This European National Park Offers Year-Round Hiking Adventures With Panoramic Views

Few nations in the world strike a balance between tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to nature like Finland. Beyond being home to a magical Santa Claus village in the Arctic Circle, Finland's capital of Helsinki is famous for its blend of old and new with innovative architecture, stylish cafes, and historic sites. It is also one of the friendliest cities in the world. But when describing this country tucked way up in the north of Europe, its natural beauty inevitably takes center stage. Over 75% of Finland is covered in forest, and it's often referred to as "The Land of a Thousand Lakes" because it has more than 188,000.

The Finns have a cultural concept known as "Jokaisenoikeudet" or "everyman's rights," which refers to the inherent right to enjoy the natural beauty. They also extend it to dogs with this unique spot to bring your furry friend. The country takes nature seriously and has 41 national parks for casual hikers and wilderness adventurers alike. In eastern Finland lies Europe's largest lake region, aptly called Lakeland. Wild, pristine, and well-protected, there are a few national parks in the area. One beloved place that is open year-round is Koli National Park.

Famous for its hikes to small peaks that offer expansive views of the forest-surrounded lakes with little pine-covered islands. Koli's natural wonders can be enjoyed in all seasons. While it is a six-hour drive from Helsinki, closer airports are in Joensuu (domestic) and Kuopio (international). No matter where you land, it's possible to reach Koli by train or bus. Being a national park with many natural sites to see, the best way to get the most out of Koli is to explore by car. Once in the area, there are holiday cottages, hotels, and hostels available, as well as camping and caravan sites within the park.

A trip to Finland in the summer brings out the natural beauty that has been buried in snow and dormant during the long winter months. The days are epically long, and if timed right, you might even catch the Midsummer (Juhannus) Festival. That's when Finns celebrate the summer solstice with barbecues, saunas, and bonfires. The sun might dip below the horizon, but it maintains a sunset of colors in the sky all night long.

It's a great season to visit Koli National Park. The old-growth forests, mixed with colorful meadows and lush woodlands, are the perfect escape as you quietly wander paths through old spruce trees and try to spot the birds. There are trails for hikers of all levels. You could do a few-hour jaunt or even stay at one of the campfire sites and wilderness huts scattered throughout the park. The classic Koli hiking experience is to tackle one of the peaks: Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli, or Paha-Koli. These stone outcroppings on top of the hills emerge above the forest and offer panoramic views of the forested landscape and Lake Pielinen below. Finland's fourth-largest lake, the trees reach right to the edge of Lake Pielinen's jagged coast.

The outdoor activities don't stop at hiking. There are numerous biking trails allowing visitors to cover more distance. Guided tours on horseback can also be arranged and are a great way to see the park. Of course, Lake Pielinen takes the Koli National Park experience in summer to the next level with canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing – just be sure to research the local regulations before casting any lines. The lake is dotted with islands that have campfire sites, lean-to shelters, and cabins along marked routes, making water adventures with overnight stays an option.

Don't let the thought of a Finnish winter stop you from visiting — it's one of the best places to spend Christmas. While the days might shorten, the temperature drops, and the snow begins to fall, the outdoor adventures in Koli National Park continue. The green forests turn into a snow-covered oasis. Hiking boots are swapped out for snowshoes. And a walk through the trees becomes like wandering in a snow globe. The layer of soft snow muffles the sounds, creating a profoundly peaceful silence.

Snowshoeing is the best way to access the peaks and panoramic views in the winter. They're much slower than walking, and Koli has a mapped-out 1.2-mile snowshoe loop that can be done solo or with a guide. Another option for zipping through the forest is with cross-country skis.

Downhill skiing is also a big draw in this national park and a fun way to take in the scenery. Ukko-Koli is the biggest ski resort in southern Finland and can challenge even the most experienced. There are seven slopes that can be accessed from Koli Nature Centre Ukko and Break Sokos Hotel Koli. A chairlift also takes skiers from the shores of Lake Pielinen to the top of the peak, giving riders breathtaking views of the snow-covered lake and countryside. Equipment can be rented at the resort, and lessons are available for beginners. After a long day of ripping the slopes, legs tired and weak, cheeks rosy from the below-freezing temperatures, tuck into the Koli Relax Spa for a sauna. It's the best cure after a long winter day and the ultimate Finnish experience.