Whether you choose one of our ready-made programs or design your own unique escape with us,
everything is crafted to make your visit to Ilomantsi truly unforgettable.
Discover Ilomantsi your own way – through sports and active adventures, culture and traditions, or in an atmosphere of peace and rejuvenation.
Here, every season shines with its own unique charm and inspiration.
Choose your journey:
3 days – a short but unforgettable escape
5 days – the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation
7 days or more – a deep immersion into Karelia’s nature, culture, and flavors
Experience the authentic northern winter in Ilomantsi
If you love movement, new experiences, and vivid emotions, this program is for you. In Ilomantsi, winter turns into a true celebration of activity and nature.
We invite you to enjoy:
– Skiing at the Mustavaara Ski Resort (from late November to mid-April);
– Fat biking along snowy trails;
– A wildlife photo safari, following animal tracks;
– A visit to the city swimming pool with shungite-infused water;
– Watching the magical Northern Lights
End your active day the Finnish way — unwind in the cozy hotel sauna and then relax in a calm, soothing atmosphere.
Ski Resort Mustavaara Swimming pool
7 days / 6 nights
Perfect for families with children
In the “Northern Lights of Ilomantsi” tour, you will celebrate the New Year just the way you’ve always dreamed of — surrounded by family, the scent of pine trees, and the pure joy on your children’s faces.
Each day is filled with warmth, the taste of homemade food, laughter, and a deep sense of peace.
This journey is more than just a holiday — it’s a memory that will stay in your heart forever.
The “Northern Lights of Ilomantsi” tour is a harmony of nature, comfort and joy.
Enjoy quality time with your family, discover the northern magic, and create moments that will remain with you for a lifetime.
*The tour price is calculated individually — based on family size, selected services and additional activity options.
In Ilomantsi, Christmas and New Year are celebrated in an atmosphere of warmth and northern winter magic. Carols fill the air, markets and festive services take place, and traditional Finnish delicacies are served.
December 24 – Christmas Eve (Jouluaatto)
December 25 – Christmas Day (Joulupäivä)
December 31 – New Year’s Eve (Uudenvuodenaatto)
Try ice fishing (from December to March) on the pristine lakes of Ilomantsi — a special pleasure that combines silence, the thrill of the catch, and the beauty of the winter landscape. Pike, zander, and large perch make this experience exciting and unforgettable.
It’s pure joy for passionate anglers and a wonderful way to rest your soul while enjoying the tranquility of northern nature. Here, every catch is more than just a trophy — it becomes part of a unique winter adventure.
To add variety to your holiday, stop by the city swimming pool: it offers a therapeutic warm-water pool with massage jets, perfect for easing away the chill and fatigue after a frosty day.
And in the evening, warm up the true Finnish way — in the hotel’s sauna, the perfect way to end a day in nature.
Swimming pool
For balance and inspiration in the rhythm of winter
The result: restored energy, a sense of harmony, and clarity that will keep you warm even through the longest winter.
A children’s program for ages 6 to 16: joy, friendship, and winter fun
In winter, Ilomantsi transforms into a fairytale: snowy forests, fresh air, and endless fun await children every day.
Kids discover new skills, learn teamwork, and make friends from around the world. In an atmosphere of warmth and trust, the winter holiday becomes a source of joy, inspiration, and unforgettable memories.
Welcome to Ilomantsi — the heart of Karelian traditions and the ancient epic Kalevala!
You will experience:
– Live performances of rune singers and the enchanting sound of the kantele;
– Poetry readings and theater productions inspired by the Kalevala;
– Traditional costumes, crafts, and hands-on workshops;
– Authentic Karelian treats — kalitki, pies, and homemade delicacies;
– A solemn ceremony at the monument to the rune singers
And beyond the festivities, winter adventures continue: cross-country skiing, wildlife photo safaris, fat biking, and ice fishing.
For relaxation, the city swimming pool offers 25-meter lanes and a jacuzzi.
Embrace the fresh energy of spring in Ilomantsi
For energy, drive, and unforgettable experiences
This program is perfect for active travelers, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers — as well as for those who want to combine physical activity with rest and recovery.
– Take part in the Pogostan Hiihto ski marathon (March);
– Visit the Mustavaara Ski Resort (open until mid-April);
– Embark on your first hikes along glacial trails (March–April);
– Go on a photo safari to capture awakening nature and try fat biking;
– Swim at the city pool with 25-meter lanes;
– End your active days with relaxation in the hotel’s cozy sauna
A program for harmony, renewal, and inspiration
– Gentle walks along glacial trails and through the surroundings of Ilomantsi;
– Observing nature’s awakening: the first green forests and the return of migratory birds;
– A visit to the city’s therapeutic pool (with warm water and massage points), plus relaxation in the jacuzzi;
– A cozy sauna and a delicious dinner at the hotel — the perfect way to end a long spring day outdoors
Spring in Ilomantsi is a season of balance and awakening. The Spring Balance program helps you recover after winter, fill yourself with lightness and freshness, and welcome summer with new energy.
