Walking Tour from Guesthouse to Guesthouse – Village to Village Across Karelian Pasty Country
Welcome to experience the charm of Karelia – one step at a time!
Experience the charm of North Karelia on foot, walking from one village to another, from one guesthouse to the next – all surrounded by breathtaking nature, local hospitality, and the rich culture of the Karelian region. This self-guided walking tour leads you through peaceful forest paths, traditional villages, and lakeside roads, allowing you to explore Karelia at your own pace.
Stay in atmospheric countryside inns and enjoy the relaxing rhythm of walking, the warmth of traditional saunas, and the delightful flavors of authentic Karelian cuisine. Each day ends with a sauna and hearty dinner made with fresh, organic ingredients, often from the guesthouse’s own kitchen.
This tour is also a wonderful sauna experience: each guesthouse has its own unique sauna tradition, and at the Bomba Karelian Village, you can relax in a Karelian-style spa and enjoy a variety of saunas.
Flexible Routes and Distances
This is not a fixed itinerary. You can tailor your walking route based on your preferences, fitness level, and interests.
Walking distances typically vary from 17 to 23 km per day, but you are free to decide:
- How long you want to walk each day
- Which villages and nature sites to include
- Whether to spend more time in one location or keep moving every day
- We provide route suggestions and local tips for day hikes and cultural stops, such as:
- Historic villages (e.g., Karhunpää, Porokylä, Puu-Nurmes)
- Local attractions (museums, artisan shops, alpaca farm, lakeside huts)
- Nature experiences (forest trails, lake views, tower viewpoints)
Your luggage is transported for you, so you can enjoy the trail worry-free. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a rejuvenating cultural getaway, this tour combines natural beauty, cultural depth, and warm hospitality in perfect balance.
Tour Type: Self-guided walking tour
Valid: 1.6.-30.9 2027
Departures: on request
Group Size: Min. 2 persons
Walking Distances Between Accommodations:
- Guesthouse Puukarin Pysäkki → Laitalan Lomat: approx. 17 km
- Laitalan Lomat → Guesthouse Pihlajapuu approx. 23 km
- Guesthouse Pihlajapuu → Karelia Village: approx. 21 km
Notice:
- This tour requires a good level of physical fitness.
- If the walking distance feels too long, we can arrange group transportation either to the destination or for part of the route.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival at Guesthouse Puukarin Pysäkki
Arrival and check-in at the guesthouse, followed by a tour briefing and route suggestions.
Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Puukarin Pysäkki.
Day 2 | Explore the Local Villages
Explore charming villages at your own pace and discover local sights and attractions.
Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Puukarin Pysäkki.
Day 3 | Walk from Puukarin Pysäkki to Laitalan Lomat
Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Laitalan Lomat.
Day 4 | Walk to Karhunpää Village or the Birdwatching Tower
Return to Laitalan Lomat for dinner, sauna and accommodation.
Day 5 | Walk to Guesthouse Pihlajapuu
Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Pihlajapuu.
Day 6 | Walk Around Lake Viemenjärvi
Dinner, sauna and accommodation at Pihlajapuu.
Day 7 | Walk to Bomba Karelian Village
Discover the cultural attractions of Nurmes:
- The Old Town of Nurmes, known as Puu-Nurmes, with its historic wooden architecture
- Nurmes House of Culture
- Ikola Open-Air Museum
Spa, dinner and accommodation at Bomba Karelian Village.
Day 8 | Departure
Enjoy a farewell breakfast before it is time to say hei hei.
Price: 1495€/person
Includes:
- Accommodation in guesthouses (double room, shared facilities)
- Full board at guesthouses: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
- Half board at Karelian village hotel (douple room at hotel)
- Sauna every evening, 1 x 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
Good to Know:
- Terrain is varied: forest trails, gravel roads, village lanes,coastal roads
- Travel insurance not included.
- Walking sticks available on request.
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
