Lieksa Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Lieksa, Finland with our comprehensive tour guide, featuring must-visit attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Lieksa

Lieksa is a charming town situated in the North Karelia region of Finnish Lakeland, in Finland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque lakes, and peaceful outdoor adventures. Lieksa is an excellent destination for those looking for tranquility, breathtaking views, and a unique cultural experience.

List of Places to Visit in Lieksa

Lieksa has many unique attractions to offer both local and international visitors. Here are some must-visit places to include in your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pielisen Museum: Pielisen Museum is a fascinating museum showcasing the history of the Karelian culture and the local way of life. It features several exhibitions displaying ancient artifacts, photographs, and artwork.
  • Lieksa Cultural Centre: The Lieksa Cultural Centre is an impressive building boasting modern architecture, art, and cultural events.
  • Koli National Park: Koli National Park is a beautiful nature reserve filled with hiking trails, scenic views, and small villages to explore.

Natural Attractions of Lieksa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ruunaa Nature Reserve: Ruunaa Nature Reserve features rugged terrain, rapids, and calming lakes. It is perfect for fishing, hiking, and canoeing.
  • Lieksanjoki River: The Lieksanjoki River is known for its pristine beauty, with the waterway being home to many species of fish and wildlife.
  • Patvinsuo National Park: Patvinsuo National Park is a vast wilderness area that offers a range of outdoor adventures. Activities include hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lieksa

Lieksa offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and biking routes to explore.

  • Karelian Circle Route: The Karelian Circle Route is a long-distance hiking trail that passes through the area. It is a circular route, and it takes around nine days to complete.
  • Mussukka Trail: Mussukka Trail is a hiking trail that takes you through the beautiful forests and lakeside scenery of Lieksa. It is a quiet and peaceful trail that is perfect for nature lovers.
  • Kohiseva Trail: Kohiseva Trail is a relatively short hiking trail that takes you to the impressive Kohiseva waterfall. It is a beautiful spot to visit, especially during the summer months when the water flow is highest.

Best Things to Do in Lieksa: Activities and Tours

Lieksa has much to offer, and a vacation in this town would not be complete without trying some of these activities.

  • Go fishing in the numerous lakes and rivers in the area.
  • Visit Lieksa’s open-air markets and traditional artisan shops.
  • Take a boat trip around Lake Pielinen and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Rent a bike and explore the scenic countryside.
  • Visit the Finnish Orthodox Church and learn more about the country’s religious culture.
  • Enjoy a relaxing sauna and spa treatment.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lieksa

If you’re planning your next Lieksa vacation, here is an itinerary to consider:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Lieksa and exploring the town’s museums and cultural centers.
Day 2 Hiking around Patvinsuo National Park and having lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Day 3 Fishing on the Lieksanjoki River and trying out some of the traditional dishes while on a boat or on the riverbank.
Day 4 A day trip to Koli National Park to explore the ski slopes, views of the lakes, and the historical villages.
Day 5 Admiring the beautiful Kohiseva waterfall and taking a mountain bike to explore the Mussukka Trail.
Day 6 Hiring a sailboat to travel around the scenic Pielinen Lake, stopping at the numerous cafes and restaurants along the way.
Day 7 Visiting the Finnish Orthodox Church, enjoying a relaxing sauna, and ending the day with a spa treatment.

Food and Drink Scene of Lieksa

Lieksa has a rich culinary heritage, with the food and drink scene well represented in local establishments.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karjalanpaisti - A traditional regional dish made with beef, pork, or lamb, combined with root vegetables, and seasoned with salt and pepper, stewed for hours until the meat is tender.
  • Kalakukko - Another traditional dish: rye bread filled with fish and pork, heated in a hot oven, and served as a meal or a snack.
  • Karelian stew - A meat and vegetable stew that originated in the region. It is a popular dish served in many restaurants around Lieksa.

Local Beverages

  • Vodka - Finland is famous for its top-quality vodka, and Lieksa is no exception. Tomi Vodka is a local distillery that produces some of the best vodkas in the area.
  • Beer- The Kainuu Brewery produces award-winning beers and spirits, and its products can be found on the shelves of many local shops.

