Tracks filled with nature, history and culture
The inhabitants of Lahti and Hollola have gotten used to clear waters, sharp altitude differences and many kinds of natural formations. Many are familiar with the kettle ponds and swamps as well as with Ski Centres of Lahti and Hollola, at least because of school’s nature trips. These nature destinations are both part of the identity of the area as well as exceptional natural formations. The Salpausselkä ice-marginal formations were created during the last Ice Age, when the melting of the glacier stopped and the soil built up next to the glacier. The Salpausselkä ice-marginals are at their highest in the Lahti region, enabling the renowned and diverse tracks for many traditional winter sports events.
The landscapes of Salpausselkä got the international recognition they deserve when the Salpausselkä region became a part of UNESCO Global Geopark Network. Global Geopark -designation is an acknowledgement for the ecological, historical and cultural significance of the region. The nature of Salpausselkä is part of the identity and culture of Lahti and Hollola - for example, the oldest sports field of the region is built on the famous Radiomäki (Radio Hill), as well as the well-known radio masts of Lahti. The Tiirismaa area in Hollola, near which the Finlandia tracks go, is full of rock and trees and beautiful nature. Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark support sustainable nature tourism and business as well as local products and services. The members of Global Geopark Network also work towards achieving the Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
Photo: Visit Lahti
Nowadays, the tracks and surroundings of Salpausselkä enable a wide range of business and experiences. The groundwater reserves offer clean and high-quality water both for people in the Lahti region as well as for thousands of people in the capital city area. Clear water provides Lahti with possibilities for food and travel industry, and the versatile lake scenes have created business in the form of restaurants, art galleries and accommodation. Lakeland Finland is filled with picturesque lake landscapes, and the local lake Vesijärvi is in historically good condition, thanks to the persistent conservation work since the 1970s.
In the tracks of Finlandia Ski Marathon, nature and history are intertwined. The tracks go through old forest roads as well as through the Hälvälä district, which is normally a restricted area and is used by The Finnish Defence Forces. The kettle holes formed during the last Ice Age are a specialty in the Lahti area - even the Ski Centre’s famous Stadium is built on a kettle hole. In Lahti and Hollola, nature coexists with the city and business operations. During the Finlandia weekend, skiers have a great opportunity to visit the nature and culture destinations of the city, like the picturesque Lahti harbour, the Lehmusreitti nature trail or the Lanu Sculpture Park. On top of the exquisite Geopark-landscapes, skiers of Finlandia Ski Marathon have a great opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local culture and identity.
This article is part of Finlandia Ski Marathon’s Behind the Scenes -series, which introduces the story and background of the skiing event. Building up some new structures, responsibility actions and a versatile network of partners are interwoven as themes in Finlandia Ski Marathon in 2024.Sources:https://yle.fi/aihe/a/20-10004993 | https://visitlahti.fi/ | https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000005112275.html | https://www.lahdenseudunluonto.fi/salpausselka/ | https://www.finlandiahiihto.fi/uutiset/kapulanvaihto-keskell-salpausselk | https://www.ess.fi/paikalliset/5472750
