Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark
Tiirismaa Trail is organized in the midst of a unique Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark. The Geopark, which received UNESCO status in 2022, tells the story of the last ice age through globally significant ridges, glacial lakes, cliffs, bogs and groundwater.
The Tiirismaa Trail routes run through the most spectacular areas of the Geopark, in the terrains of Messilä, Tiirismaa, Tiilijärvi, Soisalmi, Kintterönsuo and Tapanila. At the same time, participants get to explore one of Finland's most valuable geological entities and the most diverse nature sports environments in Southern Finland.
More information about Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark:
Lahti City Cross-Country Sports Trails
Some of the Tiirismaa Trail routes utilize Salpausselkä Trails cross-country trails maintained by the City of Lahti. The approximately 35-kilometer network of marked trails is designed for year-round use and is suitable for walking, trail running and mountain biking.
In addition to marked trails, the area is crisscrossed by an extensive network of nature trails, which, together with the hiking trails of the municipality of Hollola, form one of the best outdoor recreation and trail running areas in Southern Finland.
More information about Lahti's cross-country trails:
https://www.lahti.fi/vapaa-aika/luonto-ja-aktiviteetit/maastoliikuntapolut/
Nature reserves along the route
The Tiirismaa Trail runs near several valuable natural areas. Preserving biodiversity is one of the event's core values. All participants will be briefed about the nature reserves before the event, and the race will be organized in accordance with the authorities' permit conditions and the rules of the areas.
Tiirismaa Nature Reserve and Pirunpesä
The Tiirismaa rock area is a nationally valuable natural site. The area also includes Pirunpesä, one of the most famous attractions of Salpausselkä Geopark – an impressive rock crevice that was created as a result of the ice age and weathering.
More information:
https://www.salpausselkageopark.fi/
Kintterönsuo Nature Reserve
Kintterönsuo is a natural marshland and an important part of the Salpausselkä marshland. The area also serves as part of the Salpausselkä marshland route and offers a great opportunity to explore the marshland of Southern Finland.
Hakalauknumu
Hakalaukunsuo is a valuable marshland in Salpausselkä, Lahti. The area is part of the city's popular outdoor recreation network, and the Hakalaukunlenkki cross-country trail runs nearby.
Soisalmensuo Natura 2000 area
Soisalmensuo is a natural oasis bog and part of the Natura 2000 network. New boardwalks make it possible to explore the area without destroying nature. The Tiirismaa Trail runs near the area and utilizes existing routes.
Hazelnut grove on the north side of Lake Iso-Tiilijärvi
To the north of Lake Iso-Tiilijärvi lies a protected hazel grove, one of the most valuable forest natural sites in Tiirismaa. The abundant hazel occurrence is exceptional on a scale in Southern Finland and increases the area's biodiversity.
Tiirismaa Trail's environmental responsibility
Nature is the most important operating environment for Tiirismaa Trail. The event aims to offer experiences in nature while preserving the natural values of the area for future generations.
In the competition:
- Utilize existing routes and paths
- take into account the regulations of nature conservation areas
- instruct participants in responsible outdoor activities
- waste management and cleanliness of the routes are taken care of
- We cooperate with landowners, municipalities and authorities.
Check out the Tiirismaa Trail environmental plan:
➡️ [Insert link to environmental plan here]
