Karelia & Kalevala – Accessible Cultural Escape
Accessible Travel Program – Joensuu, Koli, Nurmes & Kuhmo
Discover the beauty of Eastern Finland on an accessible journey designed for all travelers. This 9-day program takes you through breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and authentic Karelian hospitality – all with full accessibility in mind.
• Experience Finland’s most iconic view from the top of Koli National Park.
• Immerse yourself in Karelian traditions at the Bomba House and enjoy relaxing spa moments with accessible facilities.
• Explore Nurmes and Kuhmo: meet alpacas, visit museums and cultural centres, and hear the stories of the Kalevala epic.
• Enjoy nature at your own pace: from accessible lakeside trails and fishing piers to mindfulness exercises in the forest.
• Join a wildlife watching adventure and witness Finland’s wild animals in their natural environment from an accessible hide.
Program
Day 1| Arrival in Joensuu & Transfer to Koli
• Arrival at Joensuu airport or railway station
• Transfer by accessible car to Koli National Park. (Rental car not included)
• Accommodation in an accessible room at Koli Kylä Hotel
• Dinner at the Hotel/ Tervaskanto rertaurant
Day 2 | Koli National Park: Finland’s National Landscape
• Guided accessible tour: Best of Koli. The famous Ukko–Koli peak can be reached by lift, making the national view accessible for everyone.
• Visit to Koli Nature Centre Ukko with exhibitions and services
• Visit to the Koli Sculpture Garden, with easy walking paths
• Overnight stay at Koli Kylä Hotel
• Dinner at the Hotel/ Tervaskanto rertaurant
Day 3 | Juuka & Nurmes: Karelian Village & Wellness
• Transfer to Nurmes with a coffee stop at Old Juuka village café (accessible entrance).
• Visit to the Bomba Karelian Village and Bomba House, showcasing Karelian culture and architecture.
• Relax at Bomba Spa & Sauna – the spa features a pool lift for wheelchair users.
• Accommodation in an accessible room at Spa Hotel Bomba
• Dinner at the Hotel restaurant
Day 4 | Nurmes: Culture & Encounters
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit to an Alpaca Farm – accessible tour available, including close contact with the animals
• Visit to Nurmes House: museum, art exhibitions, café, and a beautiful library – fully accessible
• Free time to enjoy the spa or light outdoor activities
• Dinner at the Hotel restaurant
• Overnight stay at Spa Hotel Bomba
Day 5 | Kuhmo: Nature & Kalevala Culture
• Transfer to Kuhmo
• Guided tour to Pajakkakoski Rapids: accessible viewing platform and short trail to the riverside.
• Visit to Juminkeko Cultural Centre, dedicated to the Kalevala epic and traditions.
• Riverside walk in Kuhmo town: church, statues, and cultural sights (accessible route selected).
• Lunch at Neljä Kaesaa restaurant (self-funded)
• Dinner and overnight stay in an accessible room at Kalevala Hotel
Day 6 | Lentua Lake: Nature for All Senses
• Easy nature excursion along a 300 m accessible path to the shore of Lake Lentua
• Possibility for accessible fishing at two adapted piers
• Mindfulness exercise in nature led by the guide
• Traditional soup lunch and coffee served in an accessible hut
• Return to Kalevala Hotel, dinner, and overnight stay
Day 7 | Wildlife Watching in Kuhmo
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Free time during the day (culture, or short accessible walks)
• Wildlife watching experience from 16:00–21:00 in an accessible hide, with the chance to spot bears, wolverines, or other wild animals
• Late dinner and overnight stay at Kalevala Hotel
Day 8 | Return to Helsinki
• Transfer back to Joensuu or Kajaani for flight or train to Helsinki
• Free time for shopping in the city of Helsinki
• Accommodation in an accessible room at Hotel Tripla in Pasila or Original Sokos Hotel in Helsinki city centre
Day 9 | Flight home
Price: €2170 /person
Price incl.:
- Koli: Accommodation in an accessible room at Koli Kylä Hotel/2 nights + 2 x breakfast + 2 x dinner
- Guided accessible tour: Best of Koli, Entrance fee to Koli Nature Centre Ukko, Entrance fee to the Koli Sculpture Garden
- Nurmes: Accommodation in an accessible room at Spa Hotel Bomba / 2 nights + 2 x breakfast + 2 x dinner, Entrance feet to Alpaca Farm
- Kuhmo: Accommodation in an accessible room at Kalevala Hotel. / 3 nights + 3 x breakfast + 3 x dinner, Entrance feet to Juminkeko Cultural Centre, Guided
- tour to Pajakkakoski Rapids, Easy nature excursion along a 300 m accessible path to the shore of Lake Lentua, Mindfulness exercise in nature led by the guide, Traditional soup lunch and coffee served in an accessible hut, Wildlife watching experience.
Helsinki: Accommodation in an accessible room at a central hotel.
Not included: Flights to/from Finland, Meals not mentioned in the program, Personal expenses and travel insurance, Rental car (at own expense)
Notice! we will customise to the travel program according to your wishes
- We reserve the right to make changes to the program due to weather conditions or the opening hours of attractions
