This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Vuonislahti.
Vuonislahti is a small village in the region of North Karelia in Eastern Finland. Administratively it belongs to the town of Lieksa, but the locals still identify themselves as the inhabitants of Vuonislahti. Vuonislahti is located on the eastern shore of the beautiful Lake Pielinen, opposite to the Koli National Park, one of the most popular Finnish hiking spots below the Arctic Circle. The view from the Ukko-Koli Hill over Vuonislahti is considered one of the Finnish national landscapes.
Most of the people visiting Vuonislahti are heading for either the Koli National Park or their summer cottages by the Lake Pielinen, but Vuonislahti has a small secret for the culturally oriented -- it is home for the Hupeli Artists' Residence, a house offering three apartments and working studios for artists and researchers who sometimes hold art exhibitions on spot. For those interested in music events, Vuonislahti has a strong tradition of classical music concerts and folk music shows. The Kukko village information center is the best source of information on current events and they also host a cafeteria.
Trains running between Joensuu and Nurmes stop at the Vuonislahti railway station, but there are only one or two daily trains to each direction. The closest airport is in Joensuu. Buses from and to Lieksa run more or less frequently.
Finding affordable accommodation in Vuonislahti can be tricky. Fortunately, there are some options for hostels in Vuonislahti that can provide cheaper accommodation in cottages. If you are carrying your tent with you, the campsites of the area offer quite an inexpensive option.
Written by local enthusiast for Vuonislahti hostels
Lotta Kauppi