Koli Nature Center Ukko: Gateway to Finland's Soul
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 an introduction to Koli National Park, offering insights into the area's geology, natural environment and cultural history. With exhibitions, guided tours, a souvenir shop, and hiking information, it's the perfect starting point for exploring Finland's famous national landscape.
A brief summary to Koli Nature Center Ukko
- Ylä-kolintie 39, Koli, 83960, FI
- +358407732442
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness the sunrise over Lake Pielinen.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes to explore the trails around the center and Koli National Park.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change quickly.
- Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Visit during the fall to experience the breathtaking autumn foliage.
Getting There
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Car
To reach Koli Nature Center Ukko by car, follow Kolintie (Road 504). Turn onto Road 504 from Highway 6 at the Neste Kolinportti junction. Upon arriving in Ukko-Koli, park in the designated parking area. During peak season, alternative parking areas are available at Ollila, Ukko-Koli slopes, Likolahti and Paimenenvaara, all within a 1–2 km walk to the center. Parking at Ukko-Koli P1-P3 costs around 1€ per hour or 5€ per day. Electric car charging points are available at the P1 parking area.
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Public Transport
The closest train stations to Koli Nature Center Ukko are Joensuu and Vuonislahti. From Joensuu, take a connecting bus or taxi to Koli. A Koli–Joensuu–Koli shuttle taxi offers door-to-door service at rates close to public transport prices; book 24 hours in advance. From the Vuonislahti harbor, a scheduled boat trip operates to Koli from June 14 to August 31, 2025, coordinated with train connections. Bus tickets from Joensuu to Koli cost approximately 10-20€.
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Scenic Lift
From the lower ski station parking area at Rantatie 27, take the Ukko-Koli scenic lift to the upper yard, where Koli Nature Center Ukko is located. The lift operates from June 14 to August 10, 2025, from 10:00-14:00 and 14:30-17:30. A round trip ticket costs €12 for adults and €9 for children (7-12 years).
Discover more about Koli Nature Center Ukko
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Koli Freetime Oy
7.8 km
Experience the beauty of Koli National Park at Koli Freetime Oy, your ideal accommodation choice for nature lovers seeking adventure and relaxation.
VisitKarelia Oy
33.1 km
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Art Center Ahjo
55.1 km
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Carelicum
55.2 km
Explore Joensuu's vibrant culture and history at Carelicum, your go-to tourist information center and museum.
Nilsiä
87.0 km
Explore Nilsiä, a charming town square in Kuopio, Finland, where natural beauty meets local culture for an unforgettable travel experience.
Karelia Cottages Oy
87.8 km
Discover the beauty of Karelia Cottages, where modern comfort meets breathtaking lake views in the heart of Finland.
Tahko Mountain
91.6 km
Discover the stunning beauty and adventure of Tahko Mountain, Finland's premier ski resort, offering thrilling winter sports and year-round outdoor activities.
Unmissable attractions to see
Eero Järnefelt Relief
0.1 km
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Koli National Park
0.1 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Koli National Park, a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Finland.
Koli Railcar
0.1 km
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Uhrihalkeama Ancient Sacrificial Site
0.1 km
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Akka-Koli Hill
0.4 km
Discover breathtaking panoramic views and tranquil nature at Akka-Koli Hill, a scenic highlight within Finland's Koli National Park.
Paha-Koli Hill
0.5 km
Discover Paha-Koli Hill in Finland: panoramic views, diverse trails, and a deep connection with nature await in Koli National Park.
Koli
0.5 km
Explore Koli, Finland's iconic mountain peak, where breathtaking views and outdoor adventures await in a stunning natural landscape.
Koli Ski - Ukko-Kolin rinteet
0.8 km
Experience Finland's stunning natural beauty and thrilling slopes at Koli Ski - Ukko-Kolin Rinteet, a winter sports destination with a rich history.
Ollila and Turula Farms
1.2 km
Experience authentic Finnish rural life amidst the stunning landscapes of Koli National Park at Ollila and Turula Farms.
Mattila
1.5 km
Experience Finnish design, local flavors, and nature's tranquility at Mattila Farm, near Koli National Park in Lieksa.
Kasken Kierros Circle Trail
1.7 km
Hike through history on the Kasken Kierros Trail in Koli National Park, experiencing Finland's cultural landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
Tarhapuro Waterfall
2.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tarhapuro Waterfall in Lieksa, a hidden natural treasure within Finland's Koli National Park.
Feel Koli - opastetut talvi- ja kesäretket Kolin kansallispuistossa
3.0 km
Explore the scenic wonders of Koli National Park with Feel Koli's guided tours for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Finland.
Koli Garden and Sculpture Park
3.6 km
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Ryläys
4.3 km
Discover the natural beauty of Ryläys in Lieksa, Finland, offering hiking, scenic views, and a peaceful escape into the Finnish wilderness.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Latva
0.1 km
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Grill it! Koli
0.1 km
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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
Experience the tranquility of Tarina-Aho: A unique restaurant and retreat on Kelvänsaari Island offering local flavors amidst nature's beauty.
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
52.9 km
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Utran Uittotupa
53.0 km
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Ravintola Kreeta
54.8 km
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Local Bistro
54.8 km
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Nepalilainen Ravintola Marsi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Retkipaikka Koli
0.0 km
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Break Sokos Hotel Koli
0.0 km
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Kolin matkailuyhdistys ry
2.4 km
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Sale Koli
2.5 km
Discover the best of Finnish local cuisine and fresh produce at Sale Koli, your essential grocery stop in the beautiful Koli region.
Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä
2.5 km
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Ikolanaho reservable hut
2.7 km
Discover the tranquility of Ikolanaho Reservable Hut, a perfect self-catering escape surrounded by the stunning Finnish wilderness.
Happy Hoof - Palvelut kengättömille hevosille
5.0 km
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Sale Kolinportti
9.7 km
Discover the heart of Finnish flavors at Sale Kolinportti, your go-to grocery store in Ahmovaara, offering local delicacies and friendly service.
Kolinportin Lahjatavarakauppa
9.7 km
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Wanhan Koulun Puoti Oy
11.0 km
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K-Market Muskotti
26.9 km
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Indianna Imports
27.0 km
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K-Citymarket Lieksa
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Taina`s Style
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Tokmanni Lieksa
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sand Pakka, Koli
0.0 km
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Pub Selostajatorppa
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Helmer H
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Hutikka
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Joensuun Kammari Oy
53.5 km
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Pub Ramona
54.7 km
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Jet Set Bar Oy
54.7 km
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Joensuun Fever Oy
54.8 km
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Another Doggy
54.8 km
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Sointula
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Gloria
55.0 km
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Toripub Päivänurmi
55.0 km
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Bar Play Joensuu
55.1 km
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Bepop Street
55.1 km
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Ravintolabaari Torikulma
55.1 km
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