A Boating Tour of Lake Pielinen—a spectacular scenic tour like no other!

On your boating trip, be sure to check out the sights, islands, and pleasant nearby destinations. Experience Koli National Park, the Lake Pielinen Museum in Lieksa, the idyllic village of Vuonislahden, the Karelian village of Bomba in Nurmes, and Puu-Juuka. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance.

It’s nice to spend the night on one of the islands. At Tarina-aho on Kelvänsaari, a place steeped in history, you can enjoy the gentle heat of a smoke sauna, and the Paalasmaa archipelago is also a stop worth making.

Explore what the Pielinen region has to offer and spend a day enjoying activities and great food!

Koli Lieksa Bomba Juuka

You can find boating services on the municipalities’ websites:

Lieksa and Koli Harbors

Harbors in downtown Nurmes and Bomba

The ports of Juuka

• Please note that there are swimmers, SUP paddlers, kayakers, fishing boats, and jet skis on Lake Pielinen, among others. Be mindful of other water users and follow the rules of the road.
• Weather conditions on Lake Pielinen can change rapidly. Monitor weather reports and warnings.
• In life-threatening emergencies, contact the emergency dispatch center at 112. Download the 112 app to your phone.
• In the event of a boat breakdown or other interruption to your trip while on the water, you can contact the Pielinen Lake Rescue Service:
  Finnish Maritime Rescue Association, Pielinen Lake Rescue Service: contact information
  Email: lieksa@messi.meripelastus.fi
  

Parking is free at the ports. See the directions for arriving in Koli.

- Starting point: Koli

- Trip duration: about 1 week

Day 1:
Arrival and launching the boat on Lake Pielinen. Explore Koli National Park, the Koli Local History Museum, and the Ukko Nature Center. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Koli’s restaurants, sample products from the local brewery, and stock up on provisions and supplies for your boat at the Koli Sale store. A brisk ride on a mountain bike, a hike, or a walk is a great way to relax before your boat trip. Overnight stay at the Koli harbor. Koli also offers hotel and cottage accommodations, as well as charming bed-and-breakfasts.

Day 2

Trip to Tarina-aho on Kelvänsaari. Enjoy this cozy and historic spot on the island and experience the gentle heat of a smoke sauna. Tarina-aho offers food for grilling, and you can order breakfast ready-made. In the living room, you can admire the old artifacts—a staggering number of which have accumulated over the years—on display.

Day 3

A trip to the village of Vuonislahti. Stop by Kestikievari Herranniemi and enjoy a sauna or a herbal bath in the hot tub. How about spending the night here in a cozy cabin or guest room? Be sure to check out the charming Old School Shop, which also offers retail services and a café. A day trip to Paateri, the artist’s home of sculptor Eva Ryynänen, is an unforgettable experience. You can get there by hiking along the Paateri Trail or by booking a wooden boat ride. Spend the night on a boat at the Kestikievari Herranniemi guest boat dock, at the excursion harbor by the bridge, or at the Vuonislahti harbor.

Day 4

A trip to Lieksa. Enjoy a meal at Sataman Grillituva, then set out to explore Lieksa in the summer. A pleasant route winds through the forest along the Pielispolku and Braheanpolku trails. Lieksa’s magnificent church and church park are located along the way. The exhibition halls and extensive open-air museum area of the Pielinen Museum offer a fascinating journey into the region’s history.

On the edge of Lieksa’s park area, a riverside path runs along the river; by crossing a suspension bridge, you can see the Lieksa power plant designed by Alvar Aalto. It’s also worth stopping by the flea markets and the Ajan Patinaa antique shop. At Lieksa Bakery, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and pick up some treats to take along on your excursion. Spend the night at Lieksa Harbor or at a local guesthouse or hotel. A shallow-draft boat will also take you to the dock at Hotel Puustelli.

Day 5

Travel to Nurmes and Bomba. Explore the house in Bomba that embodies Karelian culture, as well as the summer market and local shops. Break Sokos Hotel Bomba’s delightful spa and sun terrace offer moments of pampering, and at Trattoria Pielinen you can enjoy wonderful food. In Bomba, you can also visit the Orthodox chapel in Nurmes for a moment of tranquility. The Ellun Trail is an excellent hiking trail for day trips, and you can rent recreational equipment at Kalevanhovi. The Hyvärilä Golf Course is also nearby. Nurmes Harbor features a harbor kiosk, a magnificent beach area, and a lakeside trail. The harbor borders the Puu-Nurmes area, where you can experience the nostalgic atmosphere of architectural history. Be sure to check out the specialty shops as well. Treat yourself to a night at a hotel!

Day 6

A trip to Juuka and Paalasmaa. From the Juuka harbor, it’s a short walk to the idyllic and historically significant Puu-Juuka. Other sites worth exploring include the Mill Museum, Herralankoski Park, and the Bridge of Dreams. You can peek inside the Pitäjä Museum’s large granary, which is filled with historical rural artifacts. The Karula Art Courtyard offers a delightful artistic experience during your trip. After a shopping trip, sail to Paalasmaa for the night, where the archipelago scenery is a feast for the eyes. At the campground, you can spend the last evening of your vacation, enjoy a sauna, and unwind—perhaps on a hike to the observation tower at the summit of Finland’s highest island.

Day 7

Back to Koli. Did you fall in love with the place? Spend one more night in Koli—shop, dine, and enjoy the activities before taking your boat out of Lake Pielinen.

A warm welcome back!