Pielisjärvi is a former municipality in the region of North Karelia in Finland.

The area of modern North Karelia was ceded by Russia to Sweden in 1617 in the Treaty of Stolbovo, becoming part of the Kexholm County in 1634.

Pielisjärvi was first mentioned in 1618 as Pelis Järffwi Pogost.

Pielisjärvi was originally a part of the Liperi parish, being separated in 1639.

At the time, Pielisjärvi also included Juuka, Nurmes and Valtimo.