The city of Joensuu stands in eastern Finland, 27 miles northeast of Helsinki. It's a road, rail and river communications centre and its airport stands seven miles to the northwest. Joensuu is the capital of the North Karelia region and visitors who hire a car here can explore the surrounding landscape of lakes and rivers. The attractions include the rural museum in a converted 18th-century granary at Eno, the gallery, chapel and restaurant at Hammaslahti, and the old restored miller's house at Koskenniskantie. The nearby Koli National Park is home to Joensuu's own ski resort in the winter.
Joensuu is a lively university city standing on the banks of the River Pielisjoki where it reaches Lake Pyhäselkä. It has a harbour that links to the sea via the Finnish lakes and the Saimaa Canal. If you hire a car in Joensuu you'll be able to visit the city's sights. The highlights include the city's art museum, botanical and butterfly garden, and the galleries and shops of the old artisan's quarter. The Bunker Museum is an intriguing look at Finland's role in World War Two. Look out too for a skyline dominated by the shapely towers of the city church, the tree-lined waterfront and the series of regular music festivals.
