The remoteness of Forest
Finland has meant that the beauty of the wild, vast
forests, rivers and lakes
has remained quite unspoiled. It is a popular area for canoe
and hiking trips, and also rapid-shooting.
Northern Karelia, the southernmost part
of Forest Finland, lies in the ‘bulge’ to the east of
Lake Pielinen. The Koli Heights
(347m/1138ft), the highest point in Northern Karelia
and overlooks the lake. A large percentage of the Finnish
Orthodox population lives in this area, and the region
has preserved its own special character, customs and food. One speciality
is known far beyond the region, the Karjalan piirakka,
a Karelian (rice and potato) pasty. Kainuu,
the area around Lake Oulujärvi, is wild and
beautiful with vast forests, marshes, deep lakes and rapids. Vuokatti,
close to Sotkamo village, specialises in cross-country
skiing.
Main towns and Resorts
Imatra, Iisalmi, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Kajaani,
Lahti, Lappeenranta, Lieksa, Mikkeli, Nurmes, Outokumpu, Savonlinna,
Tampere, Valkeakoski and Varkaus. |
