LIVING IN THE JOENSUU REGION

At the heart of North Karelia, lies Joensuu, the administrative centre of the easternmost province of Finland. Joensuu means “the mouth of the river” and, true to its name, it straddles the Pielisjoki River at the place where it empties into Lake Pyhäselkä.

Throughout the centuries Karelian traders have travelled along the Pielisjoki River. Joensuu was founded by Czar Nikolai I of Russia in 1848. During the 1800’s, Joensuu was a city of manufacture and commerce. When in 1860 the city received special rights for commerce and the restrictions against industry were removed, local sawmills started to grow and prosper. Water traffic was improved by building of the Saimaa Canal.

Thus, lively commerce between the regions of North Karelia, St. Petersburg and Middle Europe was made possible. At the end of the 19th century, Joensuu was one of the largest harbour cities in Finland.

During the last few decades, the small agrarian town has developed into a vital centre of the province. Investments in education have been important actions in this development. The University of Joensuu has been one of the secrets for the vitality of the city and of all North Karelia. Subsequently, the Joensuu Science Park Ltd. (www.carelian.fi) has contributed to this development. Diversified international cooperation in science, industry and commerce benefits the whole region (www.joensuuregion.info).

The nearness of the eastern border has been an important factor in the history of the city and the whole region. The Republic of Karelia is once again a significant area for cooperation with nearby regions in Russia. Export companies in Joensuu continue the traditions in foreign trade of the last century. Today’s export articles include locks, forest harvesting machines and products of the telematics and graphics industries.

Joensuu in a Nutshell 2007:
Inhabitants 57,800
Foreign citizens living in Joensuu 1115

Biggest employers are City of Joensuu, North Karelian Hospital, University of Joensuu, Abloy Ltd, and North Karelia Municipal Education and Training Consortium.

The city itself offers many possibilities for different kinds of activities. The landmarks of Joensuu include the Town Hall, designed by Eliel Saarinen, the Summer Festival Centre with its festival stage and, naturally, the market square. The square bustles with life all year round, but is really at its liveliest during the summer months. There is something going on just about every day. High-quality cultural events and the clean environment increase the attractiveness of the city. More information can be obtained from the Joensuu Tourist Office located in Carelicum (Koskikatu 5) and from the web pages of the city of Joensuu

Outline of the Finnish health care system:
Health care in Finland is mainly provided on the basis of residence and primarily financed with general tax revenues. There are both public and private sector providers. Primary health services are generally the responsibility of municipalities and provided through local health centres. Persons who live in Finland permanently (for more than one year and have the KELA card) have the right to use the services of the health centres (Terveysasema). Those who are here on a shorter visit have the right to treatment only in case of acute illness; otherwise they have to use private medical services. The costs of medical services have to be paid by the patients themselves. The health centres provide residents with physician, dental, laboratory and radiographic services.
Private sector services, which mainly provide out-patient care, complement the public services. The private sector is available to all, but it is more expensive to the patient than the public sector. Patients who use private sector services pay the entire cost of the service to the provider, after which they can apply for refund from Kela (if they are entitled to it).

Health care is organised regionally, with each residential area having its own health centre. When visiting a health centre, please present your Kela card or other insurance information or a valid European Health Insurance Card (for EU-visitors). Patients may be asked to prove their identity with a passport or other travel document. Some health centre services are by law free of charge, but the health centres may charge for certain services. This varies from one municipality to another. For a visit to a doctor (including laboratory and X-ray services), the health centre usually charges 11 - 22 euros.

The City of Joensuu has three health centres, in Siilainen, Rantakylä and Niinivaara.
During its opening hours on weekdays, the health centre can be reached by telephone or on a walk-in basis. The urgency for patient care can often be evaluated over the telephone by any health care professional. If it is deemed necessary to personally visit the health centre, you will be given an appointment within three days.

