Things to do
Things to do in Joensuu
Joensuu is the regional center of North Karelia, offering plenty to experience and see both in the vicinity of the downtown area and outside the city.
The old yellow wooden house located in the city center is a block dedicated to tourism, handicrafts, and culture. You'll find a cozy café, small shops, and the skilled services of the Craft Center.
When you feel like quickly warming up, stop by the Joensuu Botanical Garden to refresh among tropical plants and colorful butterflies. In the winter, a fabulous winter garden is also built in Botania's backyard.
The art center located right in the center of Joensuu hosts diverse exhibition activities throughout the year, presenting both national and international art.
Museum Eliel offers experiences of and insights into the history and present day of North Karelia. The exhibitions at Eliel showcase the region's diverse voices, breathtakingly beautiful nature and life through the ages. The brand new Eliel Museum opened October 11th 2025.
Permanent exhibitions include Finnish art from 1850s to modern days, Eastern Orthodox icons, Chinese art, Greek and Roman antiquities and European church art. Temporary exhibitions focus on topical themes of Finnish and international art. Joensuu Art Museum Onni is closed for renovations until 2026.
Shopping Opportunities:
The location of Vaakuna is perfect for a shopping getaway. Under the same roof, you’ll find the Sokos department store, while across the street is the Iso Myy shopping center. In addition, the small boutiques in the Taitokortteli area and along the pedestrian street offer a wide variety of shopping options within short walking distances. Explore the stores at Iso Myy here.
In cooperation with Sokos, we offer our guests a 15% discount on a single purchase by presenting your hotel key card holder or mobile key along with your S-Group loyalty card.
Urban nature:
Set out by bike, on foot, or by public transport to explore the beautiful city of Joensuu, where nature is always close by. We recommend nearby destinations such as Kuhasalo, Utransaari, Lykynlampi, and Repokallio.
Find more tips to explore the Joensuu from here.