Koli National Park, about 70 kilometres north of Joensuu, is the most famous viewpoint in Finland and one of the great landscapes of Scandinavia. The park is built around a series of forested fells above the western shore of Lake Pielinen — a lake so large it looks like a sea from the 347-metre summit of Ukko-Koli. The view south across the pine-covered islands and bays of Pielinen became a symbol of Finnish national identity in the 19th century.
The park has well-marked trails ranging from short viewpoint walks to full-day hikes through the forest. In winter, downhill and cross-country skiing are available at the Koli ski resort on the fell. The lakeside village of Lieksa on the eastern shore of Pielinen is reachable by boat in summer. From Joensuu, Koli is about an hour by car or by taking the train to Joensuu and connecting bus. The visitor centre has maps and good information about trails and conditions.