Have you ever heard of Karelia? This remote region lies in the far north of Europe, on Russia’s border with Finland, and is a travel destination for those in the know. Karelia has centuries old traditions and stunning natural landscapes with vast lakes. We visit Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake, taste kalitki, a regional dish, go to the Banya, a traditional “black sauna”, and much more.

The Republic of Karelia is a region in northwest Russia, bordering Finland. Beside Lake Onega, capital city Petrozavodsk is home to cultural artifacts at the National Museum. On an island northeast, Kizhi Museum is an open-air complex of traditional wood buildings. Northwest, Kivach Nature Reserve has pine woods and a waterfall. West of Petrozavodsk, blue-domed Valaam Monastery is on an island in massive Lake Ladoga.