Ukko-Koli's Challenging Accessible Trail

The trail starts in the courtyard of the Ukon Nature Center in Koli and heads into the forest behind the nature center. At the radio tower, the gravel path begins to climb steeply into the undulating moss forest, past the junction that branches off toward Akka-Koli. As you walk through the old spruce-covered hillside forest, you know you’re high up, as the sky peeks out at you through the gaps in the trees.

Soon you’ll reach a junction where you turn left toward the final ascent leading to Ukko-Koli. Just before the steep, rocky steps, the trail turns right through the trees, toward the classic view of Koli opening up onto Lake Pielinen.

At the barrier-free observation deck, the sky is so close that it feels as if you could almost touch the clouds. The return trip follows the same route, and you can enjoy a snack break, for example, at the Prime Minister’s Fire Pit located next to the nature center. The fire pit is accessible to everyone. There is no firewood available at the fire pit, so you can bring your own or purchase firewood from the Koli Nature Center Uko or the hotel.

If you’d like, you can also enjoy the accessible facilities at the Uko Nature Center, including its shops, cafés, and exhibits.

Emergency number: 112

The accessible viewpoint at Ukko-Koli has a low railing.

Viewpoints are natural attractions where visitors move about at their own risk.

If a thunderstorm strikes, leave the summit immediately.

Always check for warnings before setting out on a hike: ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/varoitukset

Joensuu has the closest airport to Koli, and Joensuu 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.

You can travel to Koli by train and water bus, shared taxi, or chartered transportation. Check out the options! View parking spots in Koli

Starting point of the route on Google Maps

Route description on Luontoon.fi

Clothing appropriate for the weather and shoes suitable for varied terrain. In your daypack: something to drink, a snack, a trash bag, and a fully charged phone.

Easy - possible without preparation.