What's Currently Happening in Koli National Park

Directions and arrival to Koli

Current on hiking

 

Current on hiking in Koli

(Updated 26th February 2024)

We are updating this article with current information about the hiking conditions, terrain services, and exceptional situations in Koli National Park.

Condition on day hike trails
The Kylän polku trail is groomed with a snowmobile and is passable on foot, even without snowshoes. The trail is maintained after snowfalls but not during weekends.

Other trails in Koli National Park do not undergo winter maintenance. Choose sturdy, supportive, and preferably high-cuffed winter boots for your hike. With fluctuating temperatures and compacted trails, paths may become slippery. Traction devices such as ice cleats and hiking poles are useful for slippery conditions.

The Huippujen kierros snow shoe walking trail to the peaks is marked with blue reflective poles. The approximately 2 km trail starts from behind the nature center near the radio mast. Learn more about winter trails.

Information on the condition of Koli's skiing trails can be found at koli.fi. You can directly access the trail map here [link to infogis.fi, in Finnish].

Movement on Koli's hiking trails is at the hiker's own risk. Read more about our trails and explore the equipment rental options provided by our partners.

During the snowy season, check what parking areas are maintainedWe recommend arriving to Koli and Koli National Park always via asphalted Kolintie (Road 504). At spring the smaller roads could be in a bad shape due to melting snow and ice.

How to prepare for a winter hike

Tips for Winter Hiking
Explore winter hiking in the Outdoor Activities ABC knowledge bank, where you can find basic information, equipment lists, safety tips, and destination suggestions for winter trips.

Be prepared for your hike with sufficient drinking water and suitable snacks. Warm food and drinks help hikers stay warm.
Days are short, and darkness falls early.

Check the length of the day in connection with the weather before your hike [link to ilmatieteenlaitos.fi]. Bring a headlamp or flashlight for your trip.

Remember to dress warmly and according to the weather.
Familiarize yourself with Hiking Etiquette, and also read Koli National Park's guidelines and rules before setting out on your hike.

There may be areas with no phone signal in the southern parts of the national park. Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone. When an emergency call is made through the 112 Finland application, the emergency center attendant is automatically informed of the caller's location.

Remember to check the instructions and rules of the area before your trip. 
 

Campfire sites and fire making

Making a fire is not an everyman's right, and fires cannot be made anywhere and at any time.

  • Fires are only allowed at designated, official campfire places marked with fire symbols on maps. Except the “Prime minister’s” campfire site, all of our campfire sites marked on the map should contain long firewood that hikers can saw and chop to make a campfire. Remember to check the Outdoor Etiquette for further info.
  • The person who starts the fire is always responsible for its safety.

Read more about Koli National Park's maps and services.

 

Drinking water around Koli National Park

The spring and well in Ikolanaho and the well in Jero reservable hut and are out of commission. Do not drink the water even after boiling it. It is possible to borrow water containers and get clean drinking water from the Nature Centre Ukko. If Ukko is closed, water can be obtained from Break Sokos Hotel Koli (sokoshotels.fi).

Read more about the drinking water of Herajärven kierros Trail and drinking water of Koli National Park.
 

Herajärven kierros Trail

The Herajärven kierros Trail is available to hikers during the snow-free season (about from June to October). The route is very demanding due to steep ascents and descents. Please carefully check additional details and tips about Herajärven kierros Trail.

 

By public transportation to Koli National Park

(Updated 29th of September 2022)

Finland's most famous national landscapes can also be reached by train and bus.

From Joensuu railway station you can make the trip to Koli National Park by by taxi (kolintaksi.fi, in Finnish).

From Joensuu and Kajaani Railway Station you can also take a bus to Ahmovaara. The distance from Ahmovaara to Koli National Park is approximately 9 km. You can get from Ahmovaara to Koli National Park by walking, cycling, or taking a regular taxi (kolintaksi.fi, in Finnish). Mon-Fri you can get to Koli village from Ahmovaara by booking a bus connection from Ahmovaara to Koli (koli.fi, in Finnish) in advance. From the village of Koli, a hiker can follow the Kylän polku (“Village Trail”) to the Koli Nature Center Ukko and further to the Ukko-Koli landscape site.

From Lieksa railway station you you can pre-book a shared taxi provided by the City of Lieksa (lieksa.fi, in Finnish).

You can get to Koli National Park from Lieksa Railway Station by ordering a shared taxi in advance (lieksa.fi, in finnish).

Read more from the Directions website.

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