Ukko-Koli
View over the lake.
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Koli National Park is a protected area in the North Karelia region of eastern Finland, covering 30 square kilometres of forested hills on the western shore of Lake Pielinen. It was founded in 1991 and lies about 110 km in a straight line from Kuopio. The park keeps the area's traditional farming heritage alive: hay is still cut every year, and traditional Finnish breeds of cattle and sheep graze its meadows. Its best-known spot is the summit of Ukko-Koli, with a grand view east over the lake. Koli has inspired many painters and composers, among them Jean Sibelius and the writer Juhani Aho. From the grey granite rocks the lake stretches blue to the horizon, scattered with islands of pine and spruce, and mist sometimes rises from the forest in the morning. Trails wind between tall trees and moss-covered boulders, including the 34-metre Pirunkirkko cave. Two long scenic lifts run near the summit in summer. Some trail sections are rocky, so wear proper shoes.
View over the lake.
Covered in pine.
Rising from the forest.
Western shore of Lake Pielinen, North Karelia, Finland
The Ukko-Koli summit.
Some are rocky, so wear proper shoes.