Author: Zak Arkel

Fotostrasse has been in love with Finland for many years now. The almost 100 years old country is full of surprises and mysteries. Of course, it’s not the first destination you are thinking about if you want to enjoy your holiday but when you see the pictures from Koli National Park here, it will be. In Finland, you will be far far away from the cliché of quiet holidays lying on a beach and drinking cocktails under the sun... And, if you think about Monty Python and the song Finland, Finland, Finland you will never go there... On Fotostrasse you can find many articles about our love for this quiet and frozen country and see that there is more than Santa Claus and reindeers there. We had the chance to go to another incredible place: Koli National Park. Well-known as the place where Sibelius wrote Finlandia or where Järnefelt made a couple of his masterpieces. Koli today is still an amazing place in Northern Europe. Just imagine, a small village in North Karelia, not far away from the Russian Border surrounded by thousands of pine trees and birches. This small village is hidden next to two big hills above Lake Pielinen, which is one of the biggest lakes of Finland. In all seasons Koli National Park has his own beauty and poetry. The deep winter brings ice on Lake Pielinen and creates the longest ice bridge in Europe. With the reborn of nature in spring, the park turns into hundreds of colors thanks to the flowers. It is also incredible to experience the light and the midnight sun in summer. In autumn there is “ruska”, which means the red time when all the leaves turn red, yellow and orange. There is a Mystery, a Secret in Koli. It had been a holy place for centuries. When you arrive there, you will be instantly touched by the grace of the forest, the rocks, and the rivers... Koli is not only a National Park. It is also a village with many activities, a social and a cultural life. Still today many artists come there to get inspiration and create. Therefore, in all seasons you can enjoy the different exhibitions and gigs organized all around the area. Where to stay in Koli National Park. Do you want to stay a couple of days? No worries, you can camp in the deep forest or get an accommodation in Kolin Ryynänen which has one of the best pubs you have ever been. If you are a hiker, you can also rent one of the lovely cottages of the park for the cheap price. How to get to Koli National Park. So don’t think too much, get your backpack ready, take a plane to Joensuu – which is the closest city to Koli – and discover the place! Koli National Park. Koli National Park. Ylä-Kolintie 3983960 Koli If you like what you read here, you should join our Discord channel; there, you will find a place for open discussions about all the themes we talk about here, and it is a free space for you to share your questions, comments and suggestions. If you are not a fan of the platform, you also can join us on our Facebook group or our Twitter and Instagram. We usually post all the lovely images we see and do there, together with curating the best links of all World Wide Web. No joke! Subscribe to our newsletter for discounts in hotels and photo gear, freebies and much more.

Author: Zak Arkel

From the International Wilderness Guide School Of Tampere with love…

Koli National Park: Finland’s Hidden Getaway