Thematic Trail Thematic Trail |Koli

Coffee Shop Tour in Koli

On the Koli Café Tour, you can enjoy great coffee, pastries, local delicacies, and lunch while exploring the area. Treat yourself to a leisurely, indulgent getaway in Koli.

Description

You can start your café tour at any café, and there are plenty of places to park . You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon coffee along the way without having to carry a heavy backpack. In addition to coffee breaks, Koli’s tourism businesses offer delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. All you have to do is hike and enjoy!

The trail is mostly a wide, well-maintained path and is clearly marked. There are significant elevation changes along the route, so be sure to allow plenty of time for the hike and take breaks amidst Koli’s natural beauty.

The Koli Nature Center Ukko and Koli’s tourism businesses extend a warm welcome to you.

Safety

  • Open fires are prohibited during forest or grass fire warnings and in strong winds.
  • Be careful—never leave a fire unattended. The last person to leave should make sure the fire is completely out.
  • In rainy and wet weather, boardwalks, rocks, and tree roots can be very slippery.
  • Carry a first-aid kit with you.
  • General emergency number: 112 (Also download the free “112 Suomi” app to your phone).
  • Please note that there may be dead zones in cell phone coverage.
  • Check the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s warnings!

Location & Parking

Joensuu has the closest airport to Koli, and it also has a train station.

The distance from Joensuu to Koli is about 65 kilometers, and the drive takes about an hour. From Joensuu, take Route 6 north toward Kajaani. At Kolinportti, turn onto Kolintie (Route 504) and follow the signs to the village of Koli and Koli National Park.

During the summer, you can travel to Koli by bus or by train and ferry. Check out the options! See Parking Spaces in Koli

Of the parking areas in Koli National Park, parking lots P1, P2, and P3 at Ylä-Kolintie 39 will be included in a paid parking pilot program starting September 1, 2026.

Prices and instructions.

A free rail lift takes you to the trailhead.

Parking is free for guests staying at Break Sokos Hotel Koli and for conference attendees.

Directions

You can start the tour from several different points and tailor your own café tour to your liking:
  • The route runs from the top of Koli along Satamapolku to Satamatuva.
  • Following the Kasken Kierros trail, you’ll reach Kylänpolku from the harbor (Satamatupa – Mattila – Turula – Kylänpolku intersection).
  • Kylänpolku runs between the peaks of Koli and the village of Koli.

Tools and equipment

Be sure to wear good, sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle with you in hot weather. You should also bring mosquito repellent.

Additional information

Somewhat demanding - basic fitness is required.
Starting point
Several options
Destination
Several options
Difficulty level
Medium
Length
7.1km
Estimated time
06:00h
Ascent meters
288m
Descent meters
288m
Highest point
309m
Lowest point
103m
Author tips:
Koli offers plenty of activities and sights to see. You can learn more about them atkoli.fi and retkipaikka.fi .

Book a cabin or hotel and stay in Koli a little longer!

Author:
Mari Mustonen
Updated: 28.10.2026