Joensuu Travel Guide
The diverse Joensuu makes the visitor fall in love with the way of life in North Karelia. Inland cruises, summer festivals and a relaxed atmosphere make Joensuu an excellent holiday town. Joensuu is an interesting tourist city. In addition to exploring the city center, you can explore the exotic butterflies of the botanical garden in Joensuu or go on an inland cruise. There are also many summer events in the bustling city of culture.
The market is the city center
The center of Joensuu is the city’s fresh market square. Summer is the liveliest time in the market, as in the summer months, the traditional marketplace is full of shoppers, berry and vegetable vendors and flea market operators. There are many craft stalls and various eateries in the market. You can grab Karelian pie and a portion of fried vendace as well as fried noodles on a spring roll and a plate. On summer Sundays, the market is filled with flea market vendors.
Carelicum’s tourist information near Joensuu Market Square provides information on various places to visit in the area. It is also easy to navigate to various events from the market square, as tickets for summer theaters, for example, are available at the cultural kiosk. Next to the square is Kauppakatu, which offers good shopping opportunities.
The Taitokortteli, located in the center of Joensuu near the market square, is one of the city’s most interesting places to visit. The cultural quarter founded by Taito Pohjois-Karjala ry and entrepreneurs is a praise for handicrafts. The block is home to local artisan boutiques and a café. In addition, the block offers craft counseling, course activities and exhibition spaces.
Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden Botania is part of the Department of Biology at the University of Joensuu. Although the main purpose of Botania is research and teaching, the fine garden is also open to the public. The Botanical Garden features over 1,000 species from a variety of collection greenhouses, with a choice of five different climates from the tropics and the desert. Botnia’s outdoor garden has a variety of collections of food, spice, poison, medicinal and ornamental plants.
During the summer months, you can also admire tropical butterflies at Botania. The botanical garden is open every day except Tuesdays. The basic ticket costs 5 euros for an adult and 2.5 euros for school children.
Ilosaarirock makes summer
For many, Ilosaarirock is the highlight of the summer.
The Ilosaarirock music festival, which has been held since 1971, is the highlight of the summer for many. Every year, up to 50,000 people gather at the Joensuu Laulurinte festival weekend to enjoy music, summer and a unique atmosphere. The two-day Ilosaarirock is an unforgettable experience that really brings the city to life.
Cruising to summer nature
In addition to the botanical garden, nature can also be explored in Joensuu on cruises. Cruises depart from Joensuu to Pielisjoki and Pyhäselä, for example.
Cruises are organized, for example, by M / S Satumaa. The cruise season for Satumaa cruises is in early June, and the cruises depart three times a day. Traditional landscape cruises and lunch cruises as well as cruises all the way to Koli are available.
