From Guesthouse to Guesthouse Running Tour
Welcome to experience Karelian hospitality and the beauty of nature – one running stride at a time!
Experience the diverse running terrain of Upper Karelia from village to village and guesthouse to guesthouse. This self-guided running tour takes you along peaceful forest trails, through traditional villages, along lakeside paths and over ridges and forest trails to your accommodation. You can travel at your own pace and according to your own fitness level.
You will stay in atmospheric guesthouses and in the Karelian village of Bomba. Each day ends with a sauna and a hearty dinner. The tour is also a sauna experience, as each destination offers a different sauna experience.
You can tailor your route according to your preferences, fitness level, and interests. The distances between destinations vary between 19 and 25 km per day, but you are free to choose your own route plans. How long and how far you want to run or walk each day, or what interesting destinations you want to include along the way.
For each route, we offer route suggestions and local tips for day trips and cultural stops, such as:
- Historic villages (e.g., Karhunpää, Porokylä,Old town/Puu-Nurmes)
- Local attractions (museums, specialty and craft shops, alpaca farm)
- Nature experiences (forest trails, lake views, observation towers, beaches, campfire sites for picnics)
! Your luggage will be transported from place to place for you, so you can enjoy the route without any worries.
Travel between accommodations:
Note: If the running distance feels too long, we can arrange group transportation either to the destination or part of the route.
Type of trip: Independent
Valid: June 1–September 30, 2026
Group size: min. 2 person
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival and Orientation
Arrival at Guesthouse Pihlajapuu. Tour briefing and route suggestions.
Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Pihlajapuu.
Day 2 | A scenic run around the lake Viemenjärvi
Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Pihlajapuu.
Day 3 | Run from Guesthouse Pihlajapuu to Laitalan Lomat
- Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Laitalan Lomat.
Day 4 | Run to the village of Valtimo
- Return to Laitalan Lomat for dinner, sauna and accommodation.
Day 5 | Run to Bomba Karelian Village
Set off through Karhunpää, Jokikylä and Porokylä towards Bomba. Along the way, it is worth exploring Nurmes old town and interesting places to visit. If you are looking for a real challenge, then running on the steep streets of Puu-Nurmes is just the thing for you!
- Dinner, sauna, Karelian-style spa and accommodation in cozy hotel rooms at the Karelian village.
Day 6 | Design your own day!
Explore forest trails to Ellun hut on Lake Pielinen shore or head to Toivon Tower by Haikola House. Campfire picnic possible.
Maybe visit to the to Alpaca Farm (10–15 km one way)
- Dinner and overnight stay with spa access at Karelian village.
- Option: Bike rental is available on request.
Day 7 | Run back to Guesthouse Pihlajapuu
Route passes through Nurmes and villages: Porokylä, Kynsiniemi, Lukanpuro and Salmenkylä.
Recommended stops:
- Old Town Puu-Nurmes with historical wooden architecture.
- Nurmes cultural house or Ikola open-air museum.
Day 8 | Departure
Farewell breakfast. Time to say Hei, hei.
PACKAGE PRICE: from 1500 €/person (7 nights / 8 days)
Single room supplement: +40 €/night/person
Price includes:
- Accommodation in guesthouses (double rooms, shared facilities)
- Full board at guesthouses: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
- Half board at Karelian village hotel
- Sauna each evening, 1x spa ticket
- Luggage transportation
- Info, maps and route suggestions
- Transfer from/to Nurmes Train Station
Extras (upon request):
Extra night at guesthouse: 80 €/person (incl. breakfast & accommodation)
- Transfer from/to Kuopio Airport
- Guided tours
Travel insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage.
How to get here?
By train: Helsinki > Joensuu > Nurmes (change to a local train Nurmes) | vr.fi
By plane: Airports: Kuopio, Joensuu, Kajaani
