Here lies Finland’s most splendid winter attraction – do you dare to step into the magical world of Koli’s snowy giants?

Undoubtedly, Koli’s national landscape is one of Finland’s most magnificent natural destinations. Koli offers stunning scenic experiences throughout the year, but there’s something truly special at the top of Koli in winter, with its enormously beautiful and imagination-stirring heavy snow formations. In my book, heavy snow or ‘tykky‘ as we call it in Finnish is one of the most beautiful aspects of Finnish winter, and perhaps the best way to step into its magical world is a snowshoe hike to the peaks of Koli.

Finland, Naturally Koli

Address: Ylä-kolintie 39, Koli (map)

Koli is the southernmost place in Finland where tykky snow occurs. This phenomenon happens when snow crystallizes on tree branches due to a combination of moist air and low temperatures. Koli’s significant elevation difference feeds this phenomenon. This leads to the formation of white, heavy tykky snow on the branches over days, looking like large artworks. The tykky snow cover on Koli’s peak is indeed an impressive sight, which is why it attracts visitors every winter from all over Finland. However, it’s wise to follow the weather forecasts and conditions, as the wind sometimes plays its tricks and strips the trees of their snowy garments.

If Koli touches your heart for the first time when you first glimpse the hill, seeing it as a crown in the opening landscape, and again as you wind up the serpentine road to its slope, neither of these moments is more than a pale prelude to the feeling that especially the peak of Koli evokes in winter.

I got my snowshoes from Finland, naturally Koli and headed towards the three peaks of Koli rising right beside me. Snowshoeing is easy and really suitable for nearly anyone who can walk – when renting, Finland, Naturally Koli helps you with getting started, such as adjusting the shoes properly.

The journey is not long, but it’s worth taking your time. The landscape is such that it firmly holds you in its grip. Nature, adorned with tykky snow, is a fascinating sight that stirs the imagination. The shapes of snowy trees can resemble people or mythical creatures, and moving among them feels like stepping into a quiet, white magical world, filled with living, breathing artworks.

Each heavy snow formation is unique and captivating, and moving among them is like walking in a snowy art exhibition. A trip to the top of Koli is like stepping into a mythical world where everything is beautiful and possible. While walking, it’s also worth stopping for a moment to enjoy the silence and peace of nature. Walking on the peak of Koli with snowshoes, one can sense the strong presence of nature and feel its beauty and power. That’s what happened now, too, and towards the end of the trip, the camera was forgotten in the pocket, as I wanted to absorb the beauty of winter with my whole soul.

A snowshoe hike to the peak of Koli is a magnificent experience, offering stunning views and unforgettable experiences of the winter nature. Snowshoeing allows for a deeper connection with the snow and various elements of the forest, as you effortlessly glide over snowdrifts and off the winter trails. There’s a path on the peaks of Koli, along which you can admire the heavy snow cover, breathtaking winter landscapes, and the dominating feature of the scenery, the rhythmic Pielinen Lake.

The views from the peak are breathtaking, and the snow-covered trees and terrain offer wonderful photographic subjects. Overall, Koli National Park offers great experiences year-round, but in winter, the heavy snow-covered peak of Koli is worth seeing in itself. Many have visited in the summer, but winter provides a new – and how beautiful! – reason to return.

As I walked on the peak, I also felt immense gratitude for this place and for the fact that my company Finland, Naturally, in addition to serving hikers and travelers in Nuuksio, gets to do so right here in Koli. In addition to rental equipment, we offer guided nature tours and information about the area’s hiking trails. I might find myself there sometime, so please tell us when you visit, especially if this article inspired you to come. A trip to the peaks is certainly an unforgettable experience that will stay in your mind for a long time.

Finland, Naturally Koli is located on the western shore of Lake Pielinen, approximately 70 kilometres north of Joensuu.

Ukko.Retkipaikka.fi

Address: Ylä-Kolintie 39, Koli (Nature Centre Ukko)
Phone: +358 40 773 2442
E-mail: [email protected]

Finnish nature awaits. Let us show you it’s secrets!

This post is also available in: German