Situated in North Karelia, Lieksa attracts tourists all year round due to its closeness to the surrounding natural landscapes. Particularly popular is the Koli National Park with its breathtaking views of Lake Pielinen. Most tourist attractions in the area are located in the Koli National Park, making it one of the most popular destinations in Lieksa.
There are a variety of things to see and do in central Lieksa during Brass Week, when the town is full of brass music. Concerts are organised all across Lieksa, including at the Brahe Hall Cultural Centre and the Lieksa Church. You can also hear brass music at the wonderful Mätäsvaara mining lagoon, where the quarried granite and a stage built on the water enhance the concert experience.
Another great attraction is Finland’s second largest open-air museum, the Pielinen Museum. The main part of museum is open all year round, and during the summer you can enjoy all of its 70 buildings, including an 18th-century farmstead, a 19th-century crofter’s home, lumber cabins and a windmill.
While on holiday in Lieksa, visit the studio and home of woodcarving artist, Eva Ryynänen, in Paateri, about 15 miles away. The wooden Paateri Church is also a true rarity, as Ryynänen’s touch can be seen in the decoration that adorns the wall beams and the huge altar made from the roots of a tree.
However, the most popular tourist attractions in Lieksa are the Koli National Park and the popular ski resorts nearby. If you enjoy snow sports, the Ukko-Koli resort has six ski slopes, while the Loma-Koli resort has slopes more suitable for snowboarders and families with children. For a low-cost holiday to Lieksa, make sure you see the stunning landscapes of the Koli National Park. Head for the peaks of the park and enjoy the landscape around Lake Pielinen.
You can easily get to Lieksa by train or bus, so why not come and explore one of the most beautiful landscapes Finland has to offer?
