The unique nature of North Karelia offers tourists a wide diversity of places to visit. The region’s four national parks, Koli, Kolovesi, Patvinsuo and Petkeljärvi, reveal the beauty of Karelian nature. Hikers particularly treasure the Ruunaa hiking area, located in Lieksa, renowned as one of the most important hiking destinations of North Karelia.
Koli National Park
The Koli National Park is most known for the iconic Finnish national landscape. Did you know that Koli’s famous summit, Ukko-Koli, rises 354 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in Southern and Central Finland? When you stand on those legendary cliffs, you’re standing on bedrock that’s over two billion years old—older than most life on Earth. The views stretch endlessly over Lake Pielinen, and the landscape has inspired artists, hikers, and dreamers for generations.
And if you wander over to Akka-Koli, you’ll discover a charming wilderness church tucked away at the top, a peaceful hideaway where visitors pause to breathe, admire the scenery, and feel a little closer to nature. Koli isn’t just a destination—it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Petkeljärvi National Park
Petkeljärvi is Finland’s smallest national park, offering some of the country’s most unforgettable moments. Here, the calm of untouched wilderness surrounds you—towering pines, crystal-clear waters, and narrow ridges shaped by the Ice Age. As you wander the trails, you’re not only breathing in the serenity of nature, but also stepping into a landscape rich with history and cultural heritage. Every path, every shoreline, carries stories from the past. Petkeljärvi is a place where you can slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover the quiet beauty that makes Finland so unique.
Patvinsuo National Park
Patvinsuo National Park is a true gem for nature lovers — and its long stretches of soft, sandy beaches make it an unexpected paradise for sunbathers. Imagine relaxing by clear lakes, surrounded by peaceful marshlands and forests that feel wonderfully untouched. Just beyond the park, adventure awaits: specially designed viewing cabins offer a safe and unforgettable way to observe Finland’s wildlife. With a bit of luck and patience, you may witness wolverines, bears, and other remarkable animals in their natural habitat. Patvinsuo is a place where tranquility, beauty, and adventure come together, inviting you to slow down, explore, and experience the wild side of Finland.
Kolovesi National Park
Kolovesi National Park is a true paddler’s paradise, a serene world of narrow channels, cliffs, and mirror-calm waters where every stroke of the paddle feels magical. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare and beloved Saimaa ringed seal as it rests on the warm rocks or swims through the quiet coves.
The park stretches across the regions of North Karelia and Savo, bringing together the best of both landscapes—rugged, peaceful, and rich with natural charm. Kolovesi is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience Finland’s lake wilderness at its most enchanting.
Ruunaa Hiking Area
Outdoor enthusiasts love the Ruunaa Hiking Area for its perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking through peaceful forests, casting a line into clear waters, or braving the excitement of a rafting trip, Ruunaa offers something for every kind of explorer.
In total, the area features about 50 kilometres of marked hiking trails, guiding you through diverse landscapes and scenic viewpoints. The rushing white waters are a spectacle in themselves—whether you admire them safely from the shore or feel their power from the seat of a white-water raft.
Ruunaa is a place where adventure and tranquility meet, inviting you to explore, unwind, and make unforgettable memories in the heart of nature.
Find out more about the national parks in Finland!
To find out more about the national parks, their services and trails go to Luontoon.fi!
Nationalparks.fi
