About Pielinen Dam

Pielinen is the fourth-largest lake in Finland, lying in the North Karelia region and forming part of the Vuoksi river system that ultimately drains into Lake Ladoga. The lake stretches 90 kilometres from north to south and covers over 900 square kilometres. Regulation of Pielinen began in 1970 with the construction of the Kaltimo power station at the outlet at Pielisjoki, bringing the natural water level fluctuations under controlled management for the first time. The reservoir holds approximately 1,100 million cubic metres. Pielinen is surrounded by some of the most scenically dramatic lake-and-fell countryside in Finland, including the famous Koli National Park on its western shore, whose ancient spruce and pine forests inspired the Finnish national romantic movement of the 19th century. The composer Jean Sibelius and painter Eero Järnefelt both visited Koli and drew inspiration from the sweeping views over Pielinen. The lake remains lightly regulated compared to many Finnish reservoirs and supports a healthy ecology of pike, perch, and pikeperch.