Lieksa – The Wilderness Town of Eastern Finland

Since 2006 the church boat route of the Karelia Rowing Tour has started from the centre of Lieksa, from the beach of Hotel Puustelli. In earlier years the hotel used to serve as place for a break during the tour. We recommend visiting the Museum of Pielinen in Lieksa, which is the second largest outdoor museum in Finland.

Lieksa is located in the northeast corner of North Karelia, by the Lake Pielinen. It is the fifth largest town in Finland based on land area (about 4068 sq. km), and it has a population of 13,200. Lieksa is known for its beautiful nature and rugged scenery, particularly in the National Park of Koli and the Rapids of Ruunaa. Lieksa also hosts a number of events, the most famous of which is the Lieksa Brass Week.

The area around Lieksa has been an important trading location since the medieval times. Count Per Brahe established the town of Brahea by the Lieksanjoki River in 1653. However, Brahea was disbanded in 1681, one year after the death of Per Brahe. The modern day Lieksa coat of arms has been derived from the seal of the town of Brahea from 1669. The market town of Lieksa and the municipality of Pielisjärvi were joined together to form the town of Lieksa at the beginning of 1973. Rowers can admire the statue of Per Brahe in the Hovila park near Hotel Puustelli.