The easternmost point of Finland and the continental part of the European Union is located in Ilomantsi near the village of Hattuvaara.

In the east, Ilomantsi shares 100 km (60 mi) long border with the Russian Republic of Karelia.

About 250 km2 (97 sq mi) of the area is designated as natural reserves, among them the national parks Petkeljärvi and Patvinsuo.

For example, the central village of the municipality is not called kirkonkylä as is usual in Finland, but pogosta (a Russian loan-word, originally pogost).

[citation needed] Places of interest include: Media related to Ilomantsi at Wikimedia Commons