Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark
The area of Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark was once reigned by a large mountain range. Now, the beautiful landscape is dominated by mires. The geological story of the region, shaped by billions of years, can be experienced at the geological and cultural sites as well as on the extensive network of hiking and cycling trails. At Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark, you can experience the mystical atmosphere of mires in the true wilderness and discover the traces of ancient geological developments.
Attractions in Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark
Discover the region
Highlights
Kauhaneva is a gem of southern mire nature, a wilderness bird paradise along situated by a medieval ...
Katikankanjoni is spruce forested a ravine carved by flowing water in the head waters of Kyrönjoki ...
Käskyvuori, rising on the northeastern border of the Geopark, is a wonderful and easily accessible ...
Alkkianvuori is a calotte hill in. Its summit has not been covered by the post-glacial meltwaters. ...
The Wolf cave of Karijoki is an exciting archeological site on the top of Susivuori, with diverse ...
Kivijata is the largest stone field of Lauhanvuori National Park
Spitaalijärvi is the jewel of Lauhanvuori, one of the most popular attractions in the national park ...
An enchanting spring in the middle of a spruce forest.
Haapakeidas is Finland's westernmost mire wilderness area. Large open mires are punctuated by forest ...
The finest raised bog landscape in Western Finland opens up from Huidankeidas bird watching tower.
Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark
The metamorphosis from mountains to mires
Embark on a trip in the landscape that was shaped by billions of years with its mires, boreal forests, and ancient mountains. The terrain of the area is mainly easy to navigate – despite the wilderness, the vast, magnificent mires can also be easily admired from the boardwalks and numerous observation towers.
- Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark is internationally recognized and valuable for its geology.
- The story of the area – the metamorphosis from an ancient mountain range to a flat mireland – can be explored at natural and cultural sites, as well as on numerous hiking and cycling trails.
- Mires, forests, lakes, and rivers also influence the local cuisine, which you can try by enjoying GEOfood-themed dishes.
Dive into the story of two billion years!
Video: Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark
Nature preservation areas that take your breath away
Lauhanvuori National Park and Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park – both located in Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark – offer great natural sites and hiking trails, on which you can walk through ancient shorelines, dive into the shade of a spruce forest as the spring stream soars and rest your eyes on the vast wilderness of the mires.
In Hämeenkangas Ridge Area, you can enjoy spectacular lichen-covered pine forests, sandy ridges, enchanting springs, and the atmospheric lean-to shelters and campfire sites along the trails. Forget about the hustle and bustle of the everyday life and enjoy activities in the nature on these easy-to-follow trails in the wonderful forests!
Hills, caves, and lakes
From the middle of the mire-dominated landscape, you can see the remnants of the ancient mountains. Discover the geological peculiarities and enjoy the vast views of the surrounding landscape from the peaks!
Local culture and history
Throughout the centuries, the life in Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark has revolved around the local mires and forests. You can get to know these stories in the museums that take you on a journey through time and tell you about the way of life in the past.
The area is also known for its art. ITE art, that is Finnish art created in the everyday life of self-taught artists, can be admired both in exhibitions as well as on a side of a road. For example, the Kankaanpää Circle of Art is a collection of more than a hundred works of art permanently placed in the urban environment.
Experience nature in all seasons
- In spring, when the snow melts, the mires come alive. The sounds of numerous birds – such as black grouses, geese, cranes, and waders – and white blossoms of cotton grass fill the landscape and create a fascinating atmosphere. In spring, all the trails and natural sites are opened for hikers.
- Summertime in Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark offers the visitors its best. The forests and mires are full of life, and nature is at its greenest. Take a dip in the refreshing natural waters and spend the night in a tent or hammock, enjoying the light Finnish summer nights. The Geopark is also full of interesting events in summer.
- Autumn is a great time for hiking in the geopark. Autumnal mires resemble those of Lapland with their bright colours. Mushrooms and berries await their pickers as the birds prepare for migration and nature calms down for the winter.
- In winter, the snow-covered landscape creates a peaceful setting for visitors. Starry winter evenings on the edge of a vast mire will take your breath away. There are plenty of huts and lean-to shelters where you can have lunch breaks and campfires and enjoy the wintertime atmosphere. In winter, the area has hundreds of kilometres of maintained trails. In addition, you can make your own way in the snowy landscapes with snowshoes or mini skis.