The contorted pine tree, long a landmark for hikers in Koli, has shed its needles and now stands as a dry, weathered trunk. The tree's decline was noticed by an Yle journalist during a hike in the area.
The pine, photographed by thousands of visitors to the park, had become a known natural landmark.
While pines can live for 500–600 years, the exact age of this particular tree is unclear.
The pine was made famous by the artist Eero Järnefelt, who captured it in an oil painting a century ago. His works helped strengthen Finnish national identity in the early years of independence.
Since Järnefelt's time, the tree has changed significantly, having lost its crown. The damage likely occurred years ago, possibly as a result of heavy snow typical of the area.
