Discover Koli

Koli offers a range of ways to shape your stay: a lift ride with views of Lake Pielinen, trails leading to distinctive peaks, cultural attractions and winter slopes. If you’re looking for hotels in Koli, first consider which of these aspects of the destination you’d like to make the focus of your trip. The following options vary in duration, route and focus—from a short lift ride to hikes and cultural experiences.

Lift Ride and Trails to the Summit

The Koli Scenic Lift is 770 metres long, and the ride takes about eight minutes one way. Allow around 16 minutes for a round trip. During the summer season, the ride offers views of the landscapes of Koli and Lake Pielinen. The lift takes visitors directly to the courtyard of the Koli Nature Centre Ukko and the Break Sokos Hotel Koli. From there, it’s still a few hundred metres uphill to the summit of Ukko-Koli. So if you’re planning to visit the summit, remember to allow for this additional stretch.

Nature, Culture and Hiking Information

The permanent exhibition at the Koli Nature Centre Ukko covers the geology, nature and culture of Koli National Park. The centre also presents Finland’s famous national landscapes, as well as the wilderness and traditional landscapes of Eastern Finland. A free exhibition introduces the basics of hiking and hiking etiquette. The centre also provides hiking information about the national park and other protected areas in North Karelia, along with hiking tips for the national park and the wider North Karelia Biosphere Area. Check the operator’s website for the centre’s current visitor regulations before your visit.

Koli Church is also part of the area’s history: it was built in 1930 in the centre of Koli village and designed by Veikko Kyander. The two-hour Mythical Forest tour takes you through Koli’s ancient landscapes, accompanied by stories and myths. It starts and ends at the Nature Centre Ukko. If you’re planning to book the tour, check the dates with the provider.

Hiking Routes and Cultural Landscapes

The 1.4-kilometre Huippujen kierros, also known as the Summit Trail, passes Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli and leads to the highest point in southern Finland. Another route, Ukko-Koli, starts at the Nature Centre Ukko and winds through the forest to an open viewing platform overlooking Lake Pielinen. The route includes steep climbs and stone steps. The route descriptions therefore highlight different features: the Huippujen kierros focuses on the peaks and route length, while Ukko-Koli follows the path from the centre to the viewpoint.

In summer, the Koli Trail offers both short hikes and multi-day treks with several overnight stays. Its northern starting point is at Ukko-Koli. In winter, the trail offers good conditions for skiing or snowshoeing. Another route passes through the cultural landscape of the Mattila, Ollila and Turula farms: The Beautiful Trio of Koli is 3.5 kilometres long. Livestock kept there in summer help maintain the landscape.

Garden and Winter Sports

The Koli Sculpture Garden is located near Koli, about 1.2 kilometres from the village centre. It covers approximately one hectare and is divided into areas arranged according to the colours of the plants. The garden is also suitable for families with children. It offers a distinct cultural element to include in your travel plans, alongside summit trails and hikes.

For winter sports, Koli Ski Resort lists seven runs. At 1,500 metres, Ipatin Kierto is the longest available run; Ukko-Koli is the steepest black run. These are different points of comparison: one describes a run’s length, while the other describes its classification and steepness. Along with the seasonal hiking options, this makes it possible to plan your time in Koli around a range of activities without confusing them with one another.

Discover more destinations: Säyneinen, Tohmajärvi, Lieksa, Kontiolahti, Karhunmäki, Rääkkylä, Nurmes, Juuka.

See the regional travel overview: North Karelia.