Koli National Park Things to do in Winter 2025
Koli national park
Koli National Park is a must-see when you visit Finland especially if you enjoy hiking. With over 30 square kilometres of forests and beautiful views of Lake Pielinen, Koli National Park is somewhere not to be missed on your Finland itinerary.
Heading to Koli National Park? why not visit Kuopio as well?
Snowshoeing at Koli Nature Centre Ukko
For the adventurous folk I would highly recommend trying out snowshoeing in Koli National Park. I went to Koli Nature Centre Ukko to try this out where they provided all the relevant equipment needed. At the Koli Nature Centre Ukko which offers Finland’s best-known landscape and the history of Koli.
If you do intend to go snowshoeing it is advised to wrap up warm and wear waterproof boots. I wore my hiking boots and they were perfect.
Visit the Polku Trail
The Polku trail also known as the Joukon Polka – Nature Trail is well suited for all abilities. It is only one kilometre long and you can walk it even in winter. When you get to the top you can find stunning views of Puu-Nurmes and Lake Pielinen.
This is also a good spot for sunrise.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a must-do when in Koli – the surroundings are beautiful. The longest continuous illuminated ski trail in Finland (25 km) runs from Koli Freetime in Kopravaara, Juuka, through Koli village to Loma-Koli.
Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding
Koli Ski – Ukko-Kolin is the only ski resort in Koli National Park. It has four lifts and 6.2km of slopes at your disposal. I was surprised at how quiet this ski resort is even on a Saturday.
Sauna & ice Dip
If you are in Koli National Park go to Koli Freetime to experience a traditional wood-burning sauna and also a short walk to ice dip in a frozen lake. They provided aqua shoes and a robe for when you go outside to dip in the lake – if you dare.
Visit Bomba House
Bomba House represents traditional Karelian style architecture with its surrounding Karelian village and is a copy of a house built in Suojärvi, Russian Karelia. There is a restaurant, cafe and small boutique shops inside.
Snowscupting
At Kolin Runo they offer a snow sculpting experience where they give you multiple tools and three blocks of snow to carve whatever you like. This was a great team building exercise as you would work together in teams.
We somehow ended up with a forest troll-looking creature with Marge Simpson hair.
Where to stay in Koli National Park
Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kyla was a great location to stay when visiting Koli National Park. What I particularly loved about this hotel was the giant dryer where you can dry all your we clothing. They also had a huge Sauna for all the hotel guests.
Where to Eat in Koli National Park
Kolin Ryynanen is just a short walk from Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kyla. Kolin Ryynanen offers traditional Finnish cuisine and the famous blueberry pie – which was one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.
Grill it! Koli – This restaurant has phenomenal views of Koli National Park. There is a viewing platform at Grill it where you can see the snow covered trees and watch skiiers pass through. The food here was very good with a lot of options available.
