Welcome to spend the summer in Koli! The Koli tourist area offers a wide range of activities and unforgettable events. Hike along stunning trails, admire breathtaking scenery, and relax in the embrace of nature. You can also enjoy the opportunities offered by the waterways, such as canoeing or boat trips on the calm waters of the lakes and rivers. The Koli tourist area also hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, and traditional celebrations that add a special touch to your vacation. Come experience Koli and create unforgettable memories!
Events
Koli Gravel Carnival 23.5.2026
The Koli Gravel Carnival is a low-threshold cycling event for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The next event will be held on May 23, 2026, offering participants the best gravel roads in North Karelia and Koli’s stunning national landscapes.
Whether you’re aiming for the top or just riding for fun, you’re welcome to enjoy the joy of exercise with like-minded people. We compete seriously, but not too seriously. With a twinkle in our eyes, enjoying the atmosphere.
Juuan Kesän Avajaiset 6.6.
The Juuka Summer Opening Festival (Juuan Kesän Avajaiset) is a joyful music event for the whole family that brings together Juuka residents, tourists, and everyone from babies to grandparents as the cottage season begins. The event takes place from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the lineup includes the Moomins, Elias Kaskinen, Pirita Niemenmaa & the Misio Orchestra, Ilta, and Ilja Teppo.
European Freestyle Canoeing Championships, 10.–13.6.
The competition brings together Europe’s best freestyle whitewater paddlers at Neitikoski in Lieksa. Freestyle paddling is a fast-paced and acrobatic form of whitewater paddling that involves performing various maneuvers using the currents of the rapids. The competition begins with preliminary rounds on Wednesday, June 10, and progresses through the semifinals to the finals on Saturday, June 13.
Eva’s and Paavo’s Day in Paateri 13.-15.6.
Sculptor Eva Ryynänen’s artist’s home, Paateri, is celebrating a double anniversary this year. It has been 80 years since Eva Ryynänen and her husband Paavo moved to the landscapes of Paavo’s childhood. Fifty years ago, in 1976, Eva Ryynänen opened the doors of her studio to visitors, and Paateri became one of Lieksa’s most famous tourist destinations.
In honor of this anniversary year, the City of Lieksa and the Pielinen Museum want to celebrate Eva and Paavo’s Day for an entire weekend on June 13–14, and on Eva’s birthday, June 15, admission to the artist’s home will be free.
The celebrations will feature various themed talks, musical performances, guided tours, and workshops for children. The celebratory weekend is organized in collaboration with the entrepreneurs of the Paateri’s Juurten Aika café.
Tulikivi Club in Juuka 10.-11.7.
The Tulikivi Club in Juuka on July 10–11 offers two unforgettable concert experiences! On Friday, July 10, partygoers will heat up the dance floor with energetic performances by the Teflon Brothers and Pasi & Anssi, and on Saturday, July 11, the crowd will enjoy a spectacular performance by Laura Voutilainen. Two evenings filled with music, atmosphere, and the festive spirit of summer!
Lieksa Brass Week 24.7.-1.8.
Lieksa Brass Week is one of the world’s most prominent brass music festivals. Every summer, the greatest masters of brass music from around the world gather in the small town of Lieksa to perform, meet one another, and, most importantly, teach talented young musicians from around the world.
Vaskiklubi in Lieksa 24.-31.7.
The Vaskiklubi in Lieksa brings the hottest summer gigs to the lakeside in July! On Friday, July 24, Suvi Teräsniska and Antti Ketonen will take the stage; on Saturday, July 25, partygoers can enjoy two huge favorites, the Teflon Brothers and Anssi Kela; and on Friday, July 31, Juha Tapio will set the mood. Three evenings filled with music, joy, and the festive spirit of summer!
Sorahiisi – a gravel cycling event 14.-15.8.
A picturesque landscape, a rolling route, gravel in all its forms—Sorahiisi offers gravel biking on some of Europe’s best roads.
Once you reach Koli, it’s time to really ride! The Sunset Ride, Sorahiisi 60, and Sorahiisi 160 offer hand-picked cycling routes with something for everyone.
