What's Currently Happening in Koli National Park

Koli Nature Center Ukko closed during Wed-Fri 29.9.-1.10.2021

(Updated 8th of September 2021)

Koli Nature Centre Ukko is exceptionally closed due to a private event during 29.9.-1.10.2021. The Koli Heritage Exhibition, Nature Centre shop, Café Eväsretket (kalastusretket.fi) and Koli shop Retkitupa (feelkoli.fi) will be closed to visitors. With these measures we are taking care of the health safety of our guests, customers and staff.

Free hiking information services are offered at a pop up information desk located in the front yard of the Koli Nature Center Ukko during the normal opening hours (10 AM - 5 PM). Different kinds of regional maps can be bought with cash or credit card. Drinking water can be aquired from the water post at the Nature Center outside wall. The toilets, café and restaurant services can be found from the property of Break Sokos Hotel Koli (sokoshotels.fi).

Church parking closed due to maintenance work 6.9.–9.9.2021

(Updated 31th of August 2021)

The Church parking area (Ylä-Kolintie 4, Lieksa), located near the Koli village center, is closed Mon-Thu 6.9.–9.9.2021 due to maintenance work. We kindly ask our visitors to use other parking areas of Koli region from Mon 6.9.2021 at 7:00 AM on.

Koli Nature Center Ukko returns to normal opening hours

(Updated 16th August 2021)

The Koli Nature Centre Ukko has returned to normal opening hours.

16.8. – 31.12.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm
Sun 10am – 3pm

Exceptions:
29.9.-1.10.2021 closed to visitors
24.12.2021 open 10am–2pm
25.–26.12.2021 open 10am–3pm

We reserve the rights to changes.

Please check possible exceptions to opening hours of Café Eväsretket (kalastusretket.fi) and Koli Shop Retkitupa (feelkoli.fi).
 

Prefer Public transportation when Arriving to Koli in summer season

(Updated 14th of August 2021)

Please, prefer public transportation when arriving to Koli during the summer season:

Tip 1: Beginning on 7 June 2021, you can take a bus from Joensuu and Nurmes to Ahmovaara Mon-Fri. A bus connection from Ahmovaara to Koli (koli.fi, in Finnish) must be booked in advance.

Tip 2: During 5.6. – 22.8.2021 you can take a scenic lift from Ukko-Koli slopes parking area (Rantatie 27, Lieksa) to Koli Nature Centre Ukko. Check the schedule and prices for the Scenic lift (koli.fi/en).

Be aware of the high risk of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)

(Updated 30th July 2021)

Researchers expect higher concentrations of toxic blue-green algae this summer than usual, spurred by continued warm, calm conditions (yle.fi). So far blue-green algae deposits have been observed only in Jero lake and lake Pielinen, but the situation may change rapidly as the heat cycle continues. Keep an eye out for the blue-green algae situation (marinefinland.fi).

With the help of an easy glass or stick test, a hiker can check the blue-green algae situation (jarviwiki.fi).

Children and pets must not be allowed into contaminated water, and adults should also avoid swimming. Water containing blue-green algae must not be consumed by people or animals, even after boiling. Any child or pet suspected of having been exposed to contaminated water should be thoroughly washed with clean water.

For your part, you can prevent the formation of cyanobacterial inflorescence by preventing detergents from entering waterways. Doing dishes or washing directly in the lakes can significantly increase the local nutrient load and the amount of cyanobacteria. Prefer biodegradable detergents and do all washing far enough, about 5 meters, away from the used water source.

Hammocks in Koli National Park

(Updated 23th of July 2021)

In Koli National Park, hammock camping, and having a break in a hammock during a hike, are only allowed in the designated camping sites.

In general, camping is restricted in protected areas to prevent erosion. As Koli is one of the most popular National Parks of Finland, it is utmost important for our thousands of visitors to only use the designated paths and camping sites.

In Koli National Park, setting up a camp, even for short purposes, are allowed in the camping sites of Turula, Myllypuro, Lakkala, Ylä-Murhi, Rykiniemi, the larger Hiekkasaari and Iso-Korppi.

Always check the forest fire warning before making an open fire

(Updated 30th of July 2021)

When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, lighting an open fire is prohibited at all fire sites in Koli National Park. Prolonged heat waves further increase the risk of forest fires. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. 

During a forest fire warning, prefer hiking snacks that can be prepared and enjoyed without a fire. Use of camping stoves is allowed. Note that wood burning pocket stove is also counted as an open fire and is thereby prohibited.

The Nature Centre Ukko's Art Exhibitions

(Updated 25th of May 2021)

The Nature Photos of the year 2020 are available in Nature Centre Ukko's gallery space downstairs until 29th of August 2021.

Pohjantähden reitillä art exhibition by Susanna Lendiera is shown in Nature Centre Ukko's gallery space upstairs until 30th of September 2021.

Emmi Jormalainen’s drawings from the book Being Lost can be found from Ukko’s downstairs, nearby the stairs, until 30th of June 2021.

Ikolanaho Spring and Jero Well are Out of Commission

(Updated 1st of October 2020)

The spring 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.

Hikers planning to take the Herajärven kierros trail should carry enough drinking water with them. It is possible to fill water bottles at Koli Nature Centre Ukko. It is also possible to get water from Myllypuro river. However, water from wells, springs and natural sources should be boiled before drinking. The Herajärven kierros trail is hard hiking trail with high number of hills and therefore it is really important to carry enough drinking water with you. The number of wells, springs, rivers, lakes and ponds, where hiker can get more drinking water, are very limited along the Herajärven kierros trail.

News in Koli