Koli National Park

From the white quartzite tops of Koli you look out over Lake Pielinen scattered with wooded islands, a view that inspired the golden age of Finnish painting and became the national landscape itself. Ukko-Koli, the highest point, is the classic vantage, reached by steps or a funicular from the hotel below.

What's there

• The Ukko-Koli viewpoint - the iconic outlook over Lake Pielinen and its islands.
• The white quartzite tops - the pale rock hills that give Koli its colour and grip.
• Autumn ruska - the forest in fiery autumn colour, the peak season here.
• Old Karelian scenery - forest trails, a traditional smoke sauna and lakeside walks.

When to go

Late September for the ruska autumn colour, the most celebrated time; winter for the frosted, silent version of the view; summer for hiking and the lake. Sunrise from Ukko-Koli is the photographers' hour.

Things to know

The main viewpoint is a short walk from the car park and hotel, so it is busy at peak times and sunset - the deeper trails are where the quiet is. The climb up is by steps unless you take the funicular. The view is the thing; do not expect dramatic mountains.

Nearby

A car ferry crosses Lake Pielinen to Lieksa; the wilds of North Karelia and the Russian border country lie beyond.

Key facts