15 tips for finding things to do in Joensuu
Discover the diverse experiences of Joensuu in the heart of North Karelia! The city combines culture, nature and local hospitality in a wonderful way.
City articles
07.12.2024
Joensuu, a vibrant city in the heart of North Karelia, offers a variety of experiences for adult travellers. Located at the mouth of the Pielisjoki River, the city smoothly combines culture, nature and local hospitality. Whether you are interested in art, history or outdoor activities, Joensuu has plenty to see and experience all year round.
The compact city centre is easy to take in on foot. In the city centre you will find interesting sights, cosy cafés and unique shopping.
Discover with us the best places in Joensuu!
Taitokortteli is a historic area in the centre of Joensuu, consisting of beautifully preserved wooden houses. The area has an old-world atmosphere and offers a unique environment for arts and crafts. The idyllic courtyards of the wooden houses invite you to discover local culture and history.
In the boutiques of the district you will find products made by local artisans, such as ceramics, textiles and jewellery. If you're looking for unique gifts or souvenirs of your visit, this is the place to go. You can also watch craftspeople at work and learn more about traditional techniques.
In the cafés you can enjoy local delicacies and rest while you shop. The Arts Quarter also hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, so it's worth checking the programme in advance. If you're interested in making things yourself, the Arts Centre offers courses and workshops where you can try your hand at crafting.
Joensuu Arena is the city's multi-purpose hall and the largest wooden building in Finland, offering a wide range of facilities for both athletes and event organisers. The centrally located arena is renowned for its impressive architecture and versatile facilities.
The arena regularly hosts major events such as fairs, concerts and sports competitions. The programme varies according to the season, so you can enjoy a variety of performances and events all year round. It's worth keeping an eye on the current events calendar to make sure you don't miss out on any interesting events.
For sports lovers, the arena offers excellent facilities for various indoor sports. With extensive training areas for ball games and other activities, the arena is suitable for professional and amateur athletes alike. The versatility of the facilities allows different sports to be practised in the same place.
If you are organising a meeting or a smaller event, Joensuu Areena also offers versatile meeting facilities. The facilities are suitable for a variety of needs, from seminars to smaller meetings. Free parking is also available in the vicinity of the arena for people with reduced mobility, making it easy for all visitors to arrive. For more information on reservations, please visit the arena's website.
Joensuu Evangelical Lutheran Church is an important landmark in the city centre. It is located on a small hill on the banks of the Pielisjoki River and serves as the main church of the Joensuu parish. The building was designed in accordance with the 1848 town plan at the southern end of the park axis, and its architecture makes it an impressive feature of the city skyline.
The church has a capacity of around 900 people, and some of the seating is on the second floor, accessible by stairs. The interior of the building is as impressive as the exterior, and regularly hosts services and masses. These events allow you to experience the community and spiritual atmosphere of the church.
The church is open all year round and is also available for hire for concerts and other events. The building is equipped with an organ, piano and a modern sound system, allowing for a wide range of musical activities. Concerts in the church offer a unique acoustic experience in a historic setting.
If you want to explore the church in more detail, you can attend a service or ask for a guided tour. The church's rich history and architecture make it an interesting destination for those seeking both spiritual content and cultural experiences.
Kerubi club is a versatile entertainment centre in Ilosaari, Joensuu, offering live music, stand-up comedy and other events all year round. It serves as a restaurant, gig venue and nightclub, and is one of the most important venues in Eastern Finland, especially in supporting local young musicians.
In the weekdays, you can enjoy lunch at Kerub and à la carte meals in the evenings, highlighting local ingredients and flavours. In summer, Kerub's large terrace on the Ilosaari is the perfect place to relax in the sunshine and watch the city bustle.
Kerubi organises a wide range of events, including gigs, clubs and tasting events. The events are mainly K18 events, making it an excellent destination for adult visitors. Its central location in Ilosaari, on the Pielisjoki River, makes Kerubi easily accessible from the city centre.
You can check the current programme and opening hours of the Kerub on their website. This will ensure that you find the most interesting events during your stay in Joensuu.
Joensuu City Theatre offers a wide range of cultural experiences during your visit. The theatre's repertoire is varied and includes drama, comedy and musicals. The theatre's performances are of a high standard and have been praised by audiences and critics alike.