You can make an appointment from Monday to Friday by calling to the local health centre at 8:00–9:00 or 13:00–14:00. Contact information for Health Centres: www.jns.fi select “Palvelut”, “Sosiaali- ja terveyspalvelut”, and “Terveyspalvelut. (available in Finnish)

Health centres and clinics for mental health care are the primary sources of help for those suffering from mental health problems.

The city’s health centres organise special care for children (vaccinations, etc.) and expecting mothers. A trained nurse is appointed to the task, and children and expecting mothers are entitled to regular check-ups. Contact your local health centre for more information and a vaccination schedule.

In case of serious illness or emergency, you can contact your local health centre. The service hours are Mon-Fri 08:00-14:00, Nurse on call:
Siilainen Health centre +358 13 267 4056
Rantakylä Health centre +358 13 267 4509
Niinivaara Health centre +358 13 267 4431

If you are in need of urgent care in the evening, Mon-Fri the service hours are 14:00-22:00 and Sat-Sun the service hours are 8:00-22:00. Nurse on call: +358 13 267 4060. Address: The emergency duty of the primary health care, North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16.

At night 22:00-08:00 the emergency duty is at the Special health care emergency unit of the North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16. Nurse on call on very urgent cases: +358 13 171 3300.

Dental care is available by appointment at the public health centres (treatment is charged according to health centre rates) tel. +358 13 267 4555.

In cases of emergency, first aid is available by appointment at Siilainen health centre, Mon-Fri the service hours are 08:00-14:00, tel. +358 13 267 4555. On Saturdays the dentist on duty is at Siilainen health centre at 10:00-11:00 without appointment.

There are also many private dental care clinics in Joensuu. Private dental care fees are partly compensated by KELA (if you are entitled to KELA benefits).

For Out-of-Hours contact details of private dentists, please call +358 13 10023

Hospital
North Karelia Central Hospital
Address: Tikkamäentie 16
Hospitals require a referral from a physician in order to admit a patient. However, in emergencies patients can contact a hospital directly. A KELA-card or a valid European Health Insurance Card (EU/EEA-citizens) must be presented in order to get the medical benefits to which residents are entitled in a public hospital. For an out-patient visit to a hospital, a fee of 22 euros will be charged.

Although Finnish public health care is of a high quality and the doctors working in health centres are partially the same people who also work at private clinics, you may want to turn to private clinics in some cases. It may be easier to get an appointment, especially if you need to see a specialist. If you are entitled to partial compensation from Kela, it is not too expensive.

Joensuun Lääkäripalvelu Oy
Mielikinkatu 5
Tel. +358 13 138 380

Suomen Terveystalo Joensuu
Tikkarinne 3
Tel. +358 13 172 2522
www.terveystalo.com

If you need help in case of fire, sudden illness, traffic accident or other accident, call the general emergency number 112.
Calls to this number are free of charge. When dialling the emergency number, you do not need an area code, not even when calling from a mobile phone.
How To Make An Emergency Call

1. Dial 112. If you can, make the call yourself.
2. Explain what has happened.
3. State the address and municipality precisely.
4. Answer any questions asked.
5. Follow the instructions given.
6. Do not hang up until told to do so.
Guide assistance to the scene. Redial 112 if the situation changes.

Student health care for PhD students

Students who are members of the Student Union of their university have a health care centre of their own (they may of course also use the public and private ones). Membership of the Student Union, which is voluntary for doctoral students, will entitle them to use the services of Finnish Student Health Service (no dental care). The services include a wide range of health services: regular medical consultations, appointments with generalists, specialists, and health nurses, X-ray and laboratory testing, and basic vaccinations. The fees are very low since the Finnish Government subsidises these services. FSHS is open during office hours. If you become ill during the weekend or evenings and need medical attention, you should turn to the municipal health care services or a private health care station.

