Koli National Park, Finland

Koli National Park

The Koli National Park is one of the most beautiful sights in Finland. It includes Mount Koli and its surroundings.

Mount Koli

The Koli is a mountain that only reaches a height of 347 meters. Nevertheless, it clearly protrudes from the area. It is located in the south-east of Finland in the North Karelia region. The view from the summit of Koli to the surrounding lakes is considered a national symbol in Finland. Since 1991, both the mountain and its neighboring area have been considered the Koli National Park.

Fantastic view of the Pielinen lake and numerous activities

It is said that a trip to the Koli National Park should not be missed when visiting Finland. This also applies to study trips. The mountain and its magnificent surroundings have been used for inspiration by various Finnish artists and photographers for centuries. The landscape of the national park is dreamlike and often creates feelings of fascination and happiness in the visitors. There are also a number of activities that can be undertaken in the Koli National Park.

About the Koli

The Koli, which is composed largely of white quartzite, is located on Lake Pielinen, the fourth largest body of water in the country. The national park covers an area of ​​30 square kilometers. The area around the mountain is flat and mostly forested. It is 62 kilometers to Joensuu.

Hiking on the Koli

There are numerous hiking trails around the Koli, which extend over approx. 80 kilometers. Hikers and active vacationers get their money’s worth here and can start their vacation at any time of the year. The ski center is also available in winter. Then cross-country trails are groomed, an ice road leads across the lake and sled dog safaris are offered.

It is possible to cross the Koli National Park alone or as part of a guided tour. In addition to the Ukko-Koli, there are important peaks, the Paha-Koli and the Akka-Koli, which are ideal hiking destinations.

View from Ukko-Koli

The fantastic view from Ukko-Koli is particularly worthwhile. The unique view inspired some Finnish artists to create their works. The high plateau can be reached with a modern cable car. Of course, the ascent can also take place on foot.

Round trip at sea

Another option is a tour of Lake Pielinen with the Suviexpress hydrofoil from Koli harbor. In this way, the summit of the Koli can also be admired from the water.

Naantali

Naantali – Finland’s historic holiday capital

Located in the south-west of Finland on the Baltic coast, the city of Naantali is an interesting destination for a study trip. As one of the oldest cities in the country, the port city on the Baltic Sea coast inspires with its picturesque wooden old town. The city is not only characterized by its maritime flair, but also by art and music.

The magical old town

Narrow, winding cobblestone streets lead through the picturesque old town of Naantali. Traditional wooden houses in bright colors line the alleys in the old town. This is also where the city museum is located, which offers insights into bourgeois life in the 19th century. In addition, the life of the craftsmen in the small town is shown. The museum also sheds light on the history of the monastery, as the history of today’s port city began with the construction of the monastery in the 15th century. Today only the monastery church of Naantali, which was once the most important place of pilgrimage in the country, reminds of the monastery complex. Even today the monastery church is the main church of the city and one of the most famous sights of the city.

Kultaranta Park

Thanks to its healing spring Viluluoto, Naantali became a health resort and recreation center as early as the 18th century and the first health resort was built. The Kultaranta manor on the island of Luonnonmaa has been used as the summer residence of the Finnish President since 1922. The summer villa was built for the wealthy merchant Alfred Kordelin in 1916. The extensive area around Villa Kultaranta enchants visitors with its kitchen and ornamental garden. Special features of the 16 hectare facility are the red and blue gardens, wonderful pools, an old pergola, wonderful gazebos and the spruce fence that surrounds the facility.