Juuka - Introduction

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Nestled within the beauty of Northern Karelia lies a Bourg hugging the western shore of Finlands 4th largest lake, the Pielinen. This quaint town of 4600 inhabitants is called Juuka meaning ‘a river that flows through a lake’. Dating back to the 16th century, Juuka is widely known for its Lustrous landscape that is bounded by thick forests, gracefully high hills, the majestic Pielinen lake as well as the archipelago of Paalasmaa.

Come summer, Juuka is filled with thousands of cottagers who own cottages across the Juuka municipality. Our forests are filled with different varieties of berries ready for picking, along with many fresh water lakes ready for skinny-dipping, boating and other water sports. Along with many bike trails, Juuka’s forests welcome hikers of all sizes and shapes, providing a unique experience unlike no other.

The center of Juuka hosts a variety of conveniences from Supermarkets, Hair & Beauty parlours, a Health center, Auto mechanics, Sports equipment sale & rental stores, Pizza hubs, Grills, Hardware stores and much much more.

Juuka encompasses 20 unique villages which bring with them their own culture and traits. These villages; Ahmovaara, Halivaara, Kannas, Kajoo, Kelosuo, Kuhnusta, Larinsaari, Matara, Nunnanlahti, Paalasmaa, Petrovaara, Pihlajavaara, Polvela, Puu-Juuka, Raholanvaara, Timovaara, Tuopanjoki, Vaikko, Vihtasuo and Vuokko have their own associations that monitor and are responsible for the development and management of their communities & its inhabitants.

One word synonymous with Juuka is ‘Soapstone’. Prehistoric settlers were the first to use soapstone due to its natural softness. Since 1893, Soap stone has been mined and processed in Nunnanlahti, 12 kms away from the Juuka center. Two prominent companies have created stone ovens made out of soapstone due to its natural ability to withstand high temperatures and retain heat very well. Sculptors, stone etchers & artists alike make their way in troves, tempted by the softness of the soapstone, creating artistic marvels that are on display across Finland and during the numerous events around Juuka.

The star of the Juuka stone village (Kivikylä) is the ‘Suomen Kivikeskus’, or Finnish stone center. Encompassing a variety of businesses from Juuka’s very own Eco-Retail store to the Finnish stone museum, Restaurant, Cosmetologist, Adventure sport equipment rentals, Massage therapist, a oven display studio showing various Tulikivi ovens to an EU certified Professional photographer, Koli’s famous brewery and even a retile museum all rolled into one. The Kivikylä is a tourists heaven and a shoppers paradise. While open all year round, during the summer months you can find seating areas and picnic spots along with hiking trails, view point fiestas and much much more.

The surface area of Juuka is 1846 square kilometres of which 325 km2 is water. The length of the coastline is approximately 438 kilometres. A tri-distributary named Juuanjoki flows through the center of Juuka. The bridge of Dreams (Haaveidensilta) is the perfect spot to view the river and is located in the historic Old Juuka (Puu-Juuka in Finnish). Puu-Juuka is a protected area with historic houses built during the 19th and 20th century with the youngest having been built during the 1960’s. Vaikkojoki, a 90 km long river that originates from the Vaikko village is the perfect spot for white water rafting, inviting thrill seekers from all over just to conquer its foaming turbulent waters.

Juuka’s most popular attractions have caught the eye of tourists from all across the world. The 11 different nature destinations invite you to visit them to create new memories, build new friendships, rekindle old friendships and help you find yourself amongst the beauty of the Karelian mires & virgin forests, shop amongst friendly local entrepreneurs and satisfy your urge for Exquisite Karelian foods that will leave you content, satisfied & whole.

Welcome to Juuka!