Koli National Park
Kolin kansallispuisto
Walk or ski up to Koli's rocky hilltops, and see why so many artists and nature-lovers have been inspired by their superb views over quintessentially Finnish lakeland scenery.
At Koli, a long chain of forest-covered hills overlooks the crystal clear waters of Lake Pielinen, in the beautiful Lake District of Eastern Finland. Koli's hills are made up of some of the oldest rocks anywhere in the world. Their crystalline quartzite formed more than two billion years ago in the heart of an ancient mountain range that once stood higher than today's Himalayas.
Koli has plenty of trails to explore. Walk along the crest of the ridge to enjoy a succession of marvellous views. Sit on the rocks up at the viewpoints of Ukko-Koli (The Old Man of Koli) and Akka-Koli (the Old Woman of Koli) and soak up the scenic vistas over the lake. Or stride down though the forests on either side towards peaceful lakeshores. A car ferry crosses the lake towards Lieksa in summer, but you can also rent a canoe or a rowboat to get out onto the lake. In the wintertime, Koli's snow-covered hills offer a wonderful setting for adventurous cross-country skiing trips, the thrill of downhill skiing and the fun of snowshoe-trekking. Flowery meadows In the middle of Koli's dense forests several old pastures and flowery meadows are maintained to preserve traditional local farming practices and livestock breeds. In some areas the forest has been deliberately burnt to clear fields, just like in the old days when slash-and-burn farming was widespread in Eastern Finland. Give yourself more time to explore by spending a night in the park. Koli's accommodation ranges from a hilltop hotel through picturesque log cabins to free camping sites right out in the woods. Watch out for woodland wildlife as you wander. Anything from a mini mouse to a mighty moose could cross your path. Learn about Koli's geology, nature and history at the park's visitor centre. In the late 19th Century, artists from Finland's National Romantic movement came here to capture Koli's inspiring landscapes on their canvases. Local archaeological finds have shown that back in the Stone Age Finland's earlier settlers chose these same rugged settings for their ritual sacrifices. While staying in this part of Eastern Finland you should also go and see the spectacular rapids of Ruunaa. Find out more about one of Finland's best loved "national landscapes". See: http://www.outdoors.fi/kolinp
|