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Leisure activities

There is plenty of things to do in Joensuu and North Karelia all year around. Joensuu offers plenty of options for people interested in sports or culture and of course the wonderful nature is full of possibilities in every season.

As a student, you should remember the possibilities for leisure activities offered by the Student Union POKA (Into freetime activities).

In addition, Karelia UAS Student Union POKA, Karelia UAS, University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) provide a great selection of sports services to all students in Joensuu. Check out the SYKETTÄ Calendar to find the opportunities.

Google map with various destinations 

Events in Joensuu and North Karelia

Please check these event calendars:

Sport and nature activies

Interested in golf, kickboxing, curling or etnobick? Willing to play floorball or football in a national level league?

There are dozens of sports clubs in Joensuu, everything from martial arts to petanque and from traditional individual level sports to team sports, even on national level. Besides sports club activities, you can do sports in many of the sports centres in the city and in the beautiful nature surrounding Joensuu. If looking for more extreme experiences, you can try sliding on ice with a snowboard and a paraglider, and if looking for peace and quiet, you can cross-country ski or snowshoeing.

Koli national park is a place worth visiting. The scenery from the top of Ukkokoli to lake Pielinen has inspired artists throughout history. There are nature trails and hiking routes of different lenghts and after a hike you can relax in the spa in the hotel. It is worthwhile to visit Koli during different seasons.

More information:

There are also many teams in Joensuu that play at the national level. In proportion to its population, Joensuu is extremely well-represented in many sports. Tickets are usually available at the box office before the game. Check at least the following teams:

Cinemas, theatre and music

Cinema

Theatre

Music

Museums

  • Art Museum Onni: https://joensuuntaidemuseo.fi/in-english
    • A permanent collection of Finnish art, sections of Chinese art, ancient Greek and Roman art, and Orthodox icons from the monastery of Megri. Changing exhibitions.
  • Art Centre Ahjo: www.taidekeskusahjo.net
    • A fresh view of North Karelian and other Finnish art in exhibitions of photographic art, paintings and handicrafts.
  • Carelicum – North Karelian Museum: https://pohjoiskarjalanmuseo.fi/in-english
    • A modern museum of history and culture. An exhibition entitled “Karelia – both sides of the border” takes a look at the region of Karelia in its historical and cultural entity. Please ask at the Tourist Information Desk in Carelicum for information on the smaller art galleries!

Miscellaneous

Religious denominations

  • Student ministers
    • Help and information is available for students from different religious backgrounds. Student minister can be reached by mobile telephone or e-mail.
    • Contact Minister Markku Fräntilä, tel. 050 383 0336, e-mail [email protected]
  • The Joensuu Lutheran Student Parish offers various activities. During semesters the main gatherings are at Kirkkokatu 28. Discussion topics vary from religious matters to relationships. Information on the FB site.
  • Lutheran congregations
    • Parish hall, Kirkkokatu 28, tel. (013) 263 5300
    • Church of Joensuu, at the south end of Kirkkokatu street
    • Church of Noljakka, Noljakantie 81
    • Church of Pielisensuu, Tikkamäentie 15
    • Church of Rantakylä, Rantakylänkatu 2
  • The Orthodox Church of Saint Nikolaos, at the north end of Kirkkokatu street, Saturday Vigilia at 6 p.m., Sunday Liturgy at 10 a.m.
  • The International Christian Fellowship in Joensuu is an interdenominational and international group of people, seeking to build bridges, encourage unity and love between people of all nations. You are welcome to share with and meet others in these meetings. Activities: regular get-to-gethers, English Services, Holy Catholic Masses. Contact Lea Honkanen, e-mail [email protected]
  • Catholic Church, activities published on FB site
  • Evangelical Free Church, Leinikkitie 1, interpretation into English on Family Service on Sundays, information on website.
  • Pentecostal Church, Niinivaarantie 26; information on website
  • Joensuu Mosque, information on their FB site