The next morning we start late into the day. A long breakfast under the roof of the outdoor kitchen, while a light drizzle still falls.
Luckily, our next camp is only 30 minutes away. A small peninsula with a fire pit, a shelter, and a good wood supply – exactly how we had always imagined Finland.
By the afternoon it’s clear: tomorrow will be an off-day.
An evening by the fire, sleeping in, and nothing to hear but the scolding of a squirrel, the plop of a fish (probably mocking our fishing skills), the buzzing of bumblebees, bees, and dragonflies – and the whisper of the wind in the trees. A place we had long been longing for.
After a wonderfully relaxed day, we pack up our camp the next morning. The bus, however, looks like a battlefield: rumpled bedding, bloodstains, and limbs everywhere (mosquito limbs, of course). The mosquitoes had their feast last night. At least it makes saying goodbye a little easier.
We continue north. The mountain is calling! At 347 meters it just barely earns the name ;) Our destination: Koli. The peak of Ukko-Koli offers perhaps the most famous view in
Finland – across Lake Pielinen with its nearly 2,000 islands.
We shoulder our backpacks and hike up. After an hour we reach the top, the sun is shining, and we take in the legendary view.
Back down in the valley, a small excursion boat is already waiting at the harbor. Small tables and chairs on the sun deck promise a cozy ride. This way, we can admire the lake scenery once again from the water while stretching our tired legs. Wonderful!
After two hours we return to the harbor – and shortly after, we reach the camp we had already spotted from the boat. A pitch in the spruce forest, right by the beach. One last night in Lakeland Finland. Good night!
