The Via Karelia. It winds along the Finnish-Russian border and is over 1000km long. It originated in the Middle Ages, when Karelian merchants travelled north to trade. Today, the East Finnish Tourist Route between Lapland and the Gulf of Finland, incidentally the oldest in Finland, invites visitors to explore Karelian culture. Nature, in turn, offers interesting impressions left and right. It is worthwhile to spend an extra day here. A rendezvous with reindeer, a hike to the rapids of the Oulanka National Park are just as much a part of it as a visit to a Karelian village or a safari to the rare Saimaa seals.

The Via Karelia adventure begins at the height of the Arctic Circle - in the north-eastern Finnish village of Salla. The small town has a lot to offer in winter as well as in summer. In winter, there are cross-country ski trails and slopes for snow sports; in summer, there are canoes and hiking trails to explore the area. For example, it is worth visiting the reindeer park, which is still little known. A beautifully laid-out circular trail takes a good two hours over hill and dale, along boardwalks through swampy areas, past a lake to the reindeer, which can move around freely and even be petted. If only it weren't for the annoying mosquitoes ...

Since overnight accommodation is rather scarce along the entire route, do as the Finns do and rent a camper. This way you are independent and, thanks to the Scandinavian "Everyman's Right", you can spend the night wherever you like.

On the way south, the Via Karelia passes the Oulanka National Park, which you should definitely visit, as the park reminds you of the endless forests of Canada. It's a great place for hiking. Whether it's just one hour, two hours or the whole day - you decide on the length and duration. In any case, don't miss the impressive rapids, where the water forces its way through a narrow gorge. A magnificent spectacle! The campsite directly in the national park and a sauna on the river - which you can rent exclusively for yourself - also invite you to stay for several days.

100 km further south, the Hossa National Park beckons with an attractive campsite not far from the visitor centre. A beautiful circular hiking trail at Finland's largest canyon lake, Julma-Ölkky, runs three kilometres above the cliffs. The opposite side of the canyon can be reached via a suspension bridge. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can also get on a boat and sail through the canyon.

In the forests of Eastern Finland, wolverine, lynx and brown bear still say good night to each other. Nowhere in Europe can the king of the forest be better observed in the wild than in north-eastern Finland. In recent years, bear-watching tours have become increasingly popular in the greater Kuhmo area, and the number of shaggy fellows has recovered to 900 specimens in recent years. If you want to go on a photo safari, you should definitely get professional help from an organiser. You can even spend the night in an observation hut, although it must be honestly added that the chances of sightings are not guaranteed.     

In Nurmes you can immerse yourself in Karelian culture. Not far from the town, a Karelian village has been recreated on the lakeshore with typical black-painted wooden buildings and elaborately braced ceiling beams. There is also plenty of entertainment: in addition to the houses, there is an open-air theatre, a souvenir shop, a summer market and even a golf course and the opportunity to do water sports.

If you would like to spend the night in the great outdoors, Ruunaa in South Karelia has designated nature campsites with a fireplace, just like the campsites in the USA and Canada. White-water rafting is also organised here, using traditional wooden boats or modern inflatable boats. Paddling tours by canoe or kayak are also possible.

Of course, a trip to a foreign country should not be complete without a taste experience. Try Karelian pirogi (stuffed dumplings) and stewed root vegetables. In South Karelia, in addition to handmade pierogi, you should also try different types of flatbread. In Savonlinna, you're sure to enjoy whitefish or Saimaa lake trout. Be sure to visit Olavinlinna Castle. Without a doubt, the fortress with its three strong round towers and zigzag bastions is the most beautiful in Finland, if not in Scandinavia. The carefully restored interior boasts two museums: The history museum explains the history and architecture of the building, the Orthodox Museum presents icons and cult objects of the Eastern Church. Spectator stands and a stage in the castle courtyard remind us that the walls with their excellent acoustics are the venue for two undisputed highlights of the festival summer: the ballet festival and the famous opera festival.

Not far from Savolinna, a detour into nature is highly recommended: the Saimaa Lake District is home to one of the most endangered animal species on earth. Only about 400 Saimaa ringed seals remain in the waters around the two national parks Linnansaari and Kolovesi, where the mammals give birth to and raise their young. On a guided seal safari you will get amazingly close to the shy mammals. An emotionally unforgettable experience!