Where to Stay in Lieksa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lieksa has plenty of accommodation options suitable for all tastes, from excellent hotels to cozy guesthouses to traditional wooden cabins.

  • Break Sokos Hotel Koli: A modern hotel located in Koli National Park by the scenic Pielinen Lake.
  • Hotel Koli Relax Spa: A luxurious hotel with a Finnish traditional spa and stunning views overlooking the lake.
  • Koli Freetime Cabins: Traditional wooden cabins with modern amenities, located in peaceful surroundings near the national park.

What to Buy in Lieksa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lieksa is a good place to purchase traditional Finnish products, including artisan crafts and local specialties.

  • Handmade wooden items such as spoons and plates.
  • Hand-tied flies for fishing.
  • Traditional Finnish textiles such as woolen socks and mittens.
  • Berry wines and various liqueurs are also popular and often available to try before you buy.

Local Culture and Customs of Lieksa

A visit to Lieksa provides an opportunity to learn about traditional Finnish ways of life and cultural practices. Visitors should be aware of some customs and etiquettes, such as:

  • It is customary to remove footwear when entering a Finnish home.
  • Finland has a strong sauna culture, and many locals enjoy this tradition regularly.
  • It is polite to greet people with a simple hello or nod of the head.
  • Smoking is prohibited in many public areas, and there are strict rules on drinking in public places.

Best Time to Visit Lieksa

The best time to visit Lieksa is during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. This season is perfect for outdoor adventures, exploring nature reserves, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery. The autumn months are also popular, with fall foliage and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lieksa

Do:

  • Respect Finnish culture and traditions, including their relationship with nature.
  • Try local foods and drinks, and particula know about Finnish coffee culture.
  • Be punctual as Finns take timekeeping very seriously.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside people’s homes.
  • Litter or behave recklessly in public places.
  • Use overly enthusiastic body language when addressing people or in social situations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lieksa

Finland is a very safe country, and Lieksa is no exception. However, visitors should take precautions to avoid accidents, such as not taking unnecessary risks while hiking or swimming. Tourists should also be aware of the laws regarding drinking and driving and always drive with care.

Health in Lieksa

Finland has some of the best healthcare systems in the world. The town has several hospitals and clinics where tourists could get medical attention in case of an emergency.

Getting to Lieksa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lieksa is easily accessible by public transport and car and is served by several airports and bus stations.

Airports Near Lieksa

  • Kuopio Airport, Finland - 150 km (93 miles) from Lieksa
  • Joensuu Airport, Finland - 100 km (62 miles) from Lieksa
  • Oulu Airport, Finland - 250 km (155 miles) from Lieksa

Bus Stations Near Lieksa

  • Lieksan Linja-autoasema - Located in the center of town, this is the primary bus terminal in Lieksa.
  • Joensuu Bus Station - A larger bus terminal with more services, including international connections.

Other Options

  • Train - The nearest railway station is located in Joensuu, with services connecting to other towns in Finland.
  • Car - Lieksa is easily accessible by car, with well-maintained roads and motorways.

How to Get Around in Lieksa

The most convenient way to explore Lieksa and its surroundings is by renting a car or a bike. Walking is also a great option to appreciate Finland’s natural beauty, and there are numerous well-marked trails and paths for hiking enthusiasts. There is also a local bus service that connects Lieksa to various towns and villages in the area.

Where to Go Next from Lieksa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you wish to extend your trip beyond Lieksa, you could visit neighboring towns and cities such as:

  • Koli National Park
  • Joensuu
  • Kuopio
  • Oulu

Conclusion

Lieksa is a charming and underrated destination in Finland, with a rich culture, ancient history, and stunning natural scenery. There are many things to do and see in Lieksa, and visitors will not be disappointed by their experience. So why not book your ticket and explore the peaceful Finnish countryside today!

Neitijärvi ( Neitijärvi ("Lady Lake") in the Ruunaa hiking area Entrance to Paateri church Entrance to Paateri church A trench of the Änäkäinen fortification in Lieksa A trench of the Änäkäinen fortification in Lieksa