Lake Höytiäinen:
Known as the sea of Karelia, Höytiäinen Lake, which was previously one of the most expansive lakes in Finland’s inland waterways, had been curtailed in area by about one-third. The number of islands of more than one hundred square meters increased from 130 to 516, and many old islands became ‘attached’ to the mainland. A total of 15,700 hectares of land became exposed primarily in the lake’s more shallow areas on the north and northwestern sides.
As early as the 18th century, there were several on-going waterway regulation projects in Finland, the goal of which was to create much needed arable land. The production capacity of land cleared for cultivation by burning woodlands began to deplete, and the cattle feed gathered from natural meadows was no longer sufficient for the growing demand. The government sponsored the projects by granting rights of tax-free ownership to people who drained swamps and cleared other uncultivable land, including alluvion land, for cultivation.
City of Joensuu:
In 2008, Joensuu celebrates its 160 years of existance! Joensuu is a university town and the lively capital of the North Karelia Region in Finland. The city was established in 1848 by the Czar Nikolai I of Russia and it has flourished in the estuary of a notable waterway. It is a vital city with a growing and relatively young population. Of the total population of 58,000 almost 20,000 are pupils and students. Joensuu is also growing area-wise: From the 1.1.2009 the neighbouring municipalities of Eno and Pyhäselkä will merge with Joensuu and increase the population up to 72,000.
Joensuu is located next to the Russian border and about 400 km North-East from the capital of the country. Currently, the most important business areas include metal industry, wood and forestry sector, information and communication technology as well as expertise related to the border region and cross-border collaboration.
Ski:
Koli Ski slopes:
The challenging slopes at Ukko-Koli combined with Loma-Koli's modern family-oriented Mountain Dew Snowpark provide a selection of 12 slopes with combination tickets for fun on skis, snow boards, and other ways of getting down snowy hills!
For the highest and most challenging slopes in southern Finland (maximum fall 230m), or just to enjoy the glorious winterscapes – head for Koli! There is a full programme each weekend in season.
Among the facilities you'll find equipment rentals, restaurants, Koli ski school, and children's ski school Werneri.
Golf:
Karelia Golf was founded in 1987. The lakeside course is located on a Carelian heathland. The course will not let you down. Practice options include a Range, putting and pitching greens. We also have a restaurant and dressing rooms.
The Course:
In Kontioniemi you find an interesting championship course of 18 holes. The course is built in varying, dry pine forest by Lake Höytiäinen. On the 18th hole, you can find a monument of a historical place, the Vaskiportinaho meadow, where our ancestors wandered centuries ago.
For beginners Karelia golf offers good practise areas where one can experience joy of learning and success. For more experienced golfers the course is challenging and demanding to play on the back tee.
Karelia golf will impress you!
In Kontioniemi you find an interesting championship course of 18 holes. The course is built in varying, dry pine forest by the lake Höytiäinen. On the 18th hole, you can find a monument of a historical place, the Vaskiportinaho meadow, where the ancestors wandered centuries ago.
The Clubhouse:
The clubhouse is situated in the middle of the course. From the clubhouse, you can watch players on ten holes at the same time! The players are allowed to take a break and have a snack after the first nine holes. In the clubhouse there are also dressing rooms, showers and saunas for men and ladies. The golf shop offers a wide selection of the latest golf goods and equipment for golfers on all levels.
Other Activities:
trekking
