Salpausselkä Geopark
A landscape created by water
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 the last 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 feeder eskers of international value, such as the picturesque Kelvenne Island and Pulkkilanharju Esker in Päijänne National Park.
Salpausselkä ridges and chains of eskers
Pristine waters
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.
Unique sights
Try moving a rocking boulder that was carried to its place with the continental glacier in the Ice Age; or visit places where the almost two billion year old bedrock is revealed in impressive crevices and cliffs.
All attractions
The First and Second Salpausselkä ridges, the long chains of eskers, magnificent rock formations and hundreds of lakes dotted with islands create a landscape with breathtaking scenery and of unique geological interest. Salpausselkä Geopark is full of interesting sites to visit – welcome!
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.
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.
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Co-operation with local companies
An essential element of geopark activities is co-operation with local companies. Salpausselkä 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 Geopark, aspiring to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, encompasses six municipalities: Asikkala, Heinola, Hollola, Lahti, 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.