Koli is a beautiful and diverse destination in North Karelia, Finland. It is famous for its National Park (Koli National Park) which has the most beloved landscape in Finland. You can see the sky, the water, and the woods from the top of the Koli hills, which are the remnants of an ancient mountain range. Koli is also a place of culture and history, where you can learn about the Finnish identity, the local traditions, and the artists who have been inspired by Koli. Koli offers many activities and experiences for all seasons, whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation. You can hike, bike, kayak, ski, snowshoe, or cruise on Lake Pielinen, or you can enjoy the spa, sauna, restaurants, and events at the village or at the upper Hotel Koli. Koli is a place where you can connect with nature and yourself. Koli is one of my favorite places in Finland and I have been there many times. The views from the top of Ukko Koli are my favorite and all in all Koli National Park and these listed hikes are amazing!

The easiest way to get to Koli's landscapes is at the road address: Ylä-Kolintie 39, Koli, Lieksa. (Nature center Ukko and Hotel Koli in the Upper Yard) From here you can start many adventures and see the most iconic landscapes. The nearest parking areas are P1, P2 and P3 at Ylä-Koli. From the parking areas, you can access Upper Yard on foot or by the free funicular.

Before you go hiking in the National park, please read the rules of the Koli National Park!https://www.nationalparks.fi/kolinp/instructionsandrules

All the routes and attractions that are listed below start from the nature center Ukko's yard.

1. UKKO KOLI VIEW POINT: sightseeing place and circular route The map point is located at Koli’s most scenic view: at the top of Ukko Koli. It is the highest peak of the Koli hills. It has a beautiful view of the Lake Pielinen and the view is one of the national landscapes of Finland. You can walk to the top (400m) from the hotel / nature center. Here you can come in every season, but please be extra careful in rain or winter as the hill slopes are really steep and may be slippery when wet or icy. Here on top of the hill you can go around and explore as much as you want or for example, go all the way around the Huippujen kierros Trail (Trail of the Tops), 1.4 km Circle Trail. More:https://www.nationalparks.fi/kolinp/trails/summerhiking#scenic

1. KOLINUURON KIERROS TRAIL - a small hike: 3.1 km Circle Trail The route presents the most beautiful peaks and landscapes of Koli, but features also large elevation differences and steep stairs. This is really nice small hiking route and I highly recommend it. The route does not have winter maintenance, but as a popular route, it is often open even in winter, so you probably don’t even need snowshoes. (Or then you do…) The route is quite demanding in height, steep steps and slippery open rocks. More: https://www.nationalparks.fi/kolinp/trails/summerhiking#kolinuuro

2. MÄKRÄN KIERTO TRAIL - a day hike: 7.5 km Circle Trail This day hike has a lot of same as upper Kolinuuron kierros, but is not usually open in winter time. More: https://www.nationalparks.fi/kolinp/trails/summerhiking#makra

3. HERAJÄRVEN KIERROS - many days hike The Herajärvi hiking route is demanding but really beautiful long hiking route. It goes around Herajärvi and passes through Koli National Park. The route goes through forested hazards, deviating to the best vantage points, i.e. the hiking route is demanding due to heavy ascents and steep descents. There is also a tow raft and wading rope on the route. The route is a summer route and it consists of two circular routes that can be traveled together for 61 km, or separately for 35 km or 30 km. I have hiked the route in two separate times (2x 2 nights) You can start the Herajärvi hiking route in many places, for example from here. Or actually I recommend to spare the best views - the top of Ukko Koli - for the last. Then you can still park in here but hike directly from parking to the Ikolanaho and continue from there and spare athe best views for the last. More: https://www.nationalparks.fi/kolinp/trails/summerhiking#herajarvi

All the Koli routes: https://www.nationalparks.fi/kolinp/trails