Regional images are created by different actors at different levels with different goals. Most of the inhabitants of Karelia perceived the images, constructed mainly in the Soviet era, not least due to their accessibility for understanding and “reification” - the natural uniqueness, cultural and linguistic authenticity was actively comprehended and rethought by scientists, writers, artists and was embodied in high-quality publications, art performances, regular festivals. The author of the article analyzes the images of the region, recorded in biographical interviews with Karelians, and raises the following questions: which images (categories) are the most significant and how regional identity is / is not combined with ethnic identity among Karelians.