Top 20 Natural Monuments in Southern Finland
Best natural monuments in Southern Finland include diverse geological formations shaped by the Ice Age and tranquil national parks. This region features significant ice-marginal formations, ancient rocks, and extensive lake systems. Southern Finland offers a variety of natural landscapes, from powerful rapids to dense forests and coastal views. These sites provide opportunities to explore natural beauty and historical significance.
Best natural monuments in Southern Finland
- The most popular natural monuments is Vantaankoski Rapids, a river that is a culturally and historically significant rapid in Vantaanjoki. It is 240 meters long with a drop of 5 meters.
- Another must-see spot is Laajalahti Nature Trails, a trail that offers several nature trails along the Villa Elfvik. The shortest 700m trail is accessible with wheelchairs and strollers.
- Visitors also love The Imatra Rapids, a river that is one of Finland’s most famous rapids. This dam-controlled natural spectacle is located in the city center of Imatra.
- Southern Finland is known for glacial formations, national parks, and waterfalls. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from ancient geological features to serene forest trails.
- The natural monuments in Southern Finland are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and 8 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Laajalahti Nature Trails
Highlight • Trail
The route includes many rest spots along the shore with views across the inlet.
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Havis Amanda Fountain
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Sibelius Monument
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Vantaankoski Rapids
Highlight • River
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The Imatra Rapids
Highlight • River
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Korpinkierros Trail (7.2 km)
Highlight • Trail
Korpinkierros, 6-7.2 km circular route,
Travel time approx. 4 hours, no winter maintenance.
Challenging.
The Korpinkierros trail will thrill even experienced hikers with its rocks and varied nature. Descend into the groves and be enchanted by the ponds.
Starting points
Address: Haukkalampi, Haukkalammentie 32, 02820 Espoo and Siikaniemi, Siikajärvenranta, Espoo (pdf 6.2 MB, jualkuus.metsa.fi).
Haukkalampi coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 60° 18.8649' lon: 24° 31.2936' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 6689001 E: 363094
Siikaniemi coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 60° 17.3591' lon: 24° 30.8904' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 6686221 E: 362617
Services and hiking structures
Starting from the Haukkalampi parking area (7.2 km), Haukkalampi nature hut, guide water point, Mustalampi camping area, campfire site, covered campfire site and cooking shelter. Starting from Siikaniemi (6 km), Kolmoislampi has a reserved camping area, Holma-Saarijärvi has two campfire sites/camping areas and a lean-to.
Things to see
The drifting peat bogs of Mustalampi.
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Säynäslahdenpuro Stormwater Wetlands
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Högberget
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Lahankoski Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
The waterfall is formed, when the slowly flowing river pours down a rocky cliff, which extends across the whole width of the stream bed. Before the rapids the river flow is calm. The steepness of the cliff varies along the width of the waterfall, being at best, completely vertical. After the fall, the water to continues its way under the nearby road bridge, and from there to the reservoir of the hydroelectric power plant.
Lahankoski has reportedly got its name from the fact that in the past the river was used often for transporting. As the water level in the rapids was low, the boats had to be portaged along the shore past the waterfalls (portage is laahata in Finnish). Lahankoski has also played an important role in the history of the nearby Laha estate (which is more than 200 years old). On the west side of the first waterfall there has been a sawmill, which was operational until 1912. Below the fall, on the other hand, there has been a watermill of the nearby Kupsenkylä village. The concrete foundations of the mill are still visible in the river. In addition, some remnants of an old log floating flume can still be seen at the river, as log floating was practiced there until the 1950s.
The Laha estate watermill was built in 1892, in the lower part of the rapid, where it served as a small power station in addition to the normal milling activity. Electricity was produced with two generators for the use of the estate itself and the neighbouring houses. Power generation ended in the 1960s, when the turbines broke due to freezing. Lahankoski was then able to flow free until the year 2010, when the hydroelectric plant was renewed, and most of the rapids lost its natural water flow. Happily, however, the highest and steepest waterfall in the rapid was left outside of the hydropower production, even though it is said that at the early stages of the project that was also considered.
