If you mention Koli National Park to any Finn, their eyes may just begin to sparkle.
Koli and its iconic tree-lined landscapes are a bit of a national treasure in Finland.
Despite this, the National Park is relatively unknown outside of its homeland.
During our winter visit, we only came across one other couple (and a cute dog!). Aside from that, we had this incredible place all to ourselves.
Seriously… what could be more magical than that?
If you love nature, enjoy getting outdoors and want to visit one of the most UNREAL places in Finland, make sure you add Koli to your itinerary.
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Why visit Koli National Park
If you love outdoor travel, hiking and beautiful places, Koli National Park should be top of your Finland itinerary.
Its landscapes are iconic for a reason: they look like something from a movie.
The park is named after its highest mountain, Koli, with the highest point (Ukko-Koli) stretching just 347m above sea level.
Yes – Finland is a relatively flat country, especially in the south.
Despite this, the park offer some of the most beautiful hiking I’ve experienced, with multiple peaks, views over Lake Pielinen and more.
Best of all, it can be enjoyed at almost any time of year. And, if you really want to get to know Koli, it’s best to visit at least once in the winter and once in the summer.
Like much of Finland, the National Park takes on a whole new character at different times of year thanks to Finland’s seasonal extremes.
Planning a trip to Koli
Given how dramatically Koli can change with the seasons, you’ll want to be prepared for your visit.
While it’s possible to visit as part of an organised tour, they are few and far between (but great if you want simplicity!).
Going it alone will require a little more planning – even though it’s totally worth it.
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When to go
My first trip to Koli National Park took place in January, in the heart of Finnish winter.
The snow was around 40cm deep and it was perfect for a wintry snowshoe hike.
If you come at this time of year, make sure you pack for the climate and bring warm layers. As long as you do, it’s an incredible time to visit Koli.
The winter season at Koli National Park stretches all the way from November to late spring, meaning there are plenty of other months to visit if you want to see it in all its snowy glory.
It’s possible to snowshoe throughout this time, but best to avoid April when the snow begins to melt.
For long days and midnight sun, June and the summer months offer a completely different experience. During these months, you can also swim in the lakes, which are frozen all winter.
In the autumn, Koli National Park becomes a photographer’s haven as its famous autumn colours take over.
Getting to Koli
Compared to other parts of Finland, Koli – and the wider Lakeland region – is fairly easy to get to.
It’s why it’s a great alternative to Lapland in the winter. You can enjoy all the same things (minus visiting Santa Claus!) but without travelling so far.
Renting a car
If you want to have complete freedom while visiting the Koli area, the easiest way to travel is by rental car.
The drive from Helsinki takes around six hours and is fairly straightforward.
If you’re travelling in winter, just make sure you’re confident driving in the harsh winter conditions including icy roads.
Train from Helsinki
For a more sustainable trip, taking the train from Helsinki to the nearest high-speed station town of Joensuu takes just under five hours.
The trains in Finland are absolutely fantastic and affordable, offering scenic views the entire way.
Koli is a one-hour drive from Joensuu train station, which is covered by a shuttle during ski and snow season.
The one-hour trip costs just €11 on weekends, so it’s best to plan your arrival or departure for a Saturday or Sunday if you plan to use this.
Otherwise, you can take a pre-booked transfer using a service like GetTransfer, but it will be pricier!
Flying to Koli National Park
If you’re super short on time, it’s also possible to take a flight from Helsinki.
There are airports in both Joensuu and Kuopio, and the flight time is less than one hour.
Of course, flying isn’t the most sustainable way to travel and you’ll miss out on some beautiful Finnish countryside views on the way, but it’s always an option.
Flying probably only makes sense if you’re in a hurry or heading to the opposite side of the country – for example, to Oulu – directly from Koli National Park.
Flights run several times per day and are cheap if you book in advance.
The one thing you should never travel without
Even though you hope you’ll never need to use it, travelling with insurance will make sure you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
I use Heymondo because it’s the most comprehensive cover I’ve found. They even cover the more adventurous activities that other insurers won’t, including skiing, hiking and many of the other adventures found in Finland.
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Where to stay
Even though Koli National Park is famous in Finland and attracts many domestic travellers, the town of Koli itself is absolutely tiny.
As such, there are only a handful of accommodation options (for now!):
📍 If you want to stay in the heart of Koli town, the only option is Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kyla. I stayed here for two nights during my trip to Koli National Park and it was super cosy.
🎿 The best location, however, has to be the other Break Sokos Hotel Koli (yes, they are two different hotels!). This one is right in the park, with direct access to a ski slope and the Koli Nature Centre Ukko (where you can take a hiking tour). It also has an incredible on-site spa.
🍃 Alternatively, if you don’t mind being a little out of the way, Koli Freetime offers the perfect nature retreat. The on-site saunas are some of the best I experienced in Finland – and that’s saying a lot! You can also try ice swimming if you visit in winter.
Things to do in Koli National Park
No matter what time of year you visit Koli, hiking should be top of your to-do list.
The area has some of the best trails in Finnish Lakeland, and perhaps the country as a whole.
In the winter time, you’ll need snowshoes to navigate the snowy terrain. These can be rented easily while you’re there.
In the summer time, the long days offer plenty of hours of daylight to enjoy the incredible views over Lake Pielinen and beyond.
Other activities are similarly seasonal.
In the winter, visiting Koli National Park means embracing its snowy hills. This can be in the form of downhill skiing, cycling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing or skating.
In the summer, when the lakes are no longer frozen, canoeing, swimming and boating become possible.
During these months, it’s also possible to spot some of the wildlife that inhabits Koli National Park, including bears that hibernate during the darker day.
If you’re a fellow wildlife photographer, consider visiting Koli National Park between April and October if you hope to capture its biodiversity.