Joensuun uusi apteekki, Siltakatu 10, tel . +358 13 122 575, open Mon-Sat 8-21, Sun 12-21

Keskusapteekki, Kauppakatu 25, tel +358 13 123 901, open Mon-Fri 8:30-19, Sat 9-15

Noljakan apteekki, Noljakankaari 1-3, tel. +358 13 228 870, open Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 9-14

Niinivaaran apteekki, Niinivaarantie 52 (Suvitori), tel. +358 13 311 033, open Mon-Fri 9-18, Sat 9-14

Rantakylän apteekki, Puronsuunkatu 1, tel. +358 13 823 550, open Mon-Fri 9-18, Sat 9-14

The crime rate is low in Finland in comparison with most other European
countries. Visitors have little need to fear for their personal safety or their
property. Nevertheless, reasonable caution with one’s personal belongings
is always recommended as a precaution. Incoming international students
are reminded to take into consideration that although Finland is by international
standards a safe, tolerant and open nation where inappropriate behaviour is not usually present, this does not necessarily mean that one does not encounter such events in Finland. There are some practical issues that you should be aware of in order to ensure your safety in Finland.

Avoid being provocative and please mind your temper, especially on
weekends in bars and restaurants.

Day care is naturally needed for younger children of the family, especially when both parents are working outside the home.

In accordance with Finnish law, all preschool-aged children are entitled to municipal day care either in day care facilities or with a private family. The amount of the day care fee, between 18 - 200 euro per month, is determined by the size and income of the family. The fee reduces for each additional child. Those with the lowest minimal income are not required to pay the fee.

Day care is provided at municipal day care facilities, with a private family caretaker or in playgroups. The options for municipal day care subsidies include the child home care allowance for the permanent residents, which is available for parents of child
under the age of 3 who are being cared for at home, and the private day care allowance, when the family opts to use the services of an approved
private day care facility or hires a personal caretaker. More information concerning
these allowances is available from Kela www.kela.fi .

A day care place for a child should be applied for 4 months before the intended start of day care. However, if need arises unexpectedly, a day care place should be applied for immediately, no later than two weeks before the start of the day care.

Day care can be full-time or part-time, and a child is entitled to it until he or she starts school at the age of seven. There are also other ways to organise day care. If one of the parents is staying home, Kela grants financial support for the permanent residents. Please contact Kela for more detailed information.

Day care centres operate throughout the year. Many centres close for a few weeks in the summer, but alternative care in some other day care centre will be offered for this period.

Joensuu has an English-speaking play school, in which children from many nationalities spend their days. English is used in the daily activities. Contact information:
Englanninkielinen leikkikoulu
Hasanniementie 1 B
Tel +358 13 227 621
leikkikoulu@elisanet.fi

The contact person at the City of Joensuu day care office is Ms. Anu-Helena Turtiainen, tel. +358 13 267 5682, email: anu-helena.turtiainen@jns.fi

CHILD CARE AT HOME

If you wish to hire a children’s nurse to look after your children at home, you can announce a vacancy to the employment office by telephone or via the net (service only in Finnish). For more info see Ministry of Labour Employment Services - www.mol.fi/mol/en/index.jsp

The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare provides families with short-term child-care services in the Joensuu area, but they can also give names of people who are interested in a longer-term contract. Contact them by calling Mon-Fri at 8:00 -12:00, tel. +358 13 124 086
www.mll.fi

Each six-year-old has the right to preschool education free of charge. Preschool education is voluntary. Since the year 2000, over 95 percent of all six-year-olds in Joensuu have attended preschool education yearly.

The Education Department of the City of Joensuu organises preschool education, although most of the preschool pupils (about 450) are located in day care centres and only 80 at schools.

Preschool education is offered on school days. Operating periods and holidays are the same as those at comprehensive schools. Instruction time is four hours per day with an average of 19 hours per week.

The core curriculum defines the subject fields and objectives in preschool education. All schools and day care centres provide preschool education as part of their curriculum. Preschool education is based on the child's own knowledge, skills and experiences.

If a family needs child care in addition to preschool, partial day care fees are charged.

When you are moving to Finland with school-aged children, you will need to find a school for them. Children living permanently in Finland, including children from other countries, are obligated to attend school. This means that it is compulsory
for all children to complete all primary education courses. Comprehensive education begins during the year when the child turns seven and ends when all courses have been completed, or 10 years have passed since the child became eligible to
start primary school.. Education is free of charge.