Swimming pool
Embrace the harmony of nature and the joy of being active in Ilomantsi
Group Tour
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the northern summer: endless lakes, green forests, and silence filled with the fresh breath of nature. Expect scenic walks, guided tours, cozy hotel comfort, and delicious Finnish cuisine.
Tour includes:
6 nights’ accommodation at the North Star Hotel (1–3 persons per room)
Full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Excursion programs:
– Main churches of Ilomantsi: introduction to local architecture and spiritual traditions. Visit to the Rune Singers’ Village Parppeinvaaran runokylä: the Kalevala epic, kantele music, and museums of history, nature, and wartime memory.
– Trip to Kerimäki — the largest wooden church in the world. Excursion to Savonlinna with a visit to the medieval Olavinlinna Castle.
– Excursion to the Valaam Monastery: exploring its architecture, iconography, and monastic life.
– Insight into Finnish lifestyle and culture: horseback riding on northern horses and tasting traditional cuisine.
– Excursion to the Bear Festival site in Ilomantsi. Visit to a local winery with tastings, climb the wine-viewing tower, and enjoy walks around the lakes and forests of the national park.
This tour blends cultural excursions, active recreation, and wellness. Swimming and sauna sessions by the shungite lake help you recharge and feel a deep harmony with nature.
Orthodox Church of St. Elias Lutheran Church Rune Singers’ Village Bear Festival Winery
For inspiration and lightness on summer days
The result: a sense of renewal, filled with the energy of summer and inspiration that will stay with you for a long time.
A children’s program for ages 6 to 16: joy, friendship, and summer discoveries
Summer in Ilomantsi gives children freedom and the joy of discovery. Here, kids create in workshops, try their hand at cooking, and learn to make friends beyond language barriers.
In an atmosphere of care and joy, talents blossom, new ideas emerge, and memories are made to last a lifetime.
A festival of sun, bonfires, and white nights
Midsummer (Juhannus) is one of Finland’s most vibrant celebrations.
In Ilomantsi, it takes on a special atmosphere: giant bonfires blaze by the lakes, music fills the air, ancient songs are sung, and traditional fortune-telling rituals are performed.
During the day, guests enjoy nature — swimming, fishing, and wandering through forests where the first berries are already ripening. White nights make the celebration truly magical: the sun barely dips below the horizon, and the joy continues until morning.
Highlights include:
– Folk festivities and songs by the great lakeside bonfire (Juhannuskokko);
– Fortune-telling and ancient midsummer rituals;
– Music and cultural events in the Rune Singers’ Village (Parppeinvaaran runokylä);
– Swimming in the lakes and summer fishing;
– The start of the “quiet harvest” — picking the season’s first berries on forest walks
A program introducing the culture and museums of the region
– Möhkö Ironworks Museum (Möhkön ruukki)
In the 19th century, this was a major ironworks. Today, the open-air museum complex brings its industrial past to life.
– “Soldier’s Home” Museum
Dedicated to the history of the Winter War (1939–1940), the museum reflects the stories of soldiers, the people of Ilomantsi, and the border region.
– Orthodox Culture Center and Museum
Here you can see icons, liturgical objects, and exhibitions on Orthodox tradition. The Museum tells the story of St. Elias Orthodox Church — the easternmost church in the EU — and the role of faith in local life.
– Parppeinvaara — The Rune Singers’ Village (Parppeinvaara Runokylä)
An ethnographic complex styled as an old Karelian village, where the world of the Kalevala epic comes alive: hear traditional runo songs, experience the sound of the kantele, and take part in workshops on folk crafts and songs.
Discover two of Finland’s most unique churches:
– Orthodox Church of St. Elias (Pyhän Elian kirkko)
The easternmost Orthodox church in Finland — and in the entire EU. Built in 1890 in Byzantine style, it captivates with its atmosphere and the beauty of its icons. Visitors may attend a morning liturgy and explore the church’s interior and iconography.
– Ilomantsi Lutheran Church, “The Church of a Hundred Angels” (Sadan enkelin kirkko)
Built in 1796, its walls and ceiling are adorned with more than a hundred angels and biblical scenes painted by Samuel Elmgren. Such rich artwork is extremely rare in Lutheran churches, making it truly one of a kind. Visitors may join a morning service or enjoy an organ concert.
– Orthodox Culture Center and Museum
The Museum tells the story of St. Elias Church — the easternmost in the EU — and the role of faith in the lives of local people. The Culture Center presents icons, liturgical objects, and exhibitions dedicated to the Orthodox tradition.
Discover the soul of Ilomantsi through its nature, gastronomy, and traditions.
Your journey includes:
– Excursion to Hermannin Viinitila Winery
See how Finland’s renowned wines and liqueurs are crafted, visit the charming wine shop and café located at the top of a tall viewing tower, and enjoy breathtaking views over Ilomantsi and its scenic surroundings. The highlight awaits — a tasting of Hermanni’s wines and liqueurs, made with love and imagination.
– Relaxation by the Shungite Lake
A well-equipped bathing and leisure area where clean waters, a cared-for shoreline, and beautiful landscapes create an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
– Visit to the Rune Singers’ Village, Parppeinvaaran runokylä
Step into the world of ancient Karelian legends and experience the magic of epic songs.
