Koli is your ticket to the wild and rugged landscapes of North Karelia. The tiny village is home to just a few hundred locals and a handful of wooden buildings. It’s a launchpad to Koli National Park, where you can discover a wonderland of pristine hills, lakes and forests.
Things to do in Koli
Pack your camera and get ready for eye-popping vistas in Koli National Park. Over the centuries, the dramatic landscapes have inspired countless artists. Sun-loving locals descend on the park in the summer. Climb the short and steep track up Ukko-Koli hill for breathtaking views over sparkling Lake Pielinen. Snowfall transforms the park into a winter sports hub, while a 230-metre vertical drop makes Ukko-Koli one of the top downhill skiing destinations in Southern Finland.
Exhibits at Luontokeskus Ukko cover everything from flora and fauna to geology. The ultra-modern nature centre focuses on the unique landscapes and ecosystems of Koli National Park. Browse the art exhibition on the ground floor and enjoy lunch at the café before venturing into the park. The centre doubles as a tourist office where you can get information on local hiking trails, fishing spots and campsites.
Learn about the people, places and events that have shaped the village over the centuries at the Koli Homeland Museum. The museum is housed in a rust-coloured wooden building and filled with historic photos, antiques and oil lamps.
Dining options are few and far between in Koli and most guesthouses include board. The best establishments serve local dishes like charred salmon with dill, fried whitefish topped with sour cream and reindeer served with lingonberry jam.
Getting around Koli
Rental cars are the best way to visit Koli and explore Southern Finland at your own pace. The village is a one-hour drive from Joensuu and six hours from Helsinki. Trains run between Helsinki and Joensuu in under five hours.