Iconic Koli National Park pine tree dies after decades as a landmark
The famous contorted pine tree on Mäkrävaara hill in Koli National Park has died, marking the end of a natural landmark that had drawn thousands of visitors over the years. The tree, long a symbol of the region, was recently observed by a journalist to have shed its needles, leaving only a dry, weathered trunk standing (Yle).
The pine’s decline had gone unnoticed by Metsähallitus staff until the recent report. Suvi Haapalehto, nature services team supervisor at Metsähallitus, confirmed that employees had not detected the tree’s death prior to the discovery (Yle).
While Scots pines can live for 400 to 600 years, the exact age of this particular tree remains unknown (Luontoportti, cited in Ilta-Sanomat). The tree had lost its crown long before its death, likely due to heavy snowfall common in the area (Yle).
A cultural and natural symbol
The pine gained fame through artist Eero Järnefelt’s 19th-century oil painting Landscape from Koli, which helped shape Finnish national identity in the early years of independence. The painting remains a celebrated work, with a reproduction displayed at Helsinki Central Railway Station (Ilta-Sanomat).
Koli National Park, where the tree stood, is one of Finland’s most iconic national landscapes, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts. The pine had been a frequent subject of photographs, its distinctive shape making it a recognizable feature of the park (Yle).