A child from another country is generally placed in a class that is appropriate for the
child’s age and skill level. Finnish public schools are uniformly of high quality. There is, however, relatively little extracurricular activity, and children’s free-time activities are often quite separate from those during the school day.

Comprehensive schools, upper secondary schools, vocational and professional education institutions and universities form the Finnish educational system. Compulsory education consists of nine years of comprehensive schooling, which starts at the age of seven. Education is free of charge. After completing comprehensive school, most students continue in upper secondary school (a type of ‘academic high school’) or vocational institution.

The school year begins in mid-August and ends in late May or early June. The school year is interrupted by several vacations: Fall break (sometime in October), Christmas vacation, winter vacation (typically week 10 in Joensuu), and Easter break. Students attend school Monday through Friday.

Typically, a child needs to be signed up to start school (first graders) in late January or early February. Please contact the school as early as possible.

The Kanervala School provides English-speaking education. Teaching is mainly meant for children who speak Finnish as their mother tongue. English-speaking education is primarily meant for children of Joensuu. Children who speak English as their mother tongue will also be accepted to the class. When teaching English-speaking children, their command of the Finnish language and the anticipated duration of their stay in Finland as well as their individual needs (when applicable) will be taken into account. Most of the time they, however, study with the rest of the class. Contact information: iris.oinonen@jns.fi

A school maintained by a foundation. Students study an advanced syllabus in the English and Russian languages in comprehensive education. The school starts from the fifth grade. Finnish children and children who speak Russian as their mother tongue are accepted to study at the school. After comprehensive school the studies can be continued in the upper secondary school of the School of Eastern Finland, where the advanced syllabus in English and Russian can be continued.
Useful link: http://www.itasuomenkoulu.fi/

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the Joensuun Lyseon Lukio (upper secondary school)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a comprehensive pre-university programme for students between 16 and 19 years of age. At the Joensuu Lyseon Lukio, the IB Diploma Programme can be completed in three academic years.

The Joensuu Conservatory is a regional music institute owned by the City of Joensuu. The Conservatory provides professional training and basic teaching in music, and it also organises a music playschool for children.

The Community College of the Joensuu Area organises adult education activities and offers a wide selection of courses ranging from philosophy to car repairing; the courses are open to everyone, regardless of a person’s previous education. Registration fees are usually from 20 to 100 euros. Finnish for Foreigners courses are also offered. For detailed programmes, please contact the Community College office.

The Community College of the Joensuu Area also provides fine arts education for children and young persons between the ages of 5 and 20. The aim is to enrich the children’s imagination, create successful experiences and support the pupils’ development with creative activities.

Vocational Education

The North Karelia Adult Education Centre is a regional and versatile training centre specialized in adult education and developing working life. Studies designed for adult students are flexible and tailored according to individual needs.

The service point offers personal advice and guidance related to adult education.
Address: Kauppakatu 22

The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish with Finnish being the language spoken by the majority of population (92 %). Finnish people have relatively good English skills even when compared on an international level.

Although it is possible to get by speaking English, some level of Finnish language competency is appreciated. The acquisition of even the most limited language skills is a great help when attempting to adapt to Finnish society, culture and the
working community.

The Multicultural Activity Centre VATAKKA
Discussion groups, etc.Yläsatamakatu 9, 3rd floor (entrance from the inner courtyard), tel. +358 50 555 3190

A Route Planner allows you to search for public transport connections between selected locations in Finland - www.journey.fi/en/

Long distance buses
For all questions concerning travelling by bus, turn to the Matkahuolto
office. Timetables are also available in long-distance buses and in Carelicum, Koskikatu 5.

