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National park centred around a large mire.
Patvinsuo National Park is a national park in the North Karelia region of Finland, in the municipalities of Lieksa and Ilomantsi. It was established in 1982 and covers 105 square kilometres (41 sq mi). There are 80 kilometres (50 mi) of marked walking trails in the area. The park has bogs, former managed forest and slash-and-burn areas and some old-growth forests. Suomujärvi lake is located in the northeast area in the park.
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A zoo with farm animals almost in the middle of nowhere, halfway to Joensuu along highway 73. Views over Lake Pielinen from the observation tower, and looking east you can see Russia. They also have cottages where you can stay overnight.
Ruunaan retkeilykeskus
A kind of wilderness activity centre in the middle of the forest about 20 km east of Lieksa. Aside from being a hotel it is also a place for white water rafting, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter.
A wooden church designed like no other, completed in 1991. Often visited together with the atelier of Eva Ryynänen (1915–2001), the sculptress who created the church.
Mires by the lake Pankajärvi. Bird area. The village Pankakoski is adjacent. Don't disturb the birds inside the circle trail 15 April–10 July. Right to access mostly applies, but collecting invertebrates, fishing etc. is restricted. Dogs must be on a leash. Have long sleeves etc. in the mosquito season, and suitable footwear especially in spring flood times. Bring binoculars. Most birds arrive in April and many stay to October, most action at migration times. The easy 12-km trail is best walked contraclockwise; reserve 3–7 hr for walking the trail. There is a shop in Pankakoski. Don't rely on the water in the area, at least not without boiling it for a minute. You can camp by the campfire sites.
An open air museum and exhibition halls with log houses, old tools and vehicles and such, where visitors can learn about the daily life in Lieksa in the days of yore.
Guided tours. Canoeing, hiking, cycling and winter walks.