Things to see and do Ilomantsi

This small Karelian village houses a permanent exhibition on the Kalevala. As a reminder, the Kalevala is a Finnish national epic based on Finnish mythology originally transmitted orally, these are popular poems collected from the population. It is a major work symbolic of the Finnish national identity written in 1835 by Elias Lönnrot. An opportunity to discover Karelian songs and traditions.

In Petkeljärvi National Park, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of moraine hills, lake systems, pine moors, swamps and meadows. There are two easy marked trails, and a Taitajan Taival hiking trail that leads to the village of Putkela (22 km). Camping is also possible at Petraniemi. Another beautiful hiking trail is called the Wolf Trail (90 km from Mökhö to Patvinsuo National Park).

Wooden church was built in 1891. Next to it there is a centre on the Orthodox religion and an Orthodox cemetery. At that time, Karelia was converted to Christianity through Orthodoxy in the 12th century. In some Orthodox villages in Karelia, after the mass on St. Peter's Day (June), a ram blessed by the priest is sacrificed before being shared by the faithful. Other communities do the same on St. Elijah's Day (July).

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