Excursions

You are welcome to participate in guided excursions organized before and after the conference. These tours will take you to some of North Karelia’s most notable destinations, showcasing the region’s stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and local traditions. The excursions also provide unique opportunities to experience the area firsthand and to network with fellow conference participants.

Please note that registration for the excursions is binding. Once you register, your participation is considered confirmed.

📍Pre-conference Excursion to Koli National Park

🗓️ Sunday, October 4, 2026

🕰️ 08:45 am–3:00 pm
🏷️ €45 per person, including bus transportation, guided tour, and lunch

As part of the IFHE European Thematic Conference 2026, participants will have the opportunity to join a pre-conference field trip to Koli National Park, located approximately one hour from Joensuu in North Karelia. Recognized as Finland’s national landscape, Koli is renowned for its spectacular scenery and cultural significance.

The visit begins with a guided tour of the Koli Nature Centre Ukko, where participants will learn about the area’s history, geology, and cultural heritage. The program also includes a screening of the award-winning short film Mustarinta – A Film About Koli. Following the tour, there will be free time to browse the nature centre shop, explore the surrounding area, or hike to the top of Ukko-Koli to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Pielinen.

During the excursion, participants will explore the principles of outdoor pedagogy and examine the value of nature as a learning environment.

Lunch will be served at Kolin Ryynänen, a popular local restaurant. The meal features soup, a traditional Finnish dish commonly enjoyed during the colder months, and offers an introduction to Finnish cuisine, which is influenced by seasonal ingredients, nature, and local food traditions.

Itinerary

8:45 The bus departs from Joensuu city center to Koli.

10:00–11:00 Guided tour at Koli Nature Center Ukko.

11:00–12:00 After the tour, you can visit the shop, spend time outdoors, or hike to the top of Ukko-Koli.

12:00–12:30 Bus transfer to the restaurant.

12:30–14:00 Lunch at Kolin Ryynänen.

14:00 The bus departs for the return trip to Joensuu.

15:00 Arrival in Joensuu.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

📍School Visit & Excursion to Niirala Border Crossing Point and Ilomantsi

🗓️ Wednesday, October 7, 2026

🕰️ 07:45 am–5:00 pm
🏷️ €60 per person, including bus transportation, Modern Karelian Feast Meal, and guided excursion

Discover and experience North Karelia after the Conference, starting with a school visit!

Rantakylä Teacher Training School (Rantakylän normaalikoulu) is a university-owned school that plays a unique role in the Finnish education system. The concept of a normaalikoulu is distinctive internationally, combining three functions in one institution: providing basic education for pupils in grades 1–9, serving as a training school for future teachers, and acting as a development and research school for the university. During the visit, participants will have the opportunity to explore modern and flexible learning environments and learn about the teaching of home economics in Finland, as well as the key principles of the Finnish education system.

Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer land border with Russia, making it one of the European Union’s longest external borders. The Niirala Border Crossing Point in Tohmajärvi, North Karelia, has historically served as an important gateway between Finland and Russia.

The excursion then continues to Ilomantsi, Finland’s easternmost municipality, where nature, history, and Karelian traditions come together. Lunch will be served at Parppeinpirtti, where participants can enjoy a modern Karelian Feast Meal prepared with respect for traditional Karelian culinary heritage. The visit offers an opportunity to experience authentic Karelian hospitality, culture, and local traditions.

The day concludes at Hermanni Winery in Ilomantsi, Finland’s oldest winery, where sparkling wines, wines, liqueurs, and spirits are produced from Finnish berries. Participants will learn about berry-based production methods and the role of local ingredients in Finnish beverage culture.

Itinerary

7:45 The bus departs from Joensuu city center.

8:00–9:30 Visit to Rantakylä Teacher Training School.

9:30–10:30 Bus transfer to Niirala Border Crossing Point.

10:30–11:00 Tour of Niirala Border Crossing Point.

11:00–12:00 Bus transfer to Ilomantsi.

12:00–14:15 Lunch at Parppeinpirtti Restaurant.

14:15–14.30 Bus transfer to the winery.

14:30–16:00 Guided visit to Hermanni Winery.

16:00 The bus departs for the return trip to Joensuu.

17:00 Arrival in Joensuu.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change.