Koli Nature Center Ukko: Gateway to Finland's National Landscape
Discover Finland's iconic national landscape, explore Koli's nature and culture at the gateway to Koli National Park.
Koli Nature Center Ukko serves as the primary information hub for exploring Koli National Park, offering insights into the region's unique geology, nature, and cultural heritage. Located on the western shore of Lake Pielinen, the center provides access to stunning viewpoints and a variety of outdoor activities.
A brief summary to Koli Nature Center Ukko
- Ylä-kolintie 39, Koli, 83960, FI
- +358407732442
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning sunrise or sunset views.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes to fully enjoy the various trails around the center and in Koli National Park.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions in the Koli area can change rapidly.
- Take advantage of the hiking information and tips provided by the staff at the Nature Center for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Consider visiting during the fall to witness the breathtaking autumn foliage that Koli is famous for.
Getting There
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Car
To reach Koli Nature Center Ukko by car, follow Kolintie (Road 504). Turn onto road no. 504 from Highway 6 at the Neste Kolinportti junction. Upon arriving in Ukko-Koli, park in the designated parking area. From the parking area, walk towards Yläpiha (300m) and either climb the steps (150m) or take the complimentary railcar. During peak season, parking P1-P3 (Ylä-Kolintie 39) can be congested. Alternative parking is available at Ollila, Ukko-Koli slopes, Likolahti and Paimenenvaara, all within a 1–2 km walk to the Nature Center. Electric car charging points are available at the P1 parking area for a fee. Accessible parking spaces are located near the Break Sokos Hotel Koli entrance, requiring a valid permit. Parking fees vary depending on the location and season. Expect to pay around €5-€10 for a day.
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Public Transport
To reach Koli Nature Center Ukko via public transport, take a train to Joensuu, Lieksa, or Vuonislahti. From Joensuu, take a bus to Kolinportti on Highway 6, approximately 9 km from Koli National Park. From Kolinportti, book a bus to Koli in advance. Alternatively, a Koli–Joensuu–Koli shuttle taxi offers door-to-door service at rates close to public transport prices; book 24 hours in advance. From Vuonislahti, a ferry operates to Koli from June 14 to August 31, 2025, coordinated with train connections. Bus fare from Joensuu to Kolinportti is approximately €10-€15. Shuttle taxi from Joensuu to Koli is approximately €50-€70. Ferry from Vuonislahti to Koli is approximately €10-€20.
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Walking
From the Ukko-Koli parking area, Koli Nature Center Ukko is a short walk away. Follow the road towards Yläpiha for 300 meters. You can either take the steps (150m) up to the center, or use the free railcar. The railcar is also wheelchair accessible. There is no cost for walking. The railcar is also free.
Discover more about Koli Nature Center Ukko
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Koli Freetime Oy
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VisitKarelia Oy
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Art Center Ahjo
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Carelicum
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Nilsiä
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Karelia Cottages Oy
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Tahko Mountain
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Unmissable attractions to see
Eero Järnefelt Relief
0.1 km
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Koli National Park
0.1 km
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Koli Railcar
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Uhrihalkeama Ancient Sacrificial Site
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Akka-Koli Hill
0.4 km
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Paha-Koli Hill
0.5 km
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Koli
0.5 km
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Koli Ski - Ukko-Kolin rinteet
0.8 km
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Ollila and Turula Farms
1.2 km
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Mattila
1.5 km
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Kasken Kierros Circle Trail
1.7 km
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Tarhapuro Waterfall
2.0 km
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Feel Koli - opastetut talvi- ja kesäretket Kolin kansallispuistossa
3.0 km
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Koli Garden and Sculpture Park
3.6 km
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Ryläys
4.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Cafe Latva
0.1 km
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Grill it! Koli
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Ski Bistro Rinnetupa
0.8 km
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Kolin Keidas
1.3 km
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Kolin Satamaravintola
1.7 km
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Kolin Ryynänen
2.4 km
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Ravintola Tervaskanto, Koli
2.5 km
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Tarina-Aho
7.0 km
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KontioLomat Oy
40.1 km
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RAVINTOLA SULO
52.1 km
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Lounaskahvio Pamilo Avoin yhtiö T Hietala ja M Ruotsalainen
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Utran Uittotupa
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Ravintola Kreeta
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Local Bistro
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Nepalilainen Ravintola Marsi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Retkipaikka Koli
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Break Sokos Hotel Koli
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Kolin matkailuyhdistys ry
2.4 km
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Sale Koli
2.5 km
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Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä
2.5 km
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Ikolanaho reservable hut
2.7 km
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Happy Hoof - Palvelut kengättömille hevosille
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Sale Kolinportti
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Kolinportin Lahjatavarakauppa
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Wanhan Koulun Puoti Oy
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K-Market Muskotti
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Indianna Imports
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K-Citymarket Lieksa
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Tokmanni Lieksa
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sand Pakka, Koli
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Pub Selostajatorppa
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Helmer H
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Joensuun Kammari Oy
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Pub Ramona
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Jet Set Bar Oy
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Joensuun Fever Oy
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Another Doggy
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Sointula
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Gloria
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Toripub Päivänurmi
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Bepop Street
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Ravintolabaari Torikulma
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