You can easily buy tickets for performances at the Joensuu customer service desk or at the theatre's door ticket office one hour before the performance. If you are travelling with a larger group, there is a separate phone number for group bookings. The theatre ticket also serves as a bus ticket on the JOJO lines before and after the performance, making it easier to get around the city.
The theatre's auditoriums often feature art, such as works by Virpi Eros and Sanni-Maaria Puustinen, as well as creations by the theatre's own set and costume designers. These exhibitions provide additional content to the theatre experience and an opportunity to explore local art.
Joensuu City Theatre also organises side events, which are usually free of charge. These events may include discussions, workshops or musical performances, and offer a deeper insight into the world of theatre. The theatre's central location makes it easy to combine with other activities in the city.
Ahjo is a cultural centre located next to the Joensuu City Theatre. It offers facilities for theatre, dance and music, and regularly hosts various performances and events. The programme ranges from classical music to contemporary dance and stand-up comedy.
At Ahjo you can enjoy high quality theatre performances and concerts in an intimate setting. The centre's café is a popular meeting place where you can relax between or before performances. It's also a favourite with local culture lovers, making it an easy place to strike up a conversation with other art lovers.
Check Ahjo's website or social media channels for the current programme for your visit. You can buy tickets in advance online or directly at the venue. Ahjo is centrally located in the centre of Joensuu, making it easy to get there and combine your visit with other city attractions or restaurants.
Koli National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience Finland's iconic national landscape. The park's rugged dunes and breathtaking views over the Pielinen River have inspired numerous artists, including Jean Sibelius and Eero Järnefelt. From the top of Ukko-Koli, the classic landscape is one of the most famous views in the country.
The park has a wide range of hiking trails for different fitness levels. The short Peaks circuit is suitable for leisurely strolls, while the longer trails will challenge more experienced hikers. In summer, you can hike or cycle in the stunning scenery, and in winter the area offers excellent opportunities for downhill skiing on the slopes of Ukko-Kol and skiing on the park's slopes.
Koli is not only a paradise for nature lovers, it also offers cultural experiences. For example, you can visit the studio of artist Eeva Ryynänen or learn about the history of the area through the idyllic streets of Puu-Juu. There are also several interesting attractions in the area, such as the Pirunkirkko (Church of the Devil) and the Räsävaara Lookout Tower, the latter of which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Koli National Park is a year-round destination that offers a different experience every season. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet or something active to do, Koli is definitely worth a visit near Joensuu.
Botania is a unique botanical garden in Joensuu's Linnunlahti. This tropical oasis offers more than 2 000 plant species and is open all year round. Inside, you can tour the large greenhouse full of exotic plants and flowers from all over the world. In a separate desert room, you can discover the special flora of the arid regions.
The outdoor garden is spread over three hectares, where you will find a children's garden, a sensory garden and a kitchen garden, among others. Each area has its own theme and atmosphere, making for a varied experience. In the garden you can relax in nature or be inspired by the diversity of plants.
In winter, Botania becomes a magical stage for light art. Snow and ice sculptures are beautifully illuminated, creating a wonderful contrast to the tropical warmth of the interior. In the garden café you can enjoy a warm drink while admiring the surrounding landscape. The Botania also hosts a variety of cultural events, so check the calendar of events for when you visit.
The Joensuu Water Tower offers a unique vantage point from above the city. The observatory offers a magnificent panoramic view over Joensuu and its surroundings. The observation deck at the top of the Water Tower is open to the public at certain times, so it is advisable to check the opening hours in advance.
You can go up in the lift or climb the stairs if you want a bit of exercise. From the observatory you can see the city's main landmarks and buildings, such as the Joensuu Market Square, the University area and the Pielis River. In clear weather, the visibility extends up to tens of kilometres, providing an excellent opportunity to see the urban structure of Joensuu and the surrounding nature.
There are often guides at the observatory who will be happy to tell you more about the view and the history of the city. They can show you interesting details of the landscape and answer your questions. Don't forget to bring your camera, as this is a great opportunity to take some impressive photos of Joensuu and its surroundings.
The entrance fee is reasonable and usually includes a guided tour. A visit to the observatory is an excellent way to gain a new perspective on the city and its surroundings.
