What to do in Ilomantsi
Entertainment all year round
Ilomantsi enchants with its mixture of East and West, modernity and history, natural silence and active activity.
Ilomantsi enchants with its mixture of East and West, modernity and history, natural silence and active activity.
Ilomantsi is a true delight for those seeking a deep connection with nature.
Hiking along the Karjalan Kierros trail is a great way to escape into the forests and hills. In summer, kayaking on the winding and calm Koitajoki River is especially popular.
In winter, the area offers snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and the renowned Pogostan Hiihto ski marathon, which gathers thousands of participants each year.
Fishing enthusiasts will find waters rich in pike, grayling, and trout. In the forest, cloudberries, cranberries, and blueberries can be picked seasonally.
The history of Ilomantsi is vibrant, rich in Karelian character, and marked by dramatic chapters of wartime chronicles.
In Parppeinvaara, the Village of Rune Singers, the spirit of the Kalevala lives on. It’s a place where Karelian culture is woven directly into the landscape.
Taistelijan Talo (The Fighter’s House) is a museum dedicated to the Winter War, the battles fought in Ilomantsi, and the role played by local residents.
The Möhkö Ironworks Museum (Möhkön Ruukki) stands as a monument to the region’s industrial past, where visitors can learn how ore was once extracted and smelted, shaping the local economy.
The Church of the Hundred Angels, a Lutheran church, and the Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah complete Ilomantsi’s historical landscape, highlighting its unique position at the crossroads of two cultures.
In Ilomantsi, food is simple, flavorful, and full of character.
Tasting Karelian pies (karjalanpiirakat) is a delicious way to experience tradition. And if you come across vatruskat or sultsinat — don’t pass them up, they’re true local delicacies.
The cherry on top is the berry wines and liqueurs from Hermannin Viinitila, a small local winery where every bottle captures a piece of the northern summer.
In Ilomantsi, you can admire nature endlessly. The Petkeljärvi and Patvinsuo National Parks offer real adventures in untouched landscapes.
In town, the Mesikke Zoological Museum is a fresh and exciting destination for the whole family. Meanwhile, the Piirolan Piha Craft Center showcases authentic Karelian handmade goods.
For architecture enthusiasts, the Lutheran Church from 1796 features stunning interior paintings, and the Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah — one of the largest in Finland — houses the revered icon of the Tikhvin Madonna.
And of course, don’t miss the easternmost point of the European Union, located right here in Ilomantsi — worth the trip all by itself.
