Lauhavuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark

Siikainen is the western gateway to the Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas Geopark area. The geological site of Siikainen is Haapakeidas. Haapakeidas is a peatland conservation area and can be explored from the Katselmankallio nature tower and by briskly walking a few kilometers from the end of Herranmetsäntie to the Haapajärvi wilderness area.

Katselma-Haapajärventila information board and restricted zones 1.4-15.7 (pdf)

Katselmankallio nature tower and lean-to

The Katselmankallio nature tower is located in the village of Leppijärvi, at the highest point in Siikainen. The nature tower is about 15 meters high and offers great views of the largest continuous bog areas in Southern Finland. The nature tower is a good place to spot birds and you may also see other forest animals, as the area has a large animal population.

The Katselma area is worth taking advantage of on both winter and summer hikes! Next to the nature tower is a lean-to and a campfire site, where it is nice to sit for a while and eat a picnic lunch. Hikers also have access to a wilderness hut and a wooden toilet. 

Haapajärvi farm

In the direction of the view, in the Haapakeitaan swamp, there is a space that was still used as a residence in the late 80s, which active nature enthusiasts have renovated to make it a safe place to rest. You can get to the space by driving to the end of Herranmetsäntie and parking in the yard of a deserted house. This is a two-kilometer walk. Since the road practically runs through the middle of the swamp, hikers need good footwear. In the wettest weather, rubber boots are a great choice. The space is located in the Finnish Forestry Agency's peatland conservation area.

What is a geopark? (Redirects to a new site)