Rantakylä Swimming Pool is a great place to relax and do water sports in Joensuu. It is located on Pataluodonkatu, close to the Rantakylä shopping centre and schools in the area, making it easily accessible by car and public transport.
In the swimming pool you can enjoy swimming and many other water activities. It is accessible and a Disability Card site, so the facilities are designed to meet the needs of all users. Parking is hassle-free; there are inva parking spaces near the entrance, and plenty of parking spaces for other cars within a radius of about 150 metres.
The area around the swimming pool offers a wide range of sports facilities. With tennis courts, a sports field and rinks that freeze in winter nearby, you can easily combine a swimming trip with other activities. The gym has an age limit of 15 years, but 13-14 year olds can exercise under the supervision of a parent or coach.
The Rantakylä swimming pool offers a versatile framework for both fitness and relaxation by the water. Whether you want to refresh yourself after a hard day's work or get active in the water, this swimming pool is the perfect choice in Joensuu.
The Kuhasalo nature trail offers a variety of experiences for both nature and history lovers, and is a popular destination all year round. The area is ideal for hiking, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing, depending on the season.
The Kuhasalo nature trail is located about three kilometres from the centre of Joensuu, providing an easily accessible place for residents and visitors to enjoy nature and history. The area has two marked ring trails: one and two kilometres long, along the shores of Pyhäselkä and in the landscape of the old Orthodox monastery.
The routes are mainly easy to follow and clearly marked, but there may be some rocky sections following the shores of Pyhäselkä. Along the trails you can explore the area's diverse flora and fauna, as well as historical sites such as the monument to the 16th century wilderness monastery and the old Kalmoniemi cemetery.
The Utra Islands are located about six kilometres from the centre of Joensuu in the Pielisjoki River, and are an important part of Joensuu's history. In the 17th century there was a fishing mill on the islands, and in the 1700s there was a mill and a sawmill in the area. In the early 1900s, the islands were home to two sawmills and the successful Utra glass factory. Today, the islands offer a diverse environment for enjoying nature, and a variety of bird species can be seen in the area, including ducks and other waterfowl.
There are three free campfire shelters on the Utra islands where hikers can enjoy their picnic in the lap of nature. There is also a hut on site that can be booked, which includes a wood store and a latrine. Firewood is available on a self-service basis from the log cabin at the trailhead.
The Utra Islands offer a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities and nature enjoyment, right next to the city of Joensuu.
Joensuu market is the heart of the city and a central meeting point, located right in the city centre. The market has undergone a complete makeover a few years ago and now offers a modern yet traditional setting for local life.
In summer, the market comes alive with a variety of events, such as a cultural market and a market. You can enjoy local delicacies and crafts and soak up the unique atmosphere of Joensuu. All year round, the market offers local delicacies such as Karelian pies and sultsinos, which you can taste at the market café.
At the edge of the square, you can spot a funny sight: a statue of a wolf dressed in elegant old-fashioned clothes, sitting on a park bench. It is a popular photo opportunity and brings a smile to the faces of passers-by.
Joensuu market is a great place to meet the locals and experience the authentic Joensuu way of life. We recommend visiting the market in the morning, when it is busiest and the offerings are at their richest.
The new market hall, Kauppahalli Joensuu, is located on the eastern side of Joensuu market square, offering a modern meeting place for residents and visitors.
The design of the shopping hall combines features of a traditional shopping hall with modern architecture. The facades of the building are clad in dark green fir board, reflecting the North Karelian building tradition. Inside, massive wooden pillars and arched beams divide the space into different sections, and on the second floor there is a covered outdoor terrace overlooking the market square.
The Joensuu Winter Market offers a unique experience in the middle of the cold season. This traditional market is usually held in late February or early March and is a much anticipated event for locals.
At the winter market you can enjoy local delicacies and handicrafts. There are hot drinks, such as mulled wine and hot juice, to help you stay warm in freezing weather. Market stalls sell handmade goods, wool products and other local specialities.
The event also offers the chance to discover traditional winter activities. For example, you can try a reindeer hunt or admire ice carving. The market has a warm and inviting atmosphere, even when it's cold outside. The event is usually located in the centre of Joensuu, so it is easily accessible.
The winter market is a great opportunity to learn about local culture and customs. They also offer the opportunity to buy unique, handmade products directly from the producers. Remember to dress warmly, as the market is mainly held outdoors.