Also on offer is the Sorahiisi 320, which starts at night—200 miles of gravel from Pielinen to the eastern border. In the premier class, riders compete and ride with a spirit of adventure; the shorter distances are relaxed fitness rides.
Activities
Cruises on the M/S Marival II
Cruises aboard the M/S Marival II are the perfect way to explore Finland’s beautiful national landscapes, from the rugged scenery of Koli to the idyllic shores of Vuonislahti. These refreshing excursions are complemented by the ship’s well-equipped café, restaurant, and bar. Book your spot on a round-trip cruise or use route tickets to cross Lake Pielinen.
Eva Ryynänen’s Artist’s Home in Paateri
Paateri is the artist’s home and studio of sculptor Eva Ryynänen (1915–2001), where art and nature come together to form a unique whole. As you walk through the area, the artist’s distinctive touch is evident everywhere: in the buildings, sculptures, and details of the surroundings.
At Paateri, you can learn about the life story of Eva and Paavo Ryynänen in their home environment and admire, in particular, the wood sculptures, whose themes include nature, animals, and Finnish mythology. At the end of your visit, you can enjoy coffee and pastries at the gallery café in the peaceful surroundings of this atmospheric cultural destination.
Pielinen Museum
The Pielinen Museum in Lieksa is one of Finland’s largest open-air museums, where you can explore the history and traditional architectural heritage of Pielinen Karelia. The museum’s extensive open-air area showcases log buildings and farmsteads from the 1700s to the 1900s, as well as the culture associated with forestry and log driving.
Located in the beautiful scenery of Pappilanniemi, on the banks of the Lieksanjoki River, the museum welcomes visitors during the summer season to its open-air museum area and to the main building, which is open year-round and features changing exhibitions. In the summer, you can also stop by the museum’s cozy café and gift shop.
Peak Tour – Guaranteed Departure Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Koli National Park in North Karelia is one of Finland’s most beautiful natural gems. On this tour, you’ll explore Finland’s most popular national landscape with an expert guide. This compact itinerary is perfect for those who want to hear in-depth stories about the history behind the landscape. Come along on your own or with a group!
The Saturday sauna at Juuka’s Saunamaa
The Saturday sauna at Juuka’s Saunamaa offers an authentic Finnish sauna experience in the peaceful natural surroundings of Lake Vaikkojärvi. On Saturdays in July and August from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the warming sauna invites you to relax by the pristine wilderness lake—between sauna sessions, you can take a dip in the clear water or enjoy a non-alcoholic sauna drink.
You can continue your sauna evening at the Sunset Hut with your own snacks or grill sausages over the campfire. If you’d like, you can also try stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, or rowing on the lake using Saunamaa’s equipment.
Check out these Saunamaa experiences, too!
Cross-country rides in Paimentupa
Explore the stunning hilltop scenery of Koli on friendly Icelandic horses. Rides are available for both beginners and more experienced riders. All rides are led by an instructor, so please book your spot in advance.
Check out the activities available in the area
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Restaurants and Cafes
Grill It! Koli
At Grill It! at Break Sokos Hotel Koli, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of dishes grilled over an open fire, as well as the breathtaking national landscape visible through the windows.
Tervaskanto
The Tervaskanto restaurant, located at Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä, is open daily.
Café Latva
Café Latva is Break Sokos Hotel Koli’s cozy café and lobby bar, where you can enjoy pizza, snacks, pastries, and refreshments at the end of your day of hiking while admiring Koli’s national landscapes.
Kaski Bar
You can end your evening at the atmospheric Kaski Bar, which is open at Break Sokos Hotel Koli on Fridays and Saturdays. Take a seat on the terrace to enjoy the summer evening, with stunning views of Lake Pielinen!
Café Koli
At Café Koli in Koli Nature Center Ukon, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and delicious treats while taking in the scenery.
Kolin Ryynänen
Bistro Ryynänen combines a warm atmosphere with local flavors. Here, you can indulge in dishes inspired by Koli, accompanied by excellent service.
Kolin Satamatupa
Located on the shores of Lake Pielinen, Satamatupa offers a summery atmosphere, fresh flavors, and a lake view that makes every moment special.