To do in Nurmes in the summer

While there’s plenty to do at Hyvärilä, we also recommend exploring Nurmes and the surrounding areas during your visit. Here are our staff’s top picks for things to do in Nurmes.

Less than 2km from Hyvärilä

  • Right next door, you’ll find the stunning Pielis-Golf course, which was ranked the best 9-hole golf course in Finland in 2021. The course is renowned for its beauty and great condition. Additionally, Pielis-Golf received the Finnish Golf Association’s environmental award in 2024. You can practice your swings on the driving range even without a green card. Clubs and balls can be rented from the Pielis-Golf office at Lomatie 10.
  • The scenic Bomba-Hyvärilä Road leads you to the Break Sokos Hotel Bomba, home to some of Nurmes’ most famous attractions: the luxurious Bomba Spa and the Bomba House. Bomba House is a Karelian cultural center where you can learn the Karelian language, admire Karelian architecture, and visit art exhibitions. Don’t forget to stop by the chapel, the summer market, or the fitness stairs. Address: Tuulentie 10 and Suojärvenkatu 2.
  • For nature enthusiasts, the Kartanonkierros trail, starting right from Hyvärilä, offers a great experience. Follow the green markers to Paljakanvaara, where the terrain and scenery vary throughout the hike. Enjoy your packed snacks at the lean-to shelter at the top of the hill.

Less than 5km from Hyvärilä

  • Enjoy pair dances with live bands at Kajaste Dance stage every Friday.
  • Discover one of Finland’s best-preserved wooden house districts in Vanha Kauppala Puu-Nurmes which is at the city center. The area also features Finland’s fifth largest stone church, the harbor and Nurmes’ own cultural center Nurmes-talo where the museum, library and art gallery is located. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Engine Shed area (Veturitalli) where is the home of steam engine locomotive.
  • Buy fresh rye bread, pastries, and Karelian pasties from the Porokylä Bakery store on weekdays.

Less than 10km from Hyvärilä

  • The another town center Porokylä offers various shopping opportunities, including the outdoor clothing brand Sasta’s outlet store.
  • Ikola Museum showcases local livelihoods and historical ways of life.
  • Take in the miniature Koli-like views from the top of Toivontorni Tower.

Explore the entire area and ask for more information at the Nurmes tourist office. Events can be found on the North Karelia events calendar.