Lahankoski can be easily reached by car along the Meijerintie road, and there are several parking places near the rapids. The main waterfall is easy to admire from the wooden road bridge, from where you can see the fall straight ahead. Excluding the driest periods of the year, there is enough water to cover most of the rocky cliff, and the roar of the rapids is an impressive sound. The cultural landscape of the Laha estate around the waterfall is open and idyllic countryside. During the summer, a variety of events are arranged in the area, including exhibitions and film screenings in the renewed mill building. In addition, it is possible to ride or play tennis, if you like to.
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Niskala arboretum
Highlight • Forest
Niskala was a demonstration area for Jakob Kavaleff's nurseries, a demonstration park. Kavaleff was particularly fond of conifers and their special shapes. He acquired seeds and seedlings from abroad and tried them in his nursery and in the tree species park. The first plantings of the arboretum were made in 1905. The area was transferred to the ownership of the City of Helsinki in 1961.
More information: vihreatsylit.fi/niskala-arboretum
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Tips from the Community
Diverse vegetation is also resilient and adapts to changes in land-use and variation in weather conditions. The extent of the services that wetlands provide to people depend on wetland design and well-being, as well as on land-use within the contributing watershed and weather dependent pollutant loads. Constructed wetlands typically consist of a flow dissipating and heavy sediment settling inlet pond, a vast shallow emergent plant covered wetland, and a sediment settling outlet pond. The Säynäslanhdenpuro Wetland consists of three parallel research wetlands with flow and pollutant load monitoring facilitating outlet dams.
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A stormwater wetland is a constructed transitional landscape between water and dry land. Wetlands are natural water detention and purification landscapes. Constructed wetlands are thus established to compensate for challenges to water environment brought about by land-use change. Urban wetlands dissipate and detain runoff thereby preventing flooding and drought extremes. Water quality is mitigated through sediment settling, and purification of soluble pollutants by wetland plants, microbes and soils. Diversity of plants and their associated microbes is a key element in purifying urban waters.
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Land-use change in urban areas from natural to impervious surfaces such as roofs, paved yards and asphalt roads prevents water infiltration and storage within the watershed. Runoff travels quickly over impervious surfaces collecting and carrying everything from surfaces to catch basins and sewers. Impacts visible at the storm sewer outlets to urban streams include flooding, drought and erosion. Depending on land-use within the watershed, runoff carries harmful substances such as nutrients, heavy met- als, oils and rubbish. The receiving water body suffers from habitat degradation while the impervious and drained watershed often experiences draught and heat.
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The Imatra Rapids are one of Finland's oldest tourist attractions, dating back to the 1700s. The Imatra Hydroelectric Dam was built in 1929. It a hugely impressive sight, a highlight of any run here.
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In the northeast of Helsinki's Central Park, Niskala arboretum is a great place to explore. Over 750 different species can be found here and the wildlife wonderfully vibrant.
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Högberget is a particularly panoramic part of the Sipoonkorpi National Park. You can ascend above the trees to its rocky apex and survey the surrounding landscape. The paths here make for great trail runs, with quite a few undulations but nothing too challenging.
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Very nice route walked of about 5 km. (The white/green signs) route goes over rocks and tree stumps and therefore not suitable for someone who is not very mobile. Along the way you will come across a picnic spot. Enjoy this beautiful route!
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Imatrankoski is one of Finland’s most famous rapids and a highlight of any visit to Imatra. The dam-controlled rapids are usually opened in summer for scheduled shows, drawing crowds to watch the powerful flow of water through the old riverbed. It’s located right in the city centre, with good bike access and plenty of space to watch from the bridge or park area. The surrounding Kruununpuisto Park is Finland’s oldest nature park and offers well-kept paths and historical landmarks. It’s a great place for cyclists to stop, explore on foot, and enjoy both natural force and local history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments in Southern Finland?