The basic bus fare for travel within the Joensuu area is 2.70 euros. If you are student staying for more than three months In Joensuu and you need to take a bus frequently, you can purchase a student ticket of 40 trips (price 43 euros + a renewable card 6,50 euros). The card is valid for 365 days from the day of purchase. The application form can be purchased at Carelicum (Koskikatu 5), where they also mark the place of your residence to the application form. You will also need to get a stamp from your institution for the application. The form should then be returned to Matkahuolto (Itäranta 6) where the ticket can be purchased. It is also possible to buy a ticket of 10 or 40 fares on the buses.

Local buses depart near the market place. Timetables are available at Carelicum, the Matkahuolto office, on buses and the Internet: wilima.jns.fi:8080/traveller/matkainfo (in Finnish).

A person travelling with a baby carriage is entitled to travel free, and children under the age of 11 get a discount. It should be noted that the timetables may vary. For example, some lines stop running after 17:00 and do not run on weekends. Also, on weekends the times may be a little different. On public holidays buses run less frequently, and on some holidays (e.g. Christmas Day), buses do not run at all. Electronic timetables showing the arrival and departure times can be found at some busy bus stops

There are 12 daily train connections from Joensuu to various destinations in Finland.

A bicycle is a very practical and popular form of transportation in Joensuu and also a good way to familiarise yourself with the town. There are plenty of paved cycle tracks in Joensuu. Bikes can be rented from the Community Resource Centre (Kansalaistalo), www.kansalaistalo.fi/soroppi/fillarit.htm

If you stay in Joensuu for a longer period of time, you may want to buy a bike of your own. A few times a year there is an auction of lost and found items at the Joensuu Police Station (Suvantokatu 17), where - with good luck - you may find a decent bicycle at a reasonable price. Since the auction is carried out in Finnish only, please ask your colleague to accompany you. When parked or not in use, your bicycle should always be locked and preferably fastened to a bicycle rack or some other solid structure.

Here is a list of some bike repair shops near the centre of Joensuu:
ET-Sports Kauppakatu 33
Pyörähuolto Sarola Huvilakatu 9
Joensuun Pyöröhuolto ja tarvike Torikatu 33
Joensuun Pyöräkellari Koskikatu 23
MT-Bike Koulukatu 40
Sportman Torikatu 37 B

The airport of Joensuu is located in Onttola, approximately 11 km from the city centre. There are 4-6 flights daily to and from Helsinki. The flight time is about 50 minutes. The air fare varies between 50 and 200 euros. There is an airport bus departing from Hotel Kimmel 50 minutes before each flight departure and from Kirkkokatu 25 (in front of Suomen Matkatoimisto) 45 minutes before each flight departure. The fare is approximately 5 euros.

When you are planning to travel by air, do not forget to compare the prices and conditions between the travel agencies and airlines and ask for all possible discounts.

The main post office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 20:00. Branch post offices are usually open from 9:00 to 18:00. Postal services in some areas are available in local stores which are open also on Saturdays. A stamp for a standard letter or postcard to Europe costs 0.70 euros. You can buy stamps at post offices, kiosks and some stores. Letters may be mailed at post offices or dropped into orange-coloured mailboxes throughout the city. Incoming mail is delivered to your address Monday through Friday. There are no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Main post office: Rantakatu 26, 80100 Joensuu
Branch offices:
Noljakka Noljakankaari 1-3 Ruokavarasto
Rantakylä Puronsuunkatu 1 A
Niinivaara Niinivaarantie 52, S-market
Penttilä Mäntyläntie 12, Siwa
Karsikko Pohjolankatu 31, K-lähikauppa Pohjanneito

Shopping hours are usually from 9:00 to 20:00 or 21:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 16:00 or 18:00 on Saturdays. Smaller shops frequently close at 17:00 on weekdays and between 13:00 and 14:00 on Saturdays.

Most big shops and malls are closed on Sundays, except during summer and the pre-Christmas shopping period. Small grocery stores may stay open on Sundays, and generally are open from 12:00 to 21:00.

Small items, sweets, magazines, and the like may be purchased at kiosks, which are small street-level sales outlets, or at many service station shops which are open every day of the week. Many of these sell some grocery items.

