Koli National Park

The National Landscape of Finland
Koli is one of the few places which rouses strong emotions in both, the first-time visitors and the experienced ones. The nature in Koli National Park alternates between lush groves, barren rocks, flowery glades and shady spruce copses. The surface of Lake Pielinen gives Koli and the national Park unique characteristic. Finnsheep and native Finncattle graze in the cultural scenery in the meadows of the national park.

The cultural bounty of Koli is strong. Koli is remembered for burn-beaten land, for a destination of the hiking adherents of Karelianism in the 19th and 20th century, for folklore and for preserving the local traditional culture. The viewpoints, white quartzite rocks, the Lake Pielinen and its surrounding wilderness, the burn-beaten and traditional landscape, excellent trail and ski track networks, together with multifaceted services makes Koli a great destination for a day visit or even for a longer hiking tour.

The delightful national landscape is accessible even by taking a relaxing ride on a horseback with Icelandic horses or sitting on the cable car bound for Ukko-Koli. Experience the landscape in multiple ways, for example by paddling, rowing or cruising on Lake Pielinen.

The highlight of the summer, the Koli Outdoor Activity Week, is a dream come true for nature lovers with hundreds of hours of guided programmes. The Herajärvi TraiI, which was awarded the title of “Trekking Destination of 2007 in Finland”, has been extended and now offers up to a 60 km long, challenging hiking route. The other, shorter hiking routes in and around the national park take you to awesome sights and views over lakes and hills. In autumn the marathon race “Vaarojen Maraton” takes place.

Juuri sitä parasta

Kohokohtia

Walk on marked trails

Landscapes & Sceneries

The stunning landscape alternates between clearings left behind by slash-and burn agriculture and areas of dense spruce forest. There are approximately 80 kilometres of marked routes to choose from depending on your physical fitness and the time available, and these can be explored with or without a guide. The area's famous views are best admired from a vantage point on top of the park's highest hill, Ukko-Koli.

Snowshoeing

Outdoor & Sports

The best way to get around in the winter is snowshoeing (the park has 1.5–4 km of marked snowshoeing routes). Snowshoes are a better option than skis if you want to climb to the tops of hills or venture deep into the woods. Snowshoes can be hired at the park, and there are also guided snowshoeing tours available. Maintained campfire sites are located in Vaaralanaho and Ikolanaho. Firewood can be purchased for the Prime Minister’s campfire site from Nature Centre Ukko.

Downhill skiing

Outdoor & Sports

Downhill skiing is another great way to take in the scenery. Ukko-Koli is the biggest (230-m vertical drop) and most demanding ski resort in southern Finland and challenges even the most experienced skiers. Ukko-Koli has six slopes, which can be accessed from Koli Nature Centre Ukko and Break Sokos Hotel Koli. There is also a chairlift from the shores of Lake Pielinen to the top of Ukko-Koli, and it is worth going up to admire the views even if you do not want to ski.

Horse riding

Wildlife & Nature

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Koli is on horseback. The park has three bridleways, and some sections of the routes can be used throughout the year. Good destinations for riders include Paimenenvaara hill and old farmyards that can be found scattered around the park. Guided riding tours are available for beginners and inexperienced riders. Options range from lead-rein sessions lasting a few hours to two-day riding excursions.