Safari around Lake Pielinen
Let the Adventure Begin – Pielinen Safari in the Heart of Finland
A unique guided journey with an Italian-Finnish guide available 24/7. The program includes guided tours and accommodation with half-board, taking care of every detail for a seamless experience.
Perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking something more – shared moments, the magic of nature, and memories that stay in your heart.
For 1–8 people, for an intimate and personalized experience.
When: Summer, under the midnight sun, or early autumn, when forests and wild areas offer berries and mushrooms to enjoy in local dishes.
Extras: Optional lake fishing trips, kayaking, transportations, and cooking workshops.
Duration: 6 nights – 7 days, the ideal time to relax and fully enjoy an unforgettable journey.
Introduction: Lake Pielinen is Finland’s fourth-largest lake, a true natural gem with clear waters, silent islands, and endless forests.
It is surrounded by four charming towns: Joensuu, Koli, Nurmes, and Lieksa, each with its own unique atmosphere and spectacular scenery.
With Pielinen Safari, we offer guided tours and a fully organized, tailor-made journey: from nature excursions to local experiences, every detail is adapted to your wishes and needs, allowing you to experience Finland in its most authentic form.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Joensuu
Where modern life meets ancient Karelian culture. You will be greeted warmly, and an Italian-Finnish guide will accompany you throughout the trip as a wise storyteller.
- Arrival in Joensuu
- Hotel check-in
- Welcome dinner
Day 2 – Welcome to Koli
Today you enter a national landscape that is not only picturesque but represents the very essence of Finland. The journey continues north to Koli, the hill that watches over the shores of Lake Pielinen.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 11:00 Transfer to Koli
- 12:00 Stop at a local souvenir shop
- 15:00 Arrival at the hotel
- 16:00 Guided walk to the most scenic peaks of Koli and visit to Ukko Nature Centre
- 20:00 Dinner at the hotel
Day 3 – Discovering Koli
Your guide will lead you to iconic locations including islands, caves, and traditional Finnish saunas.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 11:30 Excursion to explore caves, islands, and a traditional Finnish sauna. Return to the hotel around 18:00. Snack in a kota (traditional Finnish hut) and dinner in a cottage featuring local products.
In the kota, enjoy karjalanpiirakka (traditional Karelian pastries), Pielinen perch, and mustikkakukko (blueberry pie) for dessert.
Meals included. Bring your own towels and swimwear.
Day 4 – Welcome to Nurmes
At the gateway to Karelia, in Bomba, past and present meet. Wood, smoke, and warm hospitality create a unique atmosphere.
- 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer to Nurmes
- 11:00 Karelian pastry workshop: learn to make the traditional rye karjalanpiirakka, a simple yet symbolic dish enjoyed throughout Finland
- 15:00 Hotel check-in
- Free time for sauna and spa (extra cost)
- Dinner in a Karelian village with local specialties
Day 5 – Lieksa
An immersion in Finnish nature: with some luck, you might spot bears, wolves, lynxes, and martens. Get ready for adventure!
- 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
- 10:00 Transfer to Lieksa and nature observatory
- Dinner and accommodation in a cottage
Day 6 – Closing the Circle
The Pielinen Safari concludes in Joensuu, with a final day full of history and local art.
- 09:00 Check-out and departure to Joensuu
- 10:00 Guided tour of the old village of Lieksa with its historic wooden houses. Visit Paateri, including coffee and a local pastry
- 12:00 Visit the artist Eva Ryynänen’s village studio, where wood, art, and spirituality create a unique world
- 15:30 Arrival in Joensuu and hotel check-in
- 20:00 Dinner at Filipof restaurant
Price: Starting at €2,807 per person, minimum two participants.
Note: Meals and itinerary are subject to change depending on weather conditions or local availability.
A 20% deposit is payable at the time of booking.
Additional services: Transportation, ask for a quote for your group. Fishing trips on the lake, kayaking trips, and cooking workshops are also available at an additional cost.
Reservations and inquiries:
e-mail: info@finlandiamo.com
tel. +358449715282