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Winter wellness in Arctic Lakeland and North Karelia

Credits: Julia Kivelä

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Media visit to Arctic Lakeland and North Karelia, 10.-14.12.2026

By invitation only, updated 3 September.

Credits: Julia Kivelä
Transportation

Thursday, 10 December 
Finnair Flights
11:30–15:00 Frankfurt – Helsinki 
12:25–15:20 Hamburg – Helsinki
13:25–16:20 Berlin – Helsinki

17:35–18:55 Helsinki – Kajaani

Monday, 14 December
Finnair Flights
05:30–06:35 Joensuu – Helsinki

07:45–09:25 Helsinki – Frankfurt
10:40–11:40 Helsinki – Hamburg
11:40–12:40 Helsinki – Berlin

Accommodation

Arctic Lakeland
10-11 December 
Ukkohalla Resort

11-12 December 
Hotel Kajanus

Visit Karelia
12-13 December
Break Sokos Hotel Bomba

13-14 December
Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel

Social Media

Visit Finland
@ourfinland #VisitFinland #Finland
www.visitfinland.com

Arctic Lakeland

Visit Karelia

Premilinary program

Thursday, 10 December 2026

Flight with Finnair
11:30–15:00 Frankfurt – Helsinki 
12:25–15:20 Hamburg – Helsinki
13:25–16:20 Berlin – Helsinki

17:35–18:55 Helsinki – Kajaani

Welcome to Arctic Lakeland!

19:15 Transfer from Kajaani Airport to Ukkohalla Resort
Ukkohalla Resort is located approx. 90 km (1 h drive) from the Kajaani airport by Lake Syväjärvi, next to the highest ridges of Arctic Lakeland. Snowy winters, ski slopes and winter trails offer plenty of possibilities for outdoor adventures. Opportunities to visit a reindeer farm and join a husky safari add authentic Arctic experiences, while the Northern Lights create unforgettable moments under the Arctic sky.

20:30 Dinner at Restaurant Hallan Karhu

Check-in at Ukkohalla’s Sky Cabin Glass Suites

Northern Lights excursion

Friday, 11 December 2026

Breakfast at the Ukko Cáfe and check-out

10:00 Transfer to Reindeer farm (15min)
Reindeer farm visit & safari and lunch at Kota hut.

12.00-14.00 Winter activity in Ukkohalla Resort TBC

14:00 Transfer to Kajaani area (approx. 1 hrs)

Check-in at Peerâ Hotels & Cottages, Hotel Kajanus 

16:00 Guided Kajaani City and Culture walking tour. Starting point: Hotel Kajanus

19:30 Dinner at Restaurant Kitchen & Bar Kajanus

Overnight stay in Hotel Kajanus

Saturday, 12 December 2026

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

9:00-11:00 Bakery traditions and tasting, organised by Pekka Heikkinen Bakery Shop and Café, light snack included

11:15-12:30 Transfer to Bomba (approx. 1,5 hrs) | @lakelandbomba
Nestled by the scenic Lake Pielinen, Bomba is one of North Karelia’s most iconic travel destinations, known for its distinctive Karelian architecture and rich cultural heritage. It offers visitors a unique immersion into Karelian culture, food, and traditions.

12:30 Arrival, late lunch, and activities

  • Enjoy a traditional Karelian lunch
  • Experience the ancient tradition of Karelian rune singing (pending)
  • Discover outdoor adventures in Bomba

15:30-16:30 A guided tour at Bomba
Embark on a journey to the roots of Karelian culture at the Bomba House! The tour includes an overview of the history of the Bomba House, a visit to the museum room and a peaceful walk along the Path of Silence to the chapel. 

16:30 Check-in at Break Sokos Hotel Bomba & Spa 

17:00-18:30 Unwind at the Karelian-inspired Bomba Spa

19:30 Dinner in a wilderness hut

Sunday, 13 December 2026

7:30 Breakfast and check-out

9:00-10:30 Karelian Pie Workshop at Bomba House
Learn how to bake the traditional Karelian pastry.

11:00-12:00 Transfer to Koli National Park | @visitkoli
Koli National Park in Lieksa is home to Finland’s most iconic national landscape, where visitors can enjoy scenic outdoor activities and breathtaking views over Lake Pielinen.

12:00-13:30 Explore the iconic Koli Peaks with a tour guide | @feelkoli 

13:30-14:30 Lunch at Grill it! Koli

14:30-15:30 Transfer to Lykynlampi Sauna World | @lykynlampi
Lykynlampi is a popular outdoor recreation area near Joensuu, offering traditional waterside saunas, wild swimming, nature trails, and a relaxing Finnish wellness experience. Enjoy the Lykynlampi sauna world and take a cold plunge in the icy pond.

Forest breathing exercise with Hermanni hengittää | @hermannihengittaa
The Breath of the Forest combines the tranquillity of Finnish nature, the restorative effects of the forest and calming breathing exercises into a unique wellbeing experience. 

Pura Nordica cosmetics workshop | @puranordica
PURA NORDICA is a responsible natural cosmetics company from North Karelia. In this session, you’ll learn about facial oils and create a personalised blend tailored to your skin’s needs.

18:30-18:45 Transfer and check-in at Lietsu Boutique Aparthotel | @lietsuhotel
Lietsu offers unique and cosy hotel accommodation with Karelian hospitality in Joensuu city centre

20:00 Dinner at Restaurant Aittaranta | @ravintola_aittaranta

Monday, 14 December 2026

Early morning wake-up call

Take-away breakfast from the hotel

Access to lounge at Helsinki Airport, TBC

Flights with Finnair
05:30–06:35 Joensuu – Helsinki

07:45–09:25 Helsinki – Frankfurt
10:40–11:40 Helsinki – Hamburg
11:40–12:40 Helsinki – Berlin

Regional contacts

ARCTIC LAKELAND
Name of host
Title
Email:
Tel: +358 (0) 

VISIT KARELIA
Name of host
Title
Email: 
Tel: +358 (0) 

Visit Finland contacts

Adeline Sutter
PR & Media Manager
Email: adeline.sutter@businessfinland.fi 
Tel: +358 (0) 40 6789044
 

Please note that Visit Finland, Arctic Lakeland and Visit Karelia reserve the right to make changes, and the itinerary is subject to alteration.

 

Finnish AKKE Funding

This action is part of Eastern Finland Sustainable Tourism Growth Program and is funded by South Savo Regional Council from Appropriation for Sustainable Growth and Vitality in Regions (Finnish AKKE funding).

Useful links

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