Lieksa: A Finnish Summer Escape of Nature and Brass （Train from Kouvola No. ）

Vol 27 Issue 24 11th April 2025

Have you heard of Lieksa?
Do you love Finnish summers? And are you a fan of music, too?
Then this hidden gem in Eastern Finland might just be your or your family’s next destination.

Tucked away in North Karelia, surrounded by endless forests and shimmering lakes, Lieksa may be home to fewer than 10,000 people—but it holds a magical combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Every summer, it becomes the stage for one of Europe’s most cherished musical events: the Lieksa Brass Week.

For those who find joy in both nature and music, Lieksa offers a place to slow down and simply breathe. It’s the kind of place that quietly touches your soul.

Nature’s Gift: Lakes, Hills, and National Parks

Lieksa lies on the edge of Lake Pielinen, Finland’s fifth-largest lake. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding pine forests and the ever-changing Nordic sky. In summer, locals and visitors alike take to the water for boating, fishing, or lakeside swimming. In winter, the town transforms into a snowy playground for skiers and adventurers.

Just a short drive from the town center is Koli National Park, a true icon of Finnish nature. Climbing to the top of Ukko-Koli Hill offers a sweeping view of lakes and forests—just like in the paintings of Akseli Gallen-Kallela, one of Finland’s most famous artists. It’s a view so still and deep that you need to see it to understand it.

The Sound of Summer: Lieksa Brass Week

At the end of July each year, Lieksa comes alive with brass music during the internationally acclaimed Lieksa Brass Week. But it’s more than just a music festival—it’s a heartfelt tribute.

The festival was founded by Finnish trumpet virtuoso Jouko Harjanne, in memory of his beloved teacher. Held in the hometown of his mentor, the event has grown from a local celebration to a world-class gathering of brass musicians.

Each year, top international artists arrive in this little town to teach, perform, and inspire. The festival blends high-level concerts with open workshops, student masterclasses, new compositions, and even instrument exhibitions. And it’s not just about big names—young players also find a space to grow.

Having attended this event over the years, I can say every performance feels like a soulful recharge. The music is raw and pure—like a rainbow after the rain, or the peaceful green of the riverside grass beneath the weeping willows. It stays with you like a screenshot for your heart.

Living Like a Local: Cottages, Lakes, and Forest Life

Forget five-star hotels—true Finnish relaxation is waking up in a wooden cottage by the lake.

Timitrakka Resort offers cozy lakeside cabins with private saunas, perfect for small groups or families.
Pielisen Retriitti is a retreat for anyone seeking mindfulness, nature healing, or sustainable living.

If you’re up for outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty around:

• Ruunaa Nature Reserve is a hub for rafting, kayaking, hiking, and all things wild.
• Patvinsuo National Park is known for its wetlands, deep forests, birdwatching, and quiet trails.

These places are more than scenic—they reflect the Finnish philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

A Place Worth Discovering

Lieksa may be just a dot on the map, but it’s a destination worth an entire summer. Here, music isn’t something distant—it’s what plays in churches, parks, and by the lake. And nature isn’t just a backdrop—it breathes with you.

Imagine this: catching a live brass performance by the water, soaking in a hot sauna after a forest hike, or lighting a candle in your lakeside cabin while reading a book.

Lieksa’s message is simple:
Simplicity is abundance. Silence can be joyful.

Tips

• Lieksa Brass Week 2025: July 25 – August 2
• How to Get There: 1.5 hours by bus or car from Joensuu
• Recommended Stay: 3–5 days
• Festival Website: www.lieksabrass.fi