The tip of South Karelia. Towards North Karelia. Skirting Savo. Next to Russia.       

Therefore, try to understand.

The maids of Parikkala ate whitefish from Simpele. Are some of them or any left in the lake? Or do they transform into Ladoga salmon, what kind of goblins dwell in the Hiitola River? Why in the old humppa song is it said that “Saari is an island even though it's not an island”? If you venture to Uukuniemi, do you believe a moose can swell into a bison? And what kind of rascal is the lion of Ruokolahti? Do they pull iron from the water in Rautjärvi and take it to the border, as they senselessly play war there? And where do you come from, oh, where are you going?

The ancient border region, with its joys and woes, welcomes you!

The people, who have witnessed West and East, wars and periods of calm, the rise and fall of the countryside, are not easily startled here, but ask the curious visitor more than an ordinary tourist has time or dares to answer.

Or says nothing at all.

You eat traditional food and pizza. You admire the beautiful Ladoga Karelian nature and close your eyes to the barking clearings. You experience a hospitable welcome and glance over your shoulder at the escape route.

For overnight stays with us, you can choose from lodging to homestays and even more lavish options. There's plenty to do, though even more opportunity to do nothing. Family vacation, business trip, romantic weekend – everything leads to stories. The rest is history. And when a Karelian invites you over, don't take it too literally.

An area where you can still experience nature and community like the locals. But you can also get away.

Long live that small difference!

All this – and for the daring, even more…

Parikkala, Rautjärvi, Ruokolahti. With their neighbors.

           RAJAMAILLA.             

Make pasty or pie!