Koli National Park is an unspoiled and majestic paradise, located in the Kainuu region of northeastern Finland. With a diverse natural landscape, from snow-capped mountains to clear blue lakes and vast forests, Koli attracts visitors with its pristine and unique beauty.
About Finland's Koli National Park
Koli National Park is located in the Kainuu region, northeastern Finland. It is located in Lieksa district and Joensuu district, near the border with Russia. Koli is an exceptional natural area, consisting of the 347-meter-high Mount Koli and azure lakes such as Lake Pielinen. It is a popular tourist destination of Finland with its majestic landscapes and stunning natural beauty.
Finland's Koli National Park. Photo: @kathrindeter
Exploring Koli National Park means relaxing amidst fresh nature and enjoying unparalleled views. The most prominent destination is undoubtedly Mount Koli with its 347-meter-high Ukko-Koli peak, where visitors can see firsthand the majestic panorama of the surrounding land. Every season of the year, Koli changes color and beauty, from the golden hues of autumn to the silver sheen of winter snow.
The space here is very large and wild. Photo: @stunningoutdoors
In addition, the park also contains many blue lakes, where visitors can relax and enjoy a quiet and fresh space. One of the most famous lakes is Lake Pielinen.
Koli National Park is also an ideal destination for hikers and trekkers. There are many walking paths from easy to difficult, suitable for all levels of visitors.
This is a favorite destination for nature lovers. Photo: @peakvisor
Flora and fauna of Koli National Park
Both parts of Koli national park are covered with dense pine, spruce, birch and mixed forest with incredible beauty. In the forests and in the grasslands of the park, you can find such plants as swamp thistle, grass tree, moon grass, hard straw grass, and more. In fact, there are a total of 596 species of plants in the park.
From mid-July to late October, the park's forests are also filled with edible berries and mushrooms. You can pick and eat as many of these berries and mushrooms as you like.
Over the years, at least 4,078 different species of animals have been sighted in Koli National Park. The forests of the park are home to flying squirrels, hares, lynx, elk and even bears. There are also rare species, such as the forest lemur and the endangered newt. A total of 26 species of large animals.
Many species of birds can be seen here, such as partridges, partridges, ospreys, red-winged blue-tails, small black-backed gulls and others. In total there are 148 different types of birds in the park. In the lakes there are fish with a total of about 11 species.
There are also more than 717 species of butterflies and hundreds of other insects. Especially, from May to the end of July, like everywhere else in the North, the park is full of mosquitoes. When visiting the park during this time, be sure to wear tight, long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and a hat.
The park is home to many species of flora and fauna. Photo: @geekyplanet
How to get to Koli . National Park
By plane: You can fly to Joensuu airport or Kajaani airport, then rent a car or travel by bus from the airport to Koli national park.
Bus: There are bus routes from major cities like Helsinki, Joensuu, Kajaani,... to Koli. Depending on the starting point, you can choose the appropriate bus route.
Car: If you have a car, you can drive yourself from cities near the Koli area. There are many beautiful and convenient paths to the park.
Train: If you are in big cities like Helsinki or Tampere, you can take the train to nearby stations like Joensuu or Kajaani, then continue traveling by bus or rent a car to Koli.
Best time to visit Koli National Park
The best time to visit Koli National Park depends on each person's preferences and forte but can be based on the following factors to choose the right time:
Summer (June to August): Summer is a popular time and attracts large numbers of visitors to Koli. During this time, the weather is warm and cool, the scenery is beautiful, and outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, windsurfing on Lake Pielinen are popular.
Autumn (from September to October): Autumn in Koli is very romantic and poetic with the yellow color of the leaves. This is the perfect time to enjoy the fascinating scenery and do experiential hikes.
Winter (November to March): Winter can be cold and snowy. However, this creates a dreamy and stunning landscape. If you're into skiing, this is the perfect time to enjoy activities like skiing, sledding, and lake skiing.
Spring (from April to May): Spring in Koli is cool and full of life with the appearance of flowers, new plants sprouting. This is the right time to enjoy the fresh scenery and outdoor activities like climbing and hiking.
Each season Koli park brings its own nuances, attracting many visitors. Photo: @mokkihaitari
Special activities in Koli . National Park
Relax and entertain at Lake Pielinen
Lake Pielinen is one of the most striking and captivating sites in Koli National Park. With an area of more than 900 km², Lake Pielinen is one of the largest lakes in Finland.
When the sunlight reflects on the blue lake, it creates a fanciful and romantic scene. Looking out into the distance, the small islands and white sandy shores as if blurred in the morning mist make Lake Pielinen an irresistible poetic picture.
Lake Pielinen is also home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Underneath the lake, there are many different species of fish, which attracts many tourists to participate in fishing and other water sports activities.
In addition, Lake Pielinen is also an ideal destination to enjoy exciting outdoor activities. Guests can rent a boat to surf the water and admire the beautiful surroundings. Windsurfing on the lake is also an experience not to be missed.
In winter, Lake Pielinen transforms into an area for skiing and other winter activities. Skating on the lake and sleigh races provide fun and excitement for visitors who love this sport.
Boating on Lake Pielinen. Photo: @falconofthemillennium
Conquering the top of Ukko-Koli
Mount Koli is the main symbol and highlight of Koli National Park. With a peak of 347 meters, Mount Koli rises up between vast grasslands and clear blue lakes, thereby creating a majestic and unique scene.
When climbing to the top of Mount Ukko-Koli, visitors will be rewarded with an extremely beautiful panorama. Looking out into the distance, the vast landscape of Koli national park stands out in front of you, there is also Lake Pielinen like a sparkling water surface and the islands and primeval forests around the mountain make the scenery attractive and beautiful. diversity.
View from the top of Mount Koli. Photo: @Jael
Trekking
Trekking in Koli National Park is a great experience for those who love to explore unspoiled nature and enjoy the beauty of green grasslands, primeval forests and majestic landscapes.
At the beginning of the trekking journey, visitors will be led through different trails at Koli national park. There are options for all levels, from easy paths for beginners to more difficult routes for those looking to challenge themselves. Whichever route you choose, be sure to have breathtakingly beautiful and sweat-worthy views to achieve.
During the trekking journey, visitors will step through vast pine forests, go through primeval forests with hundred-year-old ancient trees. Immerse yourself in a peaceful space, you can hear the birds singing and the murmuring stream in the vast nature.
