When to visit Koli National Park?

Koli National Park has approximately 250 000 visits every year. It is the fourth most popular national park in Finland by visitor numbers.

Why visit:
Spring usually arrives slowly in Koli. Hikers are charmed by babbling brooks and the slopes of the hills glowing in various shades of green.

Crowds:
Spring is a relatively quiet time in Koli. May brings schoolchildren and other groups, but crowds are rare. On weekends, the most popular trails may have more visitors.

Weather conditions:
In spring, trails can be wet and still snowy or icy well into May. Footwear with good grip and water resistance is necessary, and layered clothing is recommended. The hiking season for the Herajärvi Trail usually begins by mid-May when the pull ferry at Sikosalmi is free of ice. In some years, flooding along the shores or at the Herajoki wading cable adds extra challenges for hikers.

Why visit:
The summer season from Midsummer onwards is the busiest time in Koli National Park. Especially the peaks of Koli and the harbour area fill with hikers, families, and landscape admirers. In addition to hiking, visitors can paddle, swim, ride horses, join guided tours, and enjoy culture. Services are at their most abundant in summer.

Crowds:
Parking areas in Upper Koli are especially prone to congestion. Popular trails and attractions are busy. The southern parts of the national park are more spacious. Book accommodation early if you plan to stay overnight in the Koli area.
Tip: We recommend exploring alternative parking areas located around the national park and Koli village. These are especially suitable for day hikers and those heading out on longer treks. If you wish to hike in peace, favour mornings and evenings or lesser-known trails such as the Mäkrän Kierto Trail or the Kiehisen Kierros Trail.

Weather conditions:
Summer heat can make hiking strenuous. During thunderstorms, the peaks of Koli should be avoided. Light and breathable clothing and drinking water are essential gear for summer hikes. The presence of mosquitoes and other bothersome insects varies by area and year.

Why visit:
Autumn is considered by many to be the most beautiful season in Koli National Park. The aspen and birch forests on the slopes blaze in shades of yellow, red, and orange in early October. With good luck, you may also find berries and edible mushrooms in the forests.

Crowds:
The busiest single day of the year usually occurs in October when visitors come to enjoy the vibrant autumn colours. Especially weekends can be very busy in good weather, and parking areas in Upper Koli may become congested. Explore alternative parking areas.

Weather conditions:
In autumn, the weather cools and rain becomes more common. Trails can be slippery and wet, so good footwear is necessary. On sunny days, the autumn colours are beautifully highlighted, but sometimes thick fog rising from the lake obscures the view. The weather can change quickly, so preparation for varying conditions is important.

Why visit:
The view from Koli’s lookout points over Lake Pielinen, covered in crown snow, is impressive. Independent hikers enjoy the diverse snowshoeing terrain, the tranquillity of winter nature, and the vast frozen area of Lake Pielinen. The trail network in the Koli region is extensive, and the national park has ski slopes.

Crowds:
Winter is mostly a quiet season in Koli. For example, independent snowshoers can easily reach untouched snow if they head away from the peaks of Koli. The busiest times are the winter holiday weeks 8–10 and Easter.

Weather conditions:
Winter in Koli is usually snowy and cold. Except for the Village Trail, the hiking trails in the national park are not maintained in winter, but the most popular routes become packed down. As temperatures fluctuate, they can be icy, so studded shoes or snowshoes are often necessary. It’s advisable to pack a torch in case darkness falls unexpectedly, as the trails in the national park are not lit.