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Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark adventures

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark Adventures

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark showcases remarkable glacial formations and rich geological heritage, offering extensive outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and nature observation across distinctive moraine ridges.

Approximately 150,000 acres
Acres Protected
Over 200 miles
Miles of Trails
About 100,000
Annual Visitors
2022
Year Established

About Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark

 

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark is located in Southern Finland and features an extensive series of terminal moraines formed during the last Ice Age, known as the Salpausselkä ridges. These ridges stretch over 500 kilometers and represent one of Europe’s most significant glacial geological structures. The geopark combines geological wonders with cultural heritage, including ancient trade routes, historical sites, and traditional rural landscapes. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes shaped by ice-ages, including drumlins, eskers, kettle holes, and expansive sandy outwash plains. The area's ecology includes boreal forests, wetlands, and diverse fauna such as the Eurasian elk, various bird species, and numerous amphibians. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on well-marked trails along the ridges, fishing in clear lakes and rivers, and winter sports like cross-country skiing. Notable landmarks include the Salpausselkä Ridge itself, Glacial Ravines, and unique natural springs. The geopark's educational programs and guided tours provide insights into the glacial history and how it impacts modern landscapes. The region draws visitors interested in geology, nature photography, and Finnish cultural heritage, offering both peaceful nature experiences and active recreational opportunities.

Highlights

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Salpausselkä Ridge – a continuous terminal moraine spanning hundreds of kilometers

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Glacial ravines and unique geomorphological formations

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Ancient lakes formed by glacial meltwaters along the ridge

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Nature trails through boreal forests with diverse birdlife and wildlife

Notable Natural Features

Salpausselkä Ridge

One of the most prominent terminal moraines in Europe, showcasing glacial geology over a 500-kilometer stretch.

Vesijako Drainage Divide

A rare geographic point where waters flow into two different seas: the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia.

Korsnäs Esker

A fine example of a winding esker ridge formed by glacial meltwater, popular for hiking and nature observation.