Grocery stores usually advertise weekly or daily in the local newspapers or print separate newspaper editions delivered to your mailbox. This allows you to compare food prices etc. at different stores.

You can find groceries and other food items, clothes, kitchen utensils, magazines, cosmetics, etc. at the following department stores:

In addition, there is a traditional, two-day open-air market (markkinat in Finnish) four times a year with the market place full of stands and people – definitely worth visiting.

Taito Shop Siltakatu 20
Taito-Keskus Koskikatu 1 (cafe, art and workshops)
Karjalaiset taitajat Market Hall
Matelin Lahja-aitta Siltakatu 4
Karelian Art & Craft Carelicum, Koskikatu 5
Maailmankauppa “World Shop” Koskikatu 11 (specialises in Fair Trade goods)

Please notice that the open market place (tori) is not necessarily the cheapest place to buy food in Finland as it is in some other countries.

To find bargains, you should look for ALE or TARJOUS signs which indicate sales or special offers. The flea markets (Kirpputori) are also worth visiting (cheap second-hand clothes, kitchenware, books, etc.).

Here is a list of some of the more permanent flea markets. Please note that the opening hours vary.

Valintakirppis, Teollisuuskatu 4
FIDA (Lutheran Missionary Work), Torikatu 26
Pelastusarmeijan kirpputori (Salvation Army), Suvantokatu 12
Uusiotori (Recycling Centre), Penttilänkatu 7-9
SPR - Kontti (Finnish Red Cross), Torikatu 33

Check out some of the private product labels in stores, like Pirkka, Rainbow or Euroshopper. They are usually cheaper than the well-known brand names.

There is an internet flea market at the University website (intranet, available in Finnish).You can buy and sell things there as well as find an apartment for rent.

We have gathered here some tips about places and activities that you might be interested in visiting or seeing when you have some free time in Joensuu. You can find updated information in the local newspapers Karjalan Heili and Karjalainen.

Multicultural Activity Centre VATAKKA
Yläsatamakatu 9, 3rd floor (entrance from the inner courtyard)
The Activity Centre Vatakka offers an easily approachable meeting place for interaction between the majority population and different ethnic groups in Joensuu. Also, Vatakka offers different kinds of courses, e.g. Finnish courses.

The Mannerheim League For Child Welfare
The Mannerheim League is a NGO which produces diverse services; short-term child-care services, telephone counselling or children young people and parents. Rehabilitation and child welfare services are offered to families with sick or disabled children or mental and social problems. Local associations arrange clubs, groups for parents and special events.
Local contact: Ms. Auli Ahtonen, tel. +358 400 529 965
www.mll.fi/in_english/

YWCA Joensuu
Activities for women and children Malmikatu 2
80100 Joensuu
nnky.joensuu@kolumbus.fi
www.kolumbus.fi/nnky.joensuu

Community Resource Centre of Joensuu
Kansalaistalo
Torikatu 30
www.kansalaistalo.fi

An Internet cafe, a meeting place, bikes for rent.

The Carelicum, situated just opposite the market square, is the cultural and tourism centre for Joensuu. A visit there is a great way to get to know the city of Joensuu and the entire Carelia area, its culture and its characteristics. Besides all the versatile exhibitions, Carelicum is also home to Kids' Street, a fantasy town for kids, as well as to a pleasant café, a gift shop and free Internet posts.
The house offers also a host of services: ticket reservation and sales service for theatre, concerts and a variety of events, tourist information and Karelia Expert tourist service.

Joensuu Regional Library - North Karelia Provincial Library
Kaupunginkirjasto
Koskikatu 25

The Joensuu regional library has 18 branch libraries and four mobile libraries.
According to the law, the aim of the library and information services in Finland is to promote equal opportunities for enjoying literature and arts, developing different skills as well as supporting intercultural communication and lifelong learning. Another goal for the library is to promote virtual and interactive web services and cultural contents.
The collection of the library includes literature in foreign languages and music and videos for both adults and children. There is plenty of literature in English but also in Swedish, German, French and Russian. The Reading Room Vipunen offers foreign newspapers and magazines as well. There are computers with Internet connection available in each library, where the clients may read their emails, for example. Library cards can be obtained from the main desk. The library card is not needed when reading magazines and books or using computers in the library. The use of library is free of charge.

