Joensuu Travel Guide, Finland

Gear up for your trip to Joensuu! 

I still can’t forget my adventurous trip to Joensuu, a city of wood and water. Joensuu is a 160 year old city and the capital of North Karelia in eastern Finland.  Joensuu was founded by Czar Nikolai of Russia in 1948. It is a great place located at the estuary of the river Pielisjoki.  

 History

Joensuu was a small countryside town since 1848. But the construction of Saimaa Canal paved its way to success and turned Joensuu into a full-fledged commercial port city. Due to the improvement in the traffic of water routes, the city started expanding and flourishing.  Joensuu, mouth of the river, as the name suggests, became an important spot in terms of trade, business and tourism for foreigners as well as for the people of Finland since the 19th century. Moreover, the Pielisjoki River became an important water route for transporting the logs to the  sawmill. Today, Joensuu is one of the fastest emerging cities of Finland.   

Population

 Joensuu is a city of essence with mostly younger population. It has population no more than 60, 000, out of which 50 % are students from all over the country. This is due to the University of Joensuu and the vocational schools. There are numerous courses for the foreign students also. People of Joensuu are very friendly, full of life and spontaneous. They love music. Joensuun laulujuhlat,  the song festival that is held every summer is a great occasion for each and every Joensuun. 

Economic significance

The Lumber industry serves an important role in the economy of Joensuu. The other sectors that contribute in the developing economy of Joensuu are dairy, timber, metal business, tourism, forestry, science and technology. There are also good collaborations across the border. In addition to that, it has become a favorite location for shooting of international films. The summer rock festival of Joensuu is amazing. It is one of the favorite destinations for a perfect holiday amid nature in complete serenity and peace.   

Important sites

It is good to have an idea about the important sites in Joensuu, so that you don’t miss anything during your visit to Joensuu. The Bunker Museum is worth visiting! You will actually find the arms and equipments displayed in the model bunkers that saved the city during World War 2. Another place that is worth visiting is the city center, Keskusta. The city center, near the Pielisjoki River, has some beautiful old wooden houses that tell us about the heritage and culture of Joensuu.

There are numerous museums and galleries in Joensuu that convey the tale of history and culture of Joensuu. During your visit to Joensuu, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Kaupungintalo and Vapaudenpatsas. The Neogothic Church and the botanical gardens of the University of  Perhos-Botania and Carelicum are incredibly beautiful. Rantakyla is another countryside place, which is magnificent, and the most attractive site of Joensuu. 

Food and Accommodation: 

Joensuun food is delicious and you will get an ample choice to choose from a food corner at the marketplace to an expensive restaurant. There are a number of bars and cafes, too. Accommodation is also not a problem. You can either plan your stay in a hotel room or  in a family house.