Tribute to the hills, 33.3 km

This demanding gravel route in the Koli landscapes invites you to explore idyllic rural landscapes, winding gravel roads, and unforgettable stops. The peaceful sections lead through pine forests before a short but rewarding walk to the Räsävaara observation tower — from over 300 m altitude, views open up to Pielinen, Herajärvi, and the Koli hill scenery, crowning the effort.

Along the way, you can stop at an enchanting countryside flea market or photograph weathered wooden houses with geranium boxes and amusing bicycle artworks. At the sandy beach of Likolahti, you can take a dip in the clear waters of Pielinen or enjoy a picnic at the campfire site.

When you are ready to conquer the top of Koli, ride the smooth asphalt ascent to the legendary Ukko-Koli cliffs and stop for a rest at the Koli Freetime holiday resort. Bring good fitness, a camera, and a spirit of adventure — the gravel roads of Koli are calling! 🚴‍♀️✨

The route is not marked in nature, so navigation happens with a GPX track or paper map. You can download the Outdooractive track to your navigation device or buy the Koli paper service and hiking map (new cycling routes are not marked on it, but roads are visible on the map).

The journey starts towards Räsävaara, and during the first four kilometers, the route rises over 250 meters. The Räsävaara lean-to hut is on the route and is a good spot for the first scenic break. From the lean-to, a short walk leads to the Räsävaara observation tower, from which stunning views open over the forest to Pielinen. On the other side rise the peaks of Koli. From the Räsävaara lean-to, the gravel route goes downhill directly. After the Kolintie junction, the route heads to Louhivaarantie, and at about the 12 km mark, another summit is reached.

You continue at altitude for a few kilometers, and after about 16 km begins a nearly four-kilometer predominantly downhill section. The route continues along good gravel roads through a pleasantly undulating line. After about 25 km of riding, you join Kolin Rantatie with lake views of Pielinen opening up ahead. The route soon slips onto a cottage road and winds through a small tourism farm (Ukko-Koli Lakeside Cottages), then follows very close to the shoreline. A wide view and a beautiful sandy beach open beside, which may invite a short stop and even a swim. Ahead is still a hilly lakeside route rewarding with constant lake views. About three kilometers before the final stop in Koli village, the Kolin harbor and the Harbor Restaurant appear on the route, where you can optionally take a break with Pielinen, treats, and refreshments.

1. On the access road, head southeast Follow 14 m – total 14 m
2. At the intersection, turn left and follow the bike path Follow 1.09 km – total 1.10 km
3. Turn left onto Lahnalampi Road, 15829 Follow 3.59 km – total 4.69 km
4. Turn left onto Martikkala Road Follow 2.32 km – total 7.01 km
5. Turn right onto Eräkolintie Follow 448 m – total 7.46 km
6. Turn right onto the trail Follow 655 m – total 8.12 km
7. Sharp right and follow the trail Follow 432 m – total 8.55 km
8. Turn around and follow the trail Follow 498 m – total 9.05 km
9. Sharp left onto Räsävaara Road Follow 3.13 km – total 12.2 km
10. Turn right onto Kolintie, 504 Follow 587 m – total 12.8 km
11. Turn left onto Louhivaara Road Follow 1.66 km – total 14.4 km
12. At the fork, turn right and follow Louhivaara Road Follow 783 m – total 15.2 km
13. Turn right and follow Louhivaara Road Follow 897 m – total 16.1 km
14. Continue straight onto Kopravaara Road Follow 4.34 km – total 20.5 km
15. Sharp right onto the street Follow 78 m – total 20.5 km
16. Turn left and follow the trail Follow 34 m – total 20.6 km
17. Turn around and follow the trail Follow 34 m – total 20.6 km
18. Sharp right and follow the street Follow 78 m – total 20.7 km
19. Continue straight on Kopravaara Road Follow 277 m – total 21.0 km
20. Turn left onto Rasivaara Road, 15731 Follow 4.42 km – total 25.4 km
21. Turn left onto Jerontie, 15735 Follow 3.96 km – total 29.3 km
22. Sharp right onto Herajärvi Road Follow 2.29 km – total 31.6 km
23. Turn left onto North Main Road Follow 1.11 km – total 32.7 km
24. Continue straight onto Kotaniemi Road Follow 1.74 km – total 34.5 km
25. Sharp right onto Little Mäkrä Road Follow 2.10 km – total 36.6 km
26. At the fork, turn left onto Shore Road Follow 3.51 km – total 40.1 km
27. Turn right onto the trail Follow 34 m – total 40.1 km
28. Turn around and follow the trail Follow 34 m – total 40.2 km
29. Turn right onto Shore Road Follow 889 m – total 41.1 km
30. At the fork, turn right and follow Shore Road Follow 1.91 km – total 43.0 km
31. Gentle left onto Shore Road, 5046 Follow 149 m – total 43.1 km
32. At the intersection, continue straight Follow 92 m – total 43.2 km
33. Turn right and follow the bike path Follow 934 m – total 44.1 km
34. Turn left and follow the bike path Follow 1.11 km – total 45.3 km
35. Turn left and follow the bike path Follow 909 m – total 46.2 km
36. Turn right and follow the bike path Follow 978 m – total 47.1 km
37. Turn left onto Upper Kolintie, 5040 Follow 773 m – total 47.9 km
38. At the fork, turn left and follow Upper Kolintie, 5040 Follow 361 m – total 48.3 km
39. At the intersection, gentle left Upper Kolintie, 5040 Follow 609 m – total 48.9 km
40. Turn left onto the trail Follow 62 m – total 48.9 km
41. Turn right onto Upper Kolintie, 5040 Follow 359 m – total 49.3 km
42. At the intersection, gentle right Upper Kolintie, 5040 Follow 386 m – total 49.7 km
43. At the fork, turn left and follow Upper Kolintie, 5040 Follow 763 m – total 50.5 km
44. Turn right onto the trail Follow 978 m – total 51.4 km
45. Turn left and follow the bike path Follow 56 m – total 51.5 km
46. At the fork, turn right and follow the bike path Follow 896 m – total 52.4 km