A Landscape Created by Water

Salpausselkä Geopark extends from the legendary terrains of the First Salpausselkä in Lahti to the southern part of the vast Lake Päijänne, where the capital region gets its drinking water. Layered by ancient glacial meltwater streams along the edge of the continental ice sheet, forest-covered Salpausselkä ridges run across the region and are at their most spectacular here. Formed at the end of the Ice Age, they represent Finland’s internationally best-known geological heritage. They form a unique entity in the Salpausselkä Geopark area, together with ancient cliffs ’, hundreds of lakes and narrow eskers. There is also something particularly valuable underground: the thick gravels and sands of Salpausselkä hide within vas reserves of pure groundwater, which can be enjoyed as top-quality tap water.

The region, covering six municipalities, was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in spring 2022. The Global Geoparks network brings together and highlights both unique sites of geological interest and the operators promoting sustainable tourism at their area.

Learn more: https://visitlahti.fi/en/frontpage/salpausselka-geopark/a-landscape-created-by-water/

Developing sustainable tourism

We are part of the Salpausselkä Geopark partner network because we want to provide opportunities to enjoy our internationally valuable region in a sustainable way – in line with the UNESCO Global Geopark values. We are committed to the principles of sustainable tourism and we want to learn more and develop our activities for the future.

Together with other stakeholders, we will promote the visibility of the region’s attractions, natural and cultural heritage, and build the prosperity and well-being of the region.