Welcome to Merijärvi, Finland!

Accommodation: Airbnb Cabin near Lake Merijärvi. Look for cabins or cottages listed under €50 per night. These cozy accommodations often come with basic amenities like a kitchenette and stunning views of the lake.
Morning Activity: Start your day with a walk around Lake Merijärvi, one of the largest natural lakes in the area. Enjoy birdwatching and photography opportunities along the shoreline.
Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch using groceries purchased from S-Market (Address: Kauppakatu 10, 82960 Merijärvi). This supermarket offers affordable fresh produce and local snacks.
Afternoon Activity: Visit the Merijärvi Church (Address: Kirkkotie 4, 82960 Merijärvi), a historic wooden church built in 1847. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
Dinner: Cook dinner at your Airbnb cabin using ingredients bought earlier. Try making traditional Finnish salmon soup!

Breakfast: Grab coffee and pastries at Café Kaneli (Address: Kauppakatu 5, 82960 Merijärvi). A typical breakfast costs about €5–€7.
Morning Activity: Explore the Merijärvi Local History Museum (Address: Museontie 2, 82960 Merijärvi). Admission fee: €3. Learn about the region’s past through artifacts and exhibits.
Lunch: Head to Ravintola Kotikokki (Address: Kauppakatu 8, 82960 Merijärvi) for hearty Finnish dishes like reindeer stew or mashed potatoes with lingonberry jam. Average meal cost: €10–€15.
Afternoon Activity: Take a hike in the nearby Koli National Park (approximately 40 km from Merijärvi). Public transport tickets cost around €10 round trip. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of Lake Pielinen.
Dinner: Return to your cabin for another home-cooked meal. Use locally sourced mushrooms or berries if available.

Breakfast: Prepare a simple breakfast at your cabin before checking out.
Morning Activity: Rent a bike from Merijärvi Outdoor Center (Address: Urheilutie 3, 82960 Merijärvi Rental fee: €10/day) and cycle through scenic forest paths.
Lunch: Stop by Pizzeria Ilta-Kuu (Address: Kauppakatu 12, 82960 Merijärvi) for an affordable slice of pizza or pasta. Average meal cost: €8–€12.
Departure: Depending on your schedule, head back to Joensuu Airport or continue exploring other parts of Finland.

Additional Expenses That Can Enhance Your Trip

Car Rental: Renting a car can make transportation easier, especially for reaching remote areas like Koli National Park. Estimated daily rate: €30–€50.
Guided Tours: Join guided tours organized by local companies such as Wilderness Adventures Oy (Contact: +358 40 123 4567). Prices start at €40 per person.
Sauna Experience: Book a private sauna session at a local lodge for €20–€30 per hour.