What to do in Ilomantsi
Entertainment all year round
Ilomantsi enchants with its mixture of East and West, modernity and history, natural silence and activity.
Ilomantsi enchants with its mixture of East and West, modernity and history, natural silence and activity.
Ilomantsi is a true delight for those seeking a deep connection with nature. The Ilomantsi area is home to two impressive national parks: Patvinsuo National Park and Petkeljärvi National Park.
Patvinsuo is known for its extensive marshlands, pristine lakes, and sandy ridges, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.
Petkeljärvi, on the other hand, is famous for its crystal-clear lakes and ancient ridges shaped by the Ice Age, making it perfect for canoeing, camping, and nature walks.
Ilomantsi is surrounded by numerous beautiful lakes, such as Koitere and Nuorajärvi.
These lakes are popular for fishing, swimming, and boating in summer, and they provide peaceful winter landscapes ideal for ice fishing and cross-country skiing. The lakes also play a significant role in the area’s biodiversity and local traditions.
Ilomantsi is home to Finland’s easternmost Orthodox church, St. Elijah’s Church, with its distinctive blue domes and rich iconography.
There is also the Lutheran Ilomantsi Church, known for its striking architecture and cultural significance. Both churches offer visitors an insight into the region’s religious history and traditions.
The Orthodox Culture Centre and Pogosta Museum showcase the area’s unique heritage, from religious art to local history.
These museums present exhibits on Karelian traditions, wartime history, and everyday life in the easternmost part of Finland.
Hermanni Winery produces award-winning Finnish wines, berry liqueurs, and sparkling beverages using local ingredients.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and purchase products directly from the farm shop, making it a must-visit for food and drink enthusiasts.
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.
On the same hill is Parppeinpirtti Restaurant, which offers traditional Karelian dishes made from local ingredients, giving visitors a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
