Koli National Park
Koli is one of the most known national parks in Finland and it is renown as national scenery or landscape. 80 kilometers long trails offer challenges and excitement for beginners and also for those who have experience in hiking. Post card-esque landscapes calm the nerves of busy life, and you can easily spend few days in Koli National Park.
The Koli hills are remnants from the Karelidian mountain range and has formed roughly 1,9 billion years ago. Due to shrinking and deformation of the Karelidian mountain range you can find caves and steep cliffsides in Koli area. The most known of these steep cliffsides is Ukko-Koli which is the highest place in Southern Finland. Ukko-Koli offers memorable views to lake Pielinen. Other known sites in Koli is Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli. The most known cave in the region is called Pirunkirkko a.k.a Devil's church which was a known place for witch craft and pagan ceremonies.
There is much to see Koli Nationa Park. Even the scenery is unique in Finland. Many Finnish artists such as Jean Sibelius, Eero Järnefelt and others have been inspired by Koli area. Jean Sibelius reportedly took inspiration for his fourth symphony from Koli National Park.
The most known trail in Koli is Herajärvi route which goes up the hills and spreads across the vast forest areas in Koli. The route is formed from two ring-like trails and you can choose how far are you going to walk in Koli.
Herajärvi route
To get inside the most famous Finnish landscape, trekking around Koli National Park is one of the best ways to do this. Northern Karelian hills take trekkers to some amazing landscapes and offers outlook for varied natural life. There's also cultural sceneries which gives insight to ancient Finnish culture before the industrial revolution. Herajärvi route is suitable for beginner and professionals who want to see and experience truly majestic sceneries. The ring-like trails offer choices on the lenght of the trails. Hikers usually spend 3-4 days walking in 61-90km of Koli trails. There is a zipline across the Herajoki-river, and the distance from shore to shore is around 15 meters.
Herajärvi route has been expanded in 2011 and it has brought 30 km more trails to the original. In additition there are many fireplaces, cabins and stopping points where weary hikers can rest and enjoy their lunch. There are rental cottages and huts in national park for rent.
Herajärvi route brings the hikers to a wide range of choices. Choices include extending or shortening the lenght of the route to a fitting choice. You can utilise the expansion in your planning. The routes are marked with oranage and blue paint.
The height variations in Koli brings a nice challenge for hikers. Rising up to Ukko-Koli and Akka-Koli provides exercise to all. You can circle around the park by choosing 61, 35 or 30 km long trails. The general starting point for national park routes start from nature center Ukko, but you can choose your starting point. The recommended end point is nature center Ukko or Kiviniemi farm in the shores of Herajärvi-lake.
In wintertime, Koli National Park's routes are in varying conditions, as official maintenance is not done. Routes in winter time are generally open for hikers and is kept open by hikers walking the trails. In the wintertime, Kolin National Park is not recommended as there are some watercourses along the routes and the ice situation in the rivers is not actively monitored. Hill-sided terrain sets its own challenges for the winter, as the terrain features are quite steep. Koli National Park is suitable for beginner hikers as well as for those who are already on the run with a varied range of routes. Altitude variations pose physical challenges, but good routes make it easier to navigate the National Park. The Koli National Park's routes can be called demanding because of the demanding terrain and the varied landscape features. Koli routes have some watercourses such as the Herajoki crossing that goes through the rope over the river. These should be fitted in by taking the hiking boots off the feet and lifting the trousers legs up.
Check out Herajärvi routes from here.
Koli National Park challenges
Koli National Park is suitable for beginner hikers as well as for those who are already on the run with a varied range of routes. Altitude variations pose physical challenges, but good routes make it easier to navigate the National Park. The Koli National Park's routes can be called demanding because of the demanding terrain and the varied landscape features. Koli routes have some watercourses such as the Herajoki crossing that goes through the rope over the river. These should be fitted in by taking the hiking boots off the feet and lifting the trousers legs up.
In wintertime, Koli National Park's routes are in varying conditions, as official maintenance is not done. Routes in winter time are generally open for hikers and is kept open by hikers walking the trails. In the wintertime, Kolin National Park is not recommended as there are some watercourses along the routes and the ice situation in the rivers is not actively monitored. Hill-sided terrain sets its own challenges for the winter, as the terrain features are quite steep.
Koli National Park weather
Strong winds from the open lake and the east can bring variations to weather conditions in Koli National Park. The slopes of the hills can be slippery after rainfall, and undergrowth of the forests can quickly wipe the shoes wet. It is worth taking good hiking boots, a weatherproof protective layer and firemaking equipment to dry out your gear. In the Koli National Park, the average temperature in winter time can vary greatly, thanks to the cold fronts coming from the east.
Please note: The natural resources of the Koli National Park area are not drinkable, and water must be boiled for a few minutes. The source of the Mörkölampi source and Ikolanaho well should not be used even when cooked. It is good to boil the natural water of Koli National Park for a few minutes before drinking. The quality of waterways and springs varies by temperature and season.
Bring out your maps and compasses and venture forth to enjoy the sceneries of Koli National Park!
Koli National Park services and accommodion
Koli area services for trekkers
In the Koli National Park, the nearest grocery stores are in Koli village so you can buy camping equipment and groceries well in advance from the village. Koli village has stores which are specialised in outdoor activities, and they can help with renting equipment for treks. For example, the Luontokeskus Ukko has snowshoes and skis for rent. Local tour operators also arrange guided tours to the Koli National Park.
Nature center Ukko is the primary service place before heading out to the national park. You can purchase maps and other smaller equipment for camping or hiking. You can also ask the staff about the condition of the trails and about the current weather forecasts during your stay in the park.
There is a large hotel called Sokos Hotel, which is highly popular among hikers who are returning from their treks or going out to the park. The hikers love the spa of the hotel where you can relax and recover from the trip. There are possibilities to accommodate in the hotel or in the nearby caravan and tent areas. These areas are situated in Koli village.
It is easiest to reach Koli is by car or bus. Joensuu has good transport links to Koli village, and the scenic route is decorated by the beautiful Pielinen lake. The road sides with lake Pielinen for 20 kilometers.. Joensuu also has the nearest train station from which you can either rent a car or go by bus or taxi to the Koli area. Koli village has good connections and clear signs to the national park area.
Koli cottages and accommodation
You can find rental cottages and other accommodation possibilities from Gofinland. The closest cities are Lieksa, Juuva. Gofinlan has almost 100 different options where to choose from. It's easy to travel from Lieksa to the national park and keep the rental cottage as a base for your daily treks to the park.