– Lunch at Parppeinpirtti Restaurant
The true center of Karelian cuisine. Taste dishes prepared according to traditional recipes: rye pies kalitki with barley or potato filling, rich fish soup, stewed meat with lingonberry sauce, and sweet treats made from forest berries. All served in an authentic setting that reflects the region’s rich traditions.
– Scenic Walks around Ilomantsi
Enjoy the tranquility of nature, find inspiration, and restore your energy as you wander through the picturesque surroundings.
Ilomantsi is a true haven for fishing enthusiasts!
We’ll organize an unforgettable fishing adventure for you:
The Bear Festival is a unique three-day event, usually held in the second or third week of August, that transforms Ilomantsi into the true capital of woodcarving art.
The best masters from around the world gather here to create bear sculptures — the symbol of Karelia — right before the eyes of the audience. Chainsaws roar, sawdust flies through the air, and masterpieces emerge from simple logs.
Festival program includes:
– Main woodcarving competition
– Speed carving shows
– Public voting for the best works
– Cultural program and exhibitions
The festive atmosphere fills the town: visitors can stroll among the sculptures, vote, take photos, join activities, and simply enjoy the creative energy. Many works remain in Ilomantsi, turning the town into an open-air gallery where bears “live” all year round.
To enrich your festival experience, you can also visit:
– Möhkö Ironworks Museum (Möhkön ruukki)
– “Soldier’s Home” Museum
– Parppeinvaara Rune Singers’ Village (Parppeinvaara Runokylä)
– Hermannin Viinitila Winery
– Parppeinpirtti Restaurant — the heart of Karelian cuisine
Or simply relax in nature, swim in the lakes, and enjoy the northern landscapes.
End the summer in harmony with Karelian nature, enjoying its generosity and beauty.
– Forest walks — silence, fresh air, and scenic landscapes that fill you with energy.
– Photo safaris — capture bright moments of encounters with northern nature.
– Berry and mushroom season:
-July–August: juicy blueberries (mustikka), lingonberries (puolukka), golden cloudberries (lakka), raspberries; July also brings the first chanterelles.
– August–September: porcini, aspen and birch boletes, slippery jacks, russulas.
– Swimming in the lakes — August is especially good for lakeside leisure: with temperatures around +18…+21 °C, the water is fresh and clear.
– Cozy hotel stay — experience a homelike atmosphere, peaceful surroundings, traditional cuisine, and the pleasure of a relaxing sauna.
– Space for everyone — whether you want lively company with friends or quiet solitude, here you can find the perfect balance and enjoy the silence.
This program is about the simple joys that nature itself makes special: walks, forest treasures, warm connections, and rest by crystal-clear lakes.
Vivid Colors and Flavors of the Northern Autumn
Autumn in Ilomantsi still carries the gentle warmth of summer, yet the days grow shorter and the forests burst into golden, crimson, and copper hues.
It’s a magical season when nature shares its gifts in abundance, and the crisp, clear air invites you outdoors.
Here, every day becomes an opportunity to move, explore, and recharge before the quiet embrace of winter.
Your autumn journey includes:
– Scenic hikes along forest trails and through untouched wilderness;
– Wildlife and landscape photography in breathtaking settings;
– Fishing on pristine lakes, home to pike, zander, and hefty perch;
– Foraging for autumn treasures (until October): late lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos, karpalo), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides, tyrni), and mushrooms such as saffron milk caps (Lactarius deliciosus), Woolly Milkcaps (Lactarius torminosus), milk mushrooms (Lactarius resimus), mossiness/green-cracked boletes (Xerocomellus chrysenteron / Suillus variegatus), and honey fungus (Armillaria mellea);
– A refreshing dip in the lakes – for the bold at heart;
– Relaxing at the city swimming pool with 25-meter lanes;
– A traditional Finnish sauna to warm and restore after your adventures;
– A hearty dinner of authentic Karelian cuisine, the perfect ending to an active day.
Autumn in Ilomantsi is a season of peace and comfort, when nature slows its rhythm and gently invites us to follow.
The forests glow in golden shades, the air turns crisp and fresh, and the evenings create space for calm and quiet reflection.
It is the perfect time to restore your energy, enjoy the warmth of the sauna, savor traditional cuisine, and take unhurried walks in nature.
And on clear nights, the sky may reveal a rare gift — the dance of the Northern Lights, painting the darkness with magical green and pink hues.
Your autumn experience includes:
– Leisurely walks among golden forests and tranquil lakes;
– Foraging for mushrooms and berries — the generous harvest of autumn filling your basket;
– Visiting the city’s therapeutic swimming pool (with warm water and massage points), as well as relaxation in the jacuzzi;
– Cozy hotel evenings filled with the aromas of Karelian cuisine;
– The gentle warmth of a relaxing sauna;
– Evenings for heartfelt conversations — or simply enjoying the silence on your own;
– And perhaps the most magical spectacle of all: the Northern Lights gracing the autumn sky.
No matter which program you choose — or design yourself — and no matter the season you arrive, one thing is certain: you will leave with Ilomantsi in your heart… and with a longing to return.
Here, open hearts will always welcome you.