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 sauna experience, as every guesthouse offers a unique sauna tradition — from smoke saunas to riverside bathing.
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 10 to 25 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.
Walking Distances Between Accommodations:
Guesthouse Laitalan Lomat → Karelian village: approx. 24 km
Karelian village → Guesthouse Männikkölän Pirtti: approx. 16 km
Männikkölän Pirtti → Laitalan Lomat: approx. 34 km
Tour Type: Self-guided walking tour
Valid: June 1 – September 30, 2025
Departures: August 2–9, 2025 | August 16–23, 2025 | September 23–30, 2025
Group Size: Min. 2 persons
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival and Orientation
Arrival at Guesthouse Laitalan Lomat. Tour briefing, route suggestions and equipment check.
Dinner, sauna, and accommodation at Laitalan Lomat.
Day 2 – Day Hike to Valtimo Village (approx. 10–18.5 km)
After breakfast, take a scenic walk to nearby Valtimo village.
Optional: Continue to the Marjapaikka interior and gift shop (+8.5 km).
Return to Laitalan Lomat for dinner, sauna, and accommodation.
Day 3 – Trek to Bomba Karelian Village (approx. 20–24 km)
Set off through Karhunpää, Jokikylä and Porokylä toward Bomba.
Dinner, sauna, Karelian-style spa, and accommodation in cozy hotel rooms at the Karelian village.
Day 4 – Day Hike to Alpaca Farm (10–15 km)
Morning hike to the Alpaca Farm. In the afternoon, explore forest trails to Ellun hut on Lake Pielinen or head to Toivon Tower by Haikola House.
Campfire picnic possible.
Dinner and overnight stay with spa access at Karelian village.
Day 5 – Walk to Guesthouse Männikkölän Pirtti (approx. 16 km)
Route passes through Porokylä and Nurmes.
Recommended stops:
- Old Town Puu-Nurmes with historical wooden architecture.
- Nurmes cultural house or Ikola open-air museum.
- Dinner, sauna, and overnight stay at Männikkölän Pirtti.
Day 6 – Local Culture and Relaxation
Enjoy a Karelian Pie Workshop with the world champion hostess.
After lunch: sauna, swimming, or forest walks.
Dinner and overnight stay at Männikkölän Pirtti.
Day 7 – Final Walk to Laitalan Lomat (approx. 34 km or split into stages)
Return on foot to Laitalan Lomat. Optional afternoon canoeing on River Karhujoki (guided intro included, self-guided paddle).
Farewell dinner by the hut, sauna, and accommodation at Laitalan Lomat.
Day 8 – Departure
Breakfast and farewell.
PACKAGE PRICE: from 1500 €/person (7 nights / 8 days)
Single room supplement: +40 €/night/person
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
- Visit to Alpaca Farm
- Karelian Pie workshop
- Transfer from/to Nurmes Train Station
Extras (upon request):
Extra night: 80 €/person (incl. breakfast & accommodation)
- Transfer from/to Kuopio Airport
Good to Know:
Terrain is varied: forest trails, gravel roads, village lanes.
Comfortable hiking shoes recommended.
The order of activities may change due to weather or local events.
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
