Koli national park’s hidden gems beyond the famous peaks

Koli’s towering cliffs have long drawn hikers to its iconic landscapes, the same vistas that inspired national sentiment among Golden Age artists a century ago. But while most visitors flock to the highest summits, the national park holds lesser-known treasures, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

Among them is the Koli archipelago, where the ridges appear as narrow, parallel strips across Lake Pielinen. Formed by meltwater rivers beneath the glaciers of the last ice age, many of the islands feature sandy shores. From the water, the cliffs take on a particularly stark beauty at sunset. In summer, the islands are accessible by rental boat or canoe; in winter, by skiing or on foot.

For quieter trails, the park’s southern fells offer sweeping views over Lake Herajärvi. Visitors can reach them via hiking routes or by car along the Koli shoreline road. Tarja Teppo, a recreation expert at Metsähallitus, recommends the Rykiniemi campfire site on Pielinen’s shore, where camping is also permitted.

Another hidden highlight is Pirunkirkko, a boulder cave shaped like the letter Z, stretching 34 metres with passages narrowing to under a metre. The cave is steeped in mystery and has attracted artists, including Eero Järnefelt, who inscribed a poem on its wall over a century ago.

To avoid crowds, nighttime exploration offers a different atmosphere. The summer twilight over the fells, the scent of meadowsweet, and the sunrise from Ukko-Koli or sunset from Akka-Koli are unforgettable. The terrain demands a slower pace—taking time reveals more, from lush meadows to barren rock forests, such as along the three-kilometre Paimenpolku trail.