Things to see and do Joensuu

Reopened in the summer of 2011 after long renovations, the museum is dedicated to bringing to life the unique tradition and history of a region at the crossroads between West and East. It hosts a permanent exhibition whose title "Karelia on both sides of the border" is self-explanatory, as well as the importance of the sauna. There are also temporary exhibitions. The Carelicum cultural centre also houses the tourist office and a very nice café.

A visit to this former craftsmen's quarter is a must. You can enjoy good coffee, shop in design and contemporary art shops and jewellery stores, and see weavers at work in the craft centre... Then you can push on to the Orthodox Church of St. Nicplas (Kirkkokatu). This small wooden church dates from 1887. Some of the icons were painted in St. Petersburg at the end of the 19th century. Shop selling icons.

In the centre of Joensuu, near the market, this museum introduces you to Finnish, Chinese, Roman and European religious art... from the 1850s to the present day. There are also permanent collections devoted to Etruscan and Chinese art. The highlight of the visit is the superb collection of icons and paintings by the great Finnish masters: Lindholm, Edelfeldt, Enckell, Gallèn-Kallela... Temporary exhibitions are also organised.