By train — Lieksa is on the line from Joensuu (90 minutes) which connects through to Helsinki (the full trip is about six hours by Pendolino with a change). The lake views on the approach are some of the best on the Finnish rail network.
By bus — Connections from Joensuu and from Kajaani to the north. Useful but slower than the train.
By car — Highway 73 from Joensuu, two and a half hours from Kuopio, six from Helsinki. The drive from Joensuu via the eastern shore of Lake Pielinen is beautiful.