lake located in eastern Finland, near the border with Russia. The lake is approximately 60 mi (100 km) long between the towns of Nurmes and Uimaharju and ranges from 1 to 25 mi (1.5 to 40 km) in width. Its area is 335 sq mi (868 sq km). Lake Pielinen has many islands and is drained southward into the large Saimaa lake (Saimaa, Lake) system by the Pielis River. It is surrounded by dense forests, particularly on its scenic and rugged western shore, which is capped by Koli hill; the latter rises to a height of 1,138 ft (347 m) and is the centre of an important winter-sports area. There is a ferry service on the lake during summer and an ice-road during winter.