The rugged hill landscapes and nature of Koli and Lieksa change with the seasons. The hills, formed over two billion years ago, delight and amaze hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the year. Koli always offers experiences to its visitors, and different seasons add their own flavor to the experience.
Finnish summer tradition blooms
In June, the day is at its longest and the flower meadows of Koli National Park are at their most vibrant.
In summer, Koli offers enjoyment of the waves, islands, and shores of the great Lake Pielinen, as well as the more tranquil lapping of smaller lakes. The water rafting season is underway in the Ruunaa Hiking Area and continues well into autumn. People spend their vacation in the area’s many cabins, grilling, enjoying saunas, hiking, and horseback riding. Koli National Park welcomes summer residents such as sheep, horses, and Eastern Finncattle, which graze in the cultural landscape and delight outdoor enthusiasts.
Summer in Koli is also a cultural summer, featuring music, theater, comedy, and cultural history! The Lieksa Brass Week, the Monola Festival Week, the many summer theaters in the surrounding area, and the Pielinen Soi Festival provide joy and food for thought for culture lovers. A visit to the Koli Heritage Museum introduces visitors to the history of the Koli area.
Autumn is the golden time for hikers
The landscapes of Koli are famous for their autumn colors. The forests of the region are abundant with birches, rowans, and aspens, which turn shades of yellow, red, and orange in the grip of autumn, a result of slash-and-burn cultivation. The network of trails and paths, spanning over a hundred kilometers, guides hikers and runners to high hills, from which hundreds of square kilometers of scenery can be admired at once.
Autumn is also filled with events: in September, Koli Ruska Blues is enjoyed, and in October, the Finnish trail running champions are crowned at the Vaarojen Maraton (Marathon of Dangers).
Guaranteed snow
Daredevils have been skiing down Koli’s slopes since 1938, when the slalom slope was completed. The country’s most beautiful skiing events, diverse cross-country skiing trails, and landscapes covered in heavy snow make Koli an idyllic winter destination.
The cross-country skiing season opens earlier than in other areas at Koli or on the artificial snow tracks at the Kontiolahti biathlon stadium nearby.
In midwinter, a drive along Europe’s longest official ice road over inland waters is an exhilarating experience, with 40 meters of water beneath your car and the ice. Koli is particularly well-suited for snowshoeing: the elevation differences and deep snow make Koli a dream destination for snowshoe enthusiasts. Koli is worth experiencing in winter too!
Bright green spring
Winter in Koli lasts a long time. The slopes of Koli, facing east and north, ensure that skiing is possible well into spring.
When the snow finally melts, the slopes of Koli are filled with the sounds of gushing and trickling water! Nature awakens and the bird concerts intensify – Koli National Park has recorded at least 4,078 species, more than any other Finnish national park.
In April and May, many groups come to Koli to plan for the future and hold meetings. New ideas can be brainstormed in a small group over a kota dinner or with a larger crowd in the auditorium of the Koli Nature Center Ukko, which can accommodate up to 200 people. Groups can also enjoy the ice run of Lake Pielinen, where those who love cold water can also take their first swim of the year.
