Ilomantsi

Ilomantsi, founded in 1875 and the easternmost municipality on the EU mainland, is a captivating destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its diverse landscapes feature swamps, rolling hills, ancient forests, and pristine waterways. Rich in Karelian culture, Ilomantsi is home to significant nature conservation areas, abundant wildlife, the largest Orthodox wooden church in Finland, and one of the country’s most vibrant Evangelical Lutheran churches, making it truly unique and enchanting.

Course venue
The venue is located in Ilomantsi. Participants arrive to Joensuu from where there is a local transport to Ilomantsi.
Please note that the venue address provided is a preliminary location for our upcoming course. The trainer will confirm the final venue address and provide detailed instructions on how to reach it before the course begins. 

Did you know?

  • Ilomantsi is the easternmost municipality in Finland and the entire European Union mainland, located near the border with Russia.
  • The area is famous for its rich Karelian cultural heritage, with traditional Karelian music, dance, and cuisine playing a significant role in its identity.
  • Ilomantsi is home to Petkeljärvi National Park, which offers pristine nature, ancient ridges, and excellent hiking trails surrounded by clear lakes.
  • The town is known for its runonlaulanta, a traditional form of Finnish epic poetry singing, which inspired the national epic, Kalevala.
  • Ilomantsi has a unique claim to fame with its numerous Orthodox churches and chapels, reflecting the region’s strong Orthodox Christian traditions.

Accommodations

Available Accommodation in Ilomantsi:

  • Hotel Pogostan Hovi
  • Anssila Farm Tourism
  • Hostel Pikku Priha

For additional options, visit Visit Ilomantsi.

Keep your mind fresh with
local attractions

Experience Ilomantsi and its attractions

Ilomantsi, with a population of 4,406, is the easternmost municipality on the mainland of the European Union, sharing approximately 100 km of border with Russia. Rich in history, Ilomantsi is deeply rooted in Karelian culture, which is still cherished and celebrated today.

The natural beauty of Ilomantsi is a stunning blend of swamps, rolling hills, ancient forests, and pristine waterways. The region enjoys some of Finland’s thickest snow cover, with the snowy season typically lasting from November to April. Spanning 25,000 hectares, the area boasts extensive nature conservation and protected zones, including ridges, marshes, and waterways. In Petkeljärvi and Patvinsuo National Parks, visitors can experience nature at its purest and most untouched.

Key waterways include the sprawling Lake Koitere, the serene Lake Nuorajärvi, and the winding Koitajoki River, which flows through Ilomantsi and occasionally crosses into the Republic of Karelia. Ilomantsi’s diverse wildlife includes iconic species like bears and wolves, while its swamps, such as Kesonsuo, are vital habitats for birdlife and unique ecosystems. The swamps are also home to prized cloudberries and tart cranberries, treasures of the region.

Ilomantsi is Finland’s oldest Orthodox region, with the Orthodox parish dating back to the 1300s. Its main church, the largest Orthodox wooden church in Finland, stands as a testament to this rich heritage. Around 18% of the population belongs to the Orthodox parish. The Evangelical Lutheran congregation, established in 1653, also holds historical significance. Its wooden church, built in 1796, is one of Finland’s most colorful and richly decorated “picture churches,” often called the “Church of One Hundred Angels.”

Tervetuloa! (Welcome!)

Connections

The nearest airport and railway station are located in Joensuu, approximately 72 km (about an hour’s drive) from Ilomantsi. Helsinki is 511 km away. Opting for the sustainable railway option to travel to Joensuu is highly recommended. From Joensuu, dedicated bus transportation will be provided to Ilomantsi and will be available throughout the week for your convenience.

Catering options

Your KA1 grant budget covers accommodation, including meals. Many course venues are equipped with school restaurants where you can enjoy nutritious school lunches. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the venue, and we’ll ensure you have a comfortable space to enjoy it. Vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free meal options are widely available in most schools, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Each course includes relaxing coffee breaks and tea sessions, offering opportunities to recharge and connect. We also encourage you to bring something from your culture to share, making these moments a delightful cultural exchange experience.