Car & Van Hire - Joensuu

Joensuu might be a vibrant university town today, but its history traces all the way back to the Stone Age. The city was built on the Pielisjoki estuary, making it one of Finland’s core port regions. The University of Joensuu first opened its doors in '69, and Joensuu has been growing increasingly metropolitan ever since. Its unique blend of historical hotspots and contemporary lifestyles is punctuated by its many live musical events. You simply can’t experience Joensuu without immersing yourself in its music. Ilosaarirock is the region’s most popular festival, but if you’re not travelling into the city in the middle of the year, Ravintola offers plenty of live music throughout the year.

If your interests are a little more sedate, the arts and crafts quarter of Taitokortteli will allow you to watch weavers in action or learn how to use a carding mill yourself. The site includes several delightful wooden buildings that are over a century old.

If you’re travelling with children, Mukulakatu is not to be missed. The North Karelian Museum is designed like a miniature village street and offers activities for young tourists. Kids can explore the Sortavala models, use the playground or view artefacts from Karelian cultural tradition.

Mother Nature has plenty to offer Joensuu visitors, and Perhos-Botania is one of its best assets. The botanical garden has more than 600 plant species in four separate biomes. The glass-paned greenhouse is home to the resident cockatoo and a butterfly enclosure. Don’t forget to pick up some of the local apiary’s honey at the garden store before you leave.

History buffs will love Joensuu Bunker Museum, which is an outdoor exhibit of cement and timber bunkers from the Winter War. The site also displays anti-tank guns, cannons and machine guns.

Joensuu is more than its cultural heritage, though. It has a thriving sporting culture and a range of immaculate sporting venues. The best are on the water. Joensuu is prime terrain for paddle boarding, fishing and surfing. The coastline has three main beaches, with Linnunlahti and Honkaniemi Beach drawing the biggest crowds.

Joensuu connects to the outside world via National Road 74, heading east, and Road 9, heading in from Turku. National Road 23 runs between Eastern and Western Finland. Once you’re within city borders, you’ll rely on Sarvinki to carry you south all the way to Saaroinen. This is one of Joensuu’s largest thoroughfares. Jonsuu’s southwestern pocket relies on National Road 6, which is an easy route through the city if you’re planning a road trip to the southern coastline.

The city’s roads are relatively sparse, so it’s easy to get lost. If you’ve arranged a van hire in Joensuu, make sure you have a GPS and Wi-Fi signal, particularly if you’re travelling in winter.

The city experiences moderate traffic, but there are two stretches of road to avoid: Suvantosilta and Koulukatu roads. The festive months from April to June bring extra traffic, particularly between noon and 20:00. Generally, however, congestion is minimal.

Finland speed limits designate a maximum rather than a target speed, so don’t feel pressured to race along highways in inclement weather. Put your safety first and keep a safe braking distance. Urban roads generally have a limit of 50 km/h. You should use your headlights at all times. Taillights should be used after dark. Visibility is often low during winter, so you may rely heavily on your rear fog lights. The region is prone to slush and black ice. If your car begins to skid, take your weight off the accelerator so that you can regain control of your car. If the conditions are particularly severe, don’t hesitate to use a rest stop to wait out the worst of it.

Joensuu is a Northern Lights destination. That often means drivers have their eyes on the sky rather than the road, so stay alert and drive defensively. Don’t be tempted to stop off in undesignated areas. This can introduce a serious safety risk. The area is populated by elk, deer and reindeer, so be vigilant. Elk are at their most active at sunrise and sunset, especially during the autumn months. Reindeer rarely travel alone. If you injure an animal, call 112.

Free parking is a scarcity in Joensuu. Even on-street spaces carry a fee. Be sure to use marked parking spaces, as fines can be punitive. Before you head out, download the EasyPark app, which will allow you to cover your fees online. If you need to leave your vehicle for several hours, Elielinkuja, Koulukatu 18, and Koski Koulukatu place no upper limits on your time.