center of Kuopio at Hotel Puijonsarvi.
Free time to explore the city.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Motorsports History
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
Day 3: Nature Experiences and Beer Culture
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
Day 4: Local Flavors and Souvenirs
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
Day 5 – Metsäkartano and Bomba 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.
Day 6 – 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.
Day 7 – Highlights of Kuopio
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
Day 8 – Return home
Breakfast at the hotel.
The journey home begins – with plenty of memories of culture, nature and Karelian hospitality.
Price: From €1600/person.
Iisalmi: Accommodation in a double room with breakfast. Entrance fee and guided tour of exhibitions and the museum. Lunch at the museum, dinner at the hotel, sauna, and a visit to a farm.
Metsäkartano: Karelian pie workshop and lunch
Bomba, Nurmes: Accommodation in a double room with breakfast. Entrance fee to spa and guided tour in Karelian village, special Karelia evening at the Guesthouse
Kuopio: Accommodation in a double room with breakfast. Lunch at Puijo Tower.
For additional price and by order:
- Local guide for the tour. Guidance in English, German. Tranportation/ Tourist bus.
