Rising above Lake Pielinen and accessible by ferry from Lieksa, Koli has been dubbed the first-ever tourist attraction in Finland and it continues to draw holiday-makers year-round - as a winter sports resort and for hiking, boating and its unique scenery in summer. Although the lake views are panoramic and the nature trails in the national park are good, don't expect the earth - it's a beautiful hill covered in pine and birch.
Koli Hill was declared a national park in 1991 after hot debate between environmentalists and landowners. The owners agreed to sell their land and environmentalists dropped their demand that the Hotel Koli, up on the hill, be demolished. Most of the area remains relatively pristine and there are some 90km of marked walking tracks.
The hill has road access and from the lower car park there's a short funicular railcar up to the hotel (free). Also here is Luontokeskus Ukko (010-211 3200; www.metlakoli.net; adult/child €5/2; 9am-7pm late Jun-early Aug, 10am-5pm rest of year), a modern visitor centre with exhibitions on history, nature, and geology of the park, and information on hiking. In Koli itself, Karelia Expert (248 2315; kareliaexpert.koli@kareliaexpert.com; Kolintie 94) is the tourist office and has a comprehensive range of information and maps.
Ukko-Koli is the highest point and 200m further is Akka-Koli, another peak. On the western slope of Akka-Koli is a 'Temple of Silence', an open space for contemplation with a stone altar and wooden cross mounted in the rock.The solid rock peak nearby is called Paha-Koli. Further south is Mäkrävaara, a hill that offers the best views.
In winter, Koli attracts skiers with two slalom centres (Loma-Koli and Ukko-Koli, served by a total of nine lifts) and more than 60km of cross-country trails, including 24km of lit track. If you can't make it up to Lapland, this is one of Finland's most accessible winter ski resorts. Contact the Koli Ski Centre (672 275, 673 141; www.koliski.fi) for lift tickets, equipment hire and more information.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