JOENSUU TOWN THEATRE

Town Hall, Rantakatu 20, information and tickets are available at Carelicum, tel. +358 13 267 5222 or at the Town Hall one hour before the performance, tel. +358 13 267 5295.

Student Theatre

Located at Niskakatu 16, information about the performances is available in the University student newspaper Ylioppilaslehti and on bulletin boards of the University. Tickets can be bought at the bar Kerubin Kuppila

CINEMAS

Tapio Kauppakatu 27
Kino Monttu Niskakatu 16 (Student Union building)

Foreign films are shown in the original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles. Tickets cost approximately 6.50-8.50 euros. Films usually run from one to three weeks.

JOENSUU ORCHESTRA

Concerts at the Carelia Hall, Yliopistokatu 2, usually on Thursdays. Information and tickets are available at Carelicum and can be purchased at the Carelia Hall one hour before the concert.

ROCK AND POP

The rock and pop scene in Joensuu is very active. A popular rock festival
called Ilosaarirock is arranged every year in mid July drawing thousands
of young people into the city (www.ilosaarirock.fi ). At other times there
are several live performances weekly. Please follow the advertisements
and bulletin boards.

Art Museum
taidemuseo.jns.fi
Kirkkokatu 23 (the large red-brick building)
A permanent collection of Finnish art, sections of Chinese art, ancient Greek and Roman art, and Orthodox icons from the monastery of Megri. Changing exhibitions.

Art Centre Ahjo
www.taidekeskusahjo.net/
Kirkkokatu 23 (the yellow wooden building)
A fresh view of North Karelian and other Finnish art in exhibitions of photographic art, paintings and handicrafts.

Carelicum - North Karelian Museum
Koskikatu 5
A modern museum of history and culture. An exhibition entitled “Karelia
– both sides of the border” takes a look at the region of Karelia in its historical and cultural entity. Please ask the Tourist Information Desk in Carelicum for information on the smaller art galleries!

PUBS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS
There are several pubs, restaurants, pizzerias and cafés in Joensuu. The opening hours vary, but cafeterias are usually open at 8:00 -18:00, while restaurants stay open till later in the evening. Most pubs open around 13:00 and close around 02:00. Nightclubs open at 22:00 and close at 04:00.

SWIMMING

Public swimming pools
Aquatic centre Vesikko (opposite the Carelia Hall building of the University of Joensuu):
Kiddies pool, pools with slides and wave machine, 25 m pool, diving platforms, water massage, baby swimming, four saunas, gym, aerobics and café.

Ice-swimming
Joensuun Jääkarhut (Joensuu Polar Bears Ice-Swimming Club). Swimming and sauna for non-members by a single payment. For location and opening hours see www.joensuunjaakarhut.fi/index_en.html

Persons 18 years of age and over must pay a fishing management fee (kalastuksenhoitomaksu in Finnish) and a local fishing license (kalastuslupa) which can be purchased at post offices. Fishing licenses for the rapids of the River Pielisjoki are available at the Joensuu Tourist Office, Carelicum and Hotel Kimmel, Itäranta 1. However, no fishing licenses are needed for ice fishing or angling. Please refer to the booklet Everyman’s right - www.ymparisto.fi/

RM Hevostaito, Purolantie 28, tel. +358 50 598 2203
Joensuun Ratsastusopisto, Kuurna-Kulhontie 93, tel. +358 13 824 570

BB-Gym Yliopistokatu 41, tel. +358 13 610 0160
Itä-Suomen liikuntaopisto (ISLO) Kalevankatu 8, tel. +358 13 267 5092
Naisten kuntokoulu (for women only) Torikatu 33, tel. +358 13 248 1248
Fitness & Aerobic club Teollisuuskatu 1 , tel. +358 13 123 258
Kuntoklubi Ladysport (for women only) Kauppakatu 20 A, tel. +358 50 382 1785
Vesikko (swimming hall) Yliopistokatu, tel. +358 13 267 5354
Kuntokeskus Kaisla, Kaislakatu 4, tel. +358 50 3821785

Linnunlahdentie 10, tel. +358 13 126 558
Bowling, tennis, squash, badminton, indoor climbing, table tennis, minigolf, billiards, and golf simulator.

