Sometimes it is harder to find short walks rather than long and overnight Hikes. Of course, it depends on the time of year, but in Winter the idea of hiking is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, I am here to tell you that Winter Hikes can be beautiful. They just have to be the right length and have amazing Conditions. One of those lovely Winter Hikes can are found in the Koli National Park in Finland.
The Koli National Park was founded in 1991, with the objective to protect the national landscape, wildlife and the cultural aspect. It is about 300 hectares large and offers around 80km of trails. And while there are overnight hikes, the most popular is the Circuit to the Top Trail, which provides a fantastic view of a lot of the Koli National Park. Winter or Summer.
But in the Winter:
Ever wanted to see SNOW, SNOW, and more SNOW well then you have no excuse but to visit Finland in the Winter.
While there are a lot of Tourist Tours that you can do of which some are probably good, like going on a Husky Safari, there are a lot of things you can also do without going on a tour. It is about choosing the right adventures that fit your Holiday. The best experience ever, there are a lot of “Free” things to do as well. With proper food wear, no you don’t need the newest Hiking Boots, but just some with a good Sole. Otherwise, you can also use these spikes** to get a better grip on your feet, rather than buying complete new shoes.
But why the Koli National Park?
When traveling north and around Finland, there are just stops that you may want to take. With just a short detour, you will reach this Park. To enjoy the best views of the Koli National Park, you don’t even have to be an experienced Hiker. The Hike to the best Views is a 1.4-kilometres count trip, that will take you to the best Views. Hence the name Circuit to the Tops.
The Circuit to the Tops is the perfect length for any Winter Trail, (even though this can of course also be visited in Summer). Not too long, amazing views and can the reach super easy, as it is located just being the Visitor Centre Ukko, of the Koli National Park.
The Trail is divided into three sections and viewpoints, Ukko-Koli, Paha-Koli, and Akka-Koli.
On the 1.4 km Circuit to the Tops Trail in Koli National Park, you will find a series of stairs and some steeper Areas. As a series of Stairs where closed at the beginning due to massive ice slide. Not so safe to go up on, walk over unless you might want to break you Leg.
This Route will go around counter-Clockwise, cause you know sometimes it is worth it to go against the Stream.
Akka – Koli
The Akka “Hill” is 379 m high, while that may not seem like a lot you should be aware that some balancing acts and you should take sliding into consideration. Try not to go of the “path” either, because the Snow is deep. Like really deep, even in April.
Once you have claimed up to the hill, you will get a perfect Postcard View. When looking at Brochures of the Koli National Park this is often an Image that you will see time and time again. My recreation adepts are not the most beautiful, but sometimes you just gotta take a few Photographs and what better way to stay warm in Finland during the Winter than to Dance again or run around taking Photographs. It will keep you warm.
Paha- Koli, and Ukko- Koli
These two Peaks are located right beside each other. You can almost walk along the Ridges of each of these tops from one or another. The higher one Ukko-Koli is the highest point, at 247m, in the Koli National Park. It will be the peak on the Left if you are standing on top of both.
The view on this Side will give you some fantastic views of the Pielinen Lake. There might not be much to see under the White Blanket at the moment, but somehow I feel like there is a magical touch that surrounds you.
The Air is crisp like a Mountain Breeze Detergent, only much cleaner and not as chemical. On this trail will the place where you will find some clean, pure air, but you are most likely going to feel like an Icecube, cause it is windy, like real windy, well on top of the Hill anyways.
Whatever you choose to do, is your choice, but these fantastic Landscapes just want and need to be shared.
The Circuit to the Tops is a beautiful Hike to consider with some of the Best views of Finland. Will it be on your Finland Itinerary?
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