Joensuu is the regional capital of Pohjois-Karjala (Northern Karelia). It straddles the River Pielisjoki just as it opens into Lake Pyhäselkä. It is an important logging and forestry center and has recently annexed a number of smaller municipalities, so technically its administration extends all the way to the Russian border. Joensuu has several academic institutions, including a university (Joensuun Yliopisto), vocational school and the European Forestry Institute.
Joensuu is home to Areena, the largest wooden building in Finland and every summer, Joensuu hosts the Ilosaari Rock concert.
Try homemade Karelian pies (karjalan piirakoita) at the market place. The pies are made of rice porridge that are encased in a rye shell. There are a number of small bakery wagons parked on the market square, or get them inside the market hall. Other bakeries around town will ususally sell these local specialties as well.