Joensuu Arena, the largest wooden building in Finland offers a magnificent setting for various types of events in Joensuu.
www.joensuuareena.fi/

There are excellent opportunities for skiing and skating in Joensuu. You can find skating rinks around the town in wintertime. Skates can be purchased at sports shops, department stores or flea markets. Alternatively, you can borrow a pair of skates from a fellow Finnish colleague. Skiing is a very important part of Finnish culture. If you have never skied before, in Finland you have a unique opportunity for trying both cross-country and downhill skiing. There are many publicly maintained trails in Joensuu, for example at Mehtimäki, very close to the University. Trails are always open, naturally depending on the snow conditions, and some of the trails are lit. There are also many downhill skiing centres in the surroundings of Joensuu, such as Mustavaara and Koli. Koli is situated about 70 km north of Joensuu. It is a beautiful, popular downhill skiing centre. All centres also rent the necessary equipment for downhill skiing. Equipment for cross-country skiing is rented at Koli. There might also be second-hand skies for sale at the flea markets. Snowshoeing is a new and popular form of winter sports.

Lutheran congregations
Parish hall Kirkkokatu 28
Church of Joensuu at the south end of Kirkkokatu street
Church of Noljakka Noljakantie 81
Church of Pielisensuu Tikkamäentie 15
Church of Rantakylä Rantakylänkatu 2

The Orthodox Church of Saint Nikolaos, at the north end of Kirkkokatu
street, Saturday Vigilia at 18:00, Sunday Liturgy at 10:00

The International Christian Fellowship in Joensuu is an interdenominational
and international group of people. Activities: regular get-togethers,
English Services, Holy Catholic Masses. Contact: lea.m.honkanen@evl.fi.

Catholic Church, Holy Catholic Mass in the Orthodox parish hall, Kirkkokatu
32.

Free Church, Kalevankatu 36, interpretation into English on Family
Service on Sundays.

Pentecostal Church, Niinivaarantie 26; interpretation into English during
every Sunday morning Service at 11:00.

Finnish National Public Holidays 2008 and 2009

2008	2009
Tue 1.1	Thu 1.1	New Year’s Day
Sun 6.1	Tue 6.1	Epiphany
Fri 21.3	Fri 10.4	Good Friday
Sun 23.3	Sun 12.4	Easter Day
Mon 24.3	Mon 13.4	Easter Monday
Thu 1.5	Fri 1.5	May Day
Thu 1.5	Thu 21.5	Ascension
Sun 11.5	Sun 31.5	Whitsunday
Fri 20.6	Fri 19.6	Midsummer Eve (partly)
Sat 21.6	Sat 20.6	Midsummer
Sat 1.11	Sat 31.10	All Saints
Sat 6.12	Sun 6.12	Independence Day
Wed 24.12	Thu 24.12	Christmas Eve (partly)
Thu 25.12	Fri 25.12	Christmas Day
Fri 26.12	Sat 26.12	Boxing Day

On Midsummer Eve and Christmas Eve, the schools, offices etc. are closed, but shops are open part of the day. Fewer buses also run, and on some holidays (Midsummer and Christmas Day), buses do not run at all. Check the bus schedule for changes. Source: University of Helsinki Almanac Office

TIME ZONE

The Finnish time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. There is only one time zone covering the whole country. Summertime/Daylight saving time (kesäaika) is used from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October. In 2008, the clocks will be set ahead one hour on Sunday, March 30 at 3 a.m. The clocks will be set back one hour on Sunday, October 26 at 4 a.m.