If you like water then Koli is the place for you. Try a Church rowing-boat or a motorboat trip from Koli Harbour. Or if you prefer paddling your own (or rented) canoe, try a picnic trip to the sandy esker islands in the National Park, where you’ll find facilities for your own campfire – not forgetting a refreshing swim from the beaches.

The same white-sand beaches can be found on the mainland – purchase a local map and you’ll find them scattered along the lake shore.

Take your pick – you can go on an organised cruise, fishing trip, or picnic; or just hire a canoe and go off on your own.

Swimming opportunities in the Koli area include the National Park beaches, the Koli village beach at Verkkolampi, and the Future Freetime Centre beach at Kopravaara.

For canoeing, in addition to Lake Pielinen there are the more sheltered waters of Herajärvi. And the easiest way to find a rowing boat is to rent a summer cottage with boat included.