Gravel Bike
|Koli
The Hattusaari loop leads you on a gravel ride to the northern tip of the Koli area and a conquering route on the island isthmus.
Hattusaari Gravel Getaway is a challenging route rewarding you with peaceful nature and breathtaking lake views. The route meanders along rolling gravel roads, in places nearly brushing the shore of Pielinen.
Along the way, hidden sandy beaches await — perfect for swimming on a warm day or refreshing wading. The Hattusaari scenic road is like a secret path: greenery, flowers, and the evening sun make the scenery unforgettable.
Good fitness is needed, and in some parts you may need to walk your bike — but every pedal stroke brings you closer to this peace and the beauty of nature.
Bring water, snacks, and an adventurous spirit — Hattusaari awaits! 🚴♀️✨
Always reserve enough water and energy for the route. The route mainly passes quiet country roads.
Emergency number: 112.
Take Highway 6 to Ahmovaara, from where Koli road (9 km) leads to the village of Koli. The church parking lot is located right in the village center. Another large parking area is along Rantatie before the harbor, a few kilometers from the village.
Information about public transport to Koli can be found here: https://www.koli.fi/suunnittele/miten/ .
Free parking. Please use the parking areas next to the church or the ones intended for hikers on Rantatie 6 instead of the shop's parking lot to avoid unnecessary congestion in the shop's yard.
The route starts along the ski tracks of Koli toward Loma-Koli and the camping area. Along the Pielinen shore, you alternate between gravel roads and ski tracks as well as short stretches of path. When turning towards Hattusaari, you enter the out-and-back section. The turning point in Hattusaari is the Hattusaari Rantamajat tourist farm. The island isthmus is uniquely scenic. On the out-and-back route, you get to admire the landscape of Pielinen stretching far into the distance from several viewpoints. On the return trip, the route makes a small loop via the Niinilahti tourist farm. After the Mäkinen return transfer, the route still goes through the Jänisvaara Farm tourism facility proceeding to a forest road and a breathtaking lake view from a height. The forest road makes a steep descent from the heights to the zone of lakeside villas on Pielinen. A narrow gravel road again cuts through a narrow water-bordered isthmus toward the Merilänrannantie intersection. The last segment heads toward Räsävaara and the highest point of the entire route. If you have enough energy, you can still stop by the Räsävaara lookout tower before the downhill section towards the village of Koli.
When crossing the bridge to Hattusaari, Kaiskunniemi visible on the right is worth a detour: a few meters wide strip of land extending far into Pielinen - when the water is low, you might even be able to reach the tip of the cape on dry feet.