Top 20 Natural Monuments in Southern Finland
Natural monuments in Southern Finland encompass a diverse landscape, ranging from serene lakes and dense forests to dramatic coastlines and ancient geological formations. This region offers varied terrain, including lake plateaus, towering cliffs, and extensive bogs. These sites provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and experiencing the tranquility of Finnish nature. Southern Finland's natural features are shaped by its geological history, including retreating glaciers.
Best natural monuments in Southern Finland
- The most popular natural monuments is Vantaankoski Rapids, a river with significant cultural and historical importance. This rapid is 240 meters long with a 5-meter drop, making it particularly impressive during snowmelt.
- Another must-see spot is Laajalahti Nature Trails, a trail system within a nature reserve known for bird watching. The area protects a shallow bay important for numerous breeding birds and thousands of migratory birds.
- Visitors also love The Imatra Rapids, a dam-controlled river that offers scheduled water release shows in the summer. Located in the city center, it is surrounded by Kruununpuisto Park, Finland’s oldest nature park.
- Southern Finland is known for its national parks, significant rapids, and unique wetland areas. Visitors can explore a variety of natural monuments, from ancient forests and rocky skerries to historical sites integrated with natural features.
- The natural monuments in Southern Finland are appreciated by the komoot community. With 140 upvotes and 8 photos, these locations are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: July 10, 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
Highlight • Monument
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Sibelius Monument
Highlight • 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
Highlight • Natural
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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
nice surroundings to ride in. some of the roads were pretty soft, so wider tires won't hurt.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see in Southern Finland's natural monuments?
Southern Finland offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, from serene lakes and dense forests to dramatic coastlines and ancient geological formations. You'll find lake plateaus, towering cliffs, extensive bogs, and rocky skerries shaped by retreating glaciers. These sites provide ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and experiencing the tranquility of Finnish nature.
Are there any unique geological features among Southern Finland's natural monuments?
Yes, Southern Finland boasts several unique geological features. For instance, The Imatra Rapids are a powerful natural spectacle with scheduled water releases. Torronsuo National Park features one of Southern Finland's largest bogs, accessible via boardwalks. The Archipelago of Porvoo, with its rocky skerries and islets, is a landscape shaped by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago.
Which natural monuments are known for their dramatic scenery or viewpoints?
For dramatic scenery and rewarding views, consider Repovesi National Park with its towering cliffs and crystal-clear lakes. In Sipoonkorpi National Park, Högberget offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Imatra Rapids also provide a powerful visual spectacle, especially during water release shows.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments in Southern Finland?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with many trails suitable for different skill levels. Running and road cycling are also great ways to explore the region. For more detailed information on routes, you can check out guides like Hiking in Southern Finland, Running Trails in Southern Finland, and Road Cycling Routes in Southern Finland.
Are there good hiking trails available at these natural monuments?
Absolutely. Many natural monuments offer excellent hiking opportunities. For example, Nuuksio National Park features numerous marked trails, including the Korpinkierros Trail. Liesjärvi National Park has the scenic Peukaloinen Trail, and Torronsuo National Park offers the Suotaival trail across its unique bog landscape. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking in Southern Finland guide.
Where can I go for bird watching in Southern Finland's natural monuments?
The Laajalahti Nature Trails are an excellent choice for bird watching. The Laajalahti Nature Reserve protects a shallow bay that is crucial for numerous breeding birds and thousands of migratory birds, making it one of the best bird watching areas in Southern Finland.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Southern Finland?
Many natural monuments in Southern Finland are suitable for families. Vantaankoski Rapids and The Imatra Rapids are both family-friendly, offering historical sites and impressive natural spectacles. Nuuksio National Park has easy paths suitable for all fitness levels, and Säynäslahdenpuro Stormwater Wetlands and Niskala arboretum are also great for family outings.
Which natural monuments in Southern Finland are easily accessible by public transport?
Nuuksio National Park is highly accessible by public transport from Helsinki, making it perfect for day trips. Sipoonkorpi National Park is also conveniently located only 24 kilometers from Helsinki and easily reachable. The Imatra Rapids are located right in the city center of Imatra, offering excellent accessibility.
Are there any natural monuments in Southern Finland that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, some natural monuments offer wheelchair accessibility. The shortest 700m trail at Laajalahti Nature Trails is wheelchair accessible, as is the Nature House Villa Elfvik. Additionally, the Havis Amanda Fountain and Sibelius Monument are also wheelchair accessible.
What is the best time of year to visit Southern Finland's natural monuments?
The best time to visit depends on your preferences. Summer (June-August) is ideal for hiking, enjoying the scheduled water shows at The Imatra Rapids, and experiencing the vibrant green landscapes. Late summer and early autumn are popular for mushroom picking in places like Sipoonkorpi National Park. Winter offers a serene experience with snow-covered forests, especially beautiful in places like Liesjärvi National Park. Spring during snowmelt makes rapids like Vantaankoski Rapids particularly impressive.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments in Southern Finland?
Generally, dogs are allowed in many natural areas and national parks in Southern Finland, but they must be kept on a leash. It's always best to check the specific regulations for each national park or nature reserve you plan to visit, as rules can vary regarding restricted areas or seasons, especially in bird nesting sites.
What do visitors enjoy the most about Southern Finland's natural monuments?
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the region. The powerful flow of water at The Imatra Rapids and the rich history surrounding Vantaankoski Rapids are often highlighted. Many also enjoy the well-kept paths and historical landmarks within parks like Kruununpuisto. The opportunity for bird watching at places like Laajalahti Nature Trails is also a significant draw.
Most popular routes in Southern Finland
Most popular attractions in Southern Finland
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