Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark

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Salpausselkä Geopark

Salpausselkä Geopark

Welcome to the official website of Salpausselkä Geopark!

UNESCO designated Salpausselkä Geopark, situated in the Lahti region in southern Finland, tells the story of the best-known geological entity of Finland. The First and Second Salpausselkä are unique ice-marginal formations laid down by ancient meltwater streams at the end of the Ice Age. They reach across the entirety of southern Finland and are at their most spectacular in the area of Salpausselkä Geopark. Here they are joined to eskers of international value, such as the picturesque Kelvenne Island and Pulkkilanharju Esker in Päijänne National Park.

Salpausselkä ja Unesco logot

Media release 13-April-2022: UNESCO Global Geopark designation to Salpausselkä Geopark

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Explore the sites

Scenic views

Steep ridges, high hills, rugged rocks and observation towers offer magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Admire the breathtaking Geopark landscapes and marvel at the beauty of nature.

By the water

The hundreds of lakes in the area range from small kettle ponds to Finland’s second-largest lake, Päijänne, and they offer stunningly beautiful scenes and superb opportunities for recreational activities.

Forest trails

Versatile outdoor trails and interesting natural attractions offer tranquil forests and space to breathe. Beautiful eskers, lake shores, stunning views and the feel of wilderness – there is something for everyone.

Cultural heritage

Churches full of history, fascinating museums and the built cultural landscape offer plenty of places that deserve a visit. Discover your favourite and embark on a cultural tour.

Urban nature

You do not always need to go far to enjoy the surrounding nature. Here, you can conveniently start your excursion to nature from the city centre.

Geosites

Try moving a rocking boulder that was carried to its place with the continental ice sheet, walk along a path on top of a winding esker, or visit places where the almost two billion year old bedrock is revealed in impressive outcrops.

Outdoor etiquette

Respecting nature, getting around, camping, lighting fires and litter-free hiking – take note of the summarised tips for excursion etiquette and you are ready to head outdoors. Always check the detailed rules of your excursion destination on the destination page as well.

Salpausselkä Geopark paddling map

The clean and easily accessible lakes of the Salpausselkä Geopark area provide diverse routes for water activities. All municipalities in the area — Lahti, Hollola, Heinola, Asikkala, Padasjoki, and Sysmä — are located by large lakes. The indicative routes marked on the map were developed as part of the "Water Trail Map and Routes of the Salpausselkä Geopark Area" project in the autumn of 2024. The routes are not marked in the terrain. The project was implemented and co-funded by Salpausselkä Geopark, with 70% of the funding provided by the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme. The routes on the paddling map are currently presented in Finnish.

Explore the routes

Nature sights & trails on a map

Check nature sights, trails and routes for cycling and hiking on a digital map. You’ll find also all accommodation, cafes, restaurants, harbours as well as activities on a map.

Map

Conquer Salpausselkä Geopark on bike

The Salpausselkä Geopark area with its varied terrain and landscapes is great for cycling. We have gathered tips from a cyclist’s perspective for routes on both city streets and rural roads, with numerous points of interest, charming places to rest and a broad range of services along the route. These tips will help you to plan both day trips and longer tours. You will also find here the off-road cycling trails in the region.

Geopark partners

An essential element of geopark activities is co-operation with local companies. Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark is working on a model that allows companies to apply for a partnership with the geopark and then, for example, use the geopark logo in their promotions.

Fostering a sustainable way of life

We provide environmental education for a sustainable way of life for learners on all levels from early learning to secondary education. The goals are to educate the children and the young to appreciate the special features of their local environment and to connect a sustainable way of life to their local identity and their sense of belonging to the place.

Contact Salpausselkä Geopark

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark encompasses six municipalities: Lahti, Hollola, Heinola, Asikkala, Padasjoki and Sysmä. The work of Salpausselkä Geopark is coordinated and managed by the geopark staff within the regional tourism company Lahden Seutu – Lahti Region Ltd. The geopark staff work in close co-operation with the local authorities and other local actors committed to developing the geopark.

Salpausselkä Geopark Project

The Salpausselkä Geopark Project was carried out between 2017 and 2020 by Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland, in co-operation with municipalities and and a wide range of other regional actors. The project was funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), as well as the participating municipalities: Asikkala, Heinola, Hollola, Kärkölä, Lahti, Padasjoki and Sysmä.