Hollola, located in Päijät-Häme, is traditionally known for its distinctive villages and especially for the varied outdoor terrains of Salpausselkä. But did you know that now Salpausselkä's multifaceted nature has also received international recognition? Hollola is now part of the brand new Salpausselkä Geopark. The area was accepted as a UNESCO global geopark site in the spring of 2022. Geopark sites are globally valuable geological areas. Salpausselkä are Finland's most internationally known geological formations. We can thank the ice age for the beautiful ridge landscapes and bodies of water. Salpauselkä's ridges were formed during the last ice age, when glacial rivers transported gravel and sand and piled them into ridges. Indeed, Salpausselkä are at their highest and most spectacular in the area of Salpausselkä Geopark. The geological story of Hollola extends from the ridge landscapes and bodies of water visible on the surface of the earth to also deeper than the surface. A prized treasure lies underground: clean and fresh groundwater reserves filtered by ridges. There are plenty of geological attractions in Hollola. Start, for example, at Salpa-Suppa, located in the municipal center of Salpakangas, and continue your journey to Tiirismaa and Pirunpesä, climb Kapatuosia's castle mountain or explore Lake Kutajärvi's birdlife. Download the destination guide here. Salpa-Suppa - descend into the depths In Hollola municipal center in Salpakangas, it is easy to start getting to know the traces of the ice age and the attractions of Salpausselkä Geopark. Right in the heart of the municipal center, next to the library, is Salpa-Suppa, hidden by trees. It is a round pit, about 15 meters deep. Salpa-Suppa was born about 12,000 years ago during the melting phase of the ice age. You can reach the bottom of Suppa via wooden fitness stairs, which has its own microclimate. Do you notice the difference? Tiirismaa and Pirunpesä - from the heights to the steep gorge Welcome to the top of Southern Finland! The highest point in southern Finland is Hollola Tiirismaa hill. It rises up to 223 meters above sea level. Tiirismaa's mast on top of the hill is a landmark that can be seen from far away. Tiirismaa also has the famous Pirunpesä, an impressive gorge piercing the quartzite rock. It has been an attractive attraction for travelers since the 19th century. The gorge is only a few meters wide at its narrowest point. The steep rock walls rise to a height of 20 meters. Pirunpesä was created in ancient times, when the melting waters of the continental glacier emptied the gorge. There are large boulders left in front and at the bottom. Tiirismaa's rocky area has been defined nationally as very valuable, and it is protected. You can get to know the varied terrains around Tiirismaa on the Tiirismaa tour, which is a 4.5 kilometer long marked outdoor trail. The ancient landscapes of Kapatuosia's castle mountain In Hollola's center, the Salpausselkä Geopark's attraction Kapatuosia castle hill is located. It is a steep ridge that has been formed by the melting water stream of the continental glacier. Historical research has revealed that there have been people on Kapatuosia hill since the Stone Age. From the Viking Age to the Middle Ages, the hill served as a defensive fort. Archaeological treasures have been found in the area, such as fragments of silver coins. At the top of Linnavuori, there is an observation tower that is open in the summer, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Vesijärvi and the cultural and forest landscape. Close to Linnavuori, you can admire Hollola's medieval, solid gray stone church. Admire the historic atmosphere of Linnavuori on the approximately 2.5 km long nature trail that passes through the cultural landscapes of Hollola and follows the shore of Lake Vesijärvi. Count birds at Lake Kutajärvi The internationally valuable area for birdlife, Lake Kutajärvi, is located near the center of Hollola. Lake Kutajärvi and the nearby Lake Vesijärvi bays belong to the national conservation program and the Natura 2000 network. More than 200 species of birds have been observed at Lake Kutajärvi, among them specialities, such as the great heron and the black alder bird. At the north-west end of the lake there is a birdwatching tower with a view of the lake. Along the route to the bird tower, there are information signs that present the birds and vegetation of the area. Find out about other tourist destinations in the Lahti region on the Visit Lahti website. Book a trip to Hollola What do you think about Onnibus? Give us Feedback Freshest news and travel tips What's New
