Salpausselkä Unesco Geopark

The steep ridges, deep kettle holes, and dramatic slopes of the Salpausselkä area are striking reminders of nature’s incredible power. These landscapes were shaped at the end of the Ice Age, around 12,000 years ago, and today form Finland’s most well-known geological formation – so unique that the area has been granted UNESCO Global Geopark status.

As you explore the Hollola and Lahti region, you’re literally walking through layers of history. Every ridge and hollow tells the story of a time when the land still lay under a thick blanket of ice. You can explore the Geopark independently or join a guided tour.

Some of the Geopark’s most popular sites include the Kapatuosia Hillfort and Pirunpesä in Hollola, Pirunkirkko in Heinola, Pulkkilanharju in Asikkala, and Kammiovuori in Sysmä. You can find more information on all these destinations on the Salpausselkä Geopark website.

So pack your backpack, bring some snacks, and step into a journey back 12,000 years, into landscapes where nature and geological history go hand in hand.

Photo: Pulkkilanharju, Johannes Sipponen © Visit Lahti