Southern Finland is home to many cherished natural monuments. Among the most popular are the Vantaankoski Rapids, a historically significant rapid in Vantaanjoki, and The Imatra Rapids, a dramatic dam-controlled spectacle. Visitors also highly rate the Laajalahti Nature Trails, known for bird watching and accessible paths.
Are there family-friendly natural attractions in Southern Finland?
Yes, Southern Finland offers several natural monuments suitable for families. The Laajalahti Nature Trails provide easy walks and bird watching opportunities. The Vantaankoski Rapids and The Imatra Rapids are also great for all ages, offering impressive views and historical context. Additionally, the Palakoski Recreation Area in Vihti is excellent for family picnics and hikes, and the Lahankoski Waterfall is a picturesque spot for a family outing.
Which natural monuments are easily accessible from Helsinki?
Several natural monuments are conveniently located near the Helsinki metropolitan area. Nuuksio National Park and Sipoonkorpi National Park offer accessible escapes into Finnish wilderness, with various trails and natural features. The Väransby Nature Site in Kirkkonummi and Laajalahti Nature Trails are also close by, providing peaceful nature experiences without a long journey.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible nature trails in Southern Finland?
Yes, the Laajalahti Nature Trails near Villa Elfvik offer a shortest 700m trail that is accessible with wheelchairs and strollers, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty and bird watching opportunities.
What kind of geological formations can I see in Southern Finland?
Southern Finland is rich in geological formations, primarily shaped by the Ice Age. The Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark showcases significant ice-marginal ridges and ancient rocks, some 1,600 to 1,900 million years old. You can also find unique features like the Kummakivi Balancing Rock, the Högberget Erosion Cave carved by glacial meltwaters, and the impressive Giant's Kettles in Askola, which are cylindrical holes drilled into bedrock by ancient swirling waters.
Where can I find impressive waterfalls or rapids in Southern Finland?
For dramatic water features, visit The Imatra Rapids, famous for its scheduled water release shows, and the historically significant Vantaankoski Rapids. Another picturesque spot is the Lahankoski Waterfall in Pornainen, a briskly roaring rapid on the River Mustijoki.
What are the best hiking opportunities near Southern Finland's natural monuments?
Southern Finland offers diverse hiking opportunities. Nuuksio National Park features trails like the challenging Korpinkierros Trail. Sipoonkorpi National Park has various routes, including the panoramic Högberget. For more options, explore the hiking guides for the region, such as Hiking in Southern Finland, which includes trails like the Raven's Loop Trail and the Suotaival Trail in Torronsuo National Park.
Are there opportunities for cycling near these natural monuments?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The area around The Imatra Rapids offers good bike access. For more extensive cycling, you can find routes in guides like Cycling in Southern Finland, which features tours around Lake Tuusula and the Espoo Waterfront Walkway.
What is unique about the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark?
The Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark is unique for its impressive ice-marginal formations, which are ridges formed by glacial meltwaters at the end of the last Ice Age. It tells the story of Finland's geological history, featuring internationally significant eskers and ancient rocks. The ridges also play a crucial role in blocking the waters of the Finnish Lakeland, contributing to the region's numerous lakes and extensive groundwater reserves.
Which natural monuments offer peaceful and tranquil experiences?
Liesjärvi National Park is known for its peaceful lakes and scenic ridge trails, making it ideal for those seeking silence and tranquility, especially during winter. The Väransby Nature Site in Kirkkonummi also offers a serene escape with beautiful views of nature and the archipelago, often without large crowds.
Can I find historical sites within or near Southern Finland's natural monuments?
Many natural monuments in Southern Finland have historical significance. Vantaankoski Rapids is a culturally and historically significant site with a prehistoric settlement. The Kruununpuisto Park surrounding The Imatra Rapids is Finland's oldest nature park with historical landmarks. The Lahankoski Waterfall also features visible foundations of an old watermill, reflecting its role in local industry.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in Nuuksio National Park?
Nuuksio National Park, located near Helsinki, offers a quintessential Finnish natural experience. You can expect to see small lakes, high cliffs, and dense forests. It's a diverse landscape perfect for hiking and enjoying the wilderness close to the city.
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