Koli National Park

Koli National Park, located in Eastern Finland near the town of Lieksa in the North Karelia region, is one of the country’s most iconic national landscapes. Though small in area, it is rich in natural and cultural heritage.

The park is known for its striking white quartzite cliffs, traditional slash-and-burn woodlands, and the expansive, wilderness-like Lake Pielinen. Its high hills and sweeping views have inspired generations of Finnish artists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

Ukko-Koli, the most famous hill in the area, offers a panoramic view over Lake Pielinen—a landscape deeply rooted in the Finnish cultural imagination. This viewpoint has been a recurring subject in Finnish art and a symbol of national identity.

Koli’s significance extends beyond its visual beauty. Once a sacred site, the area later became important for traditional agriculture and was a notable destination for Finnish artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surrounding region has long served as a center of local culture and heritage.

For more information about Koli National Park go to:
https://www.luontoon.fi/en/destinations/koli-national-park

Photo: Discovering Finland