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22. Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas Geopark- area, Finland Best practice title Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas Geopark- area Short description
Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas Geopark is the second area in Finland to be designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. It is an area of internationally valuable geological heritage and of great natural and cultural values. It is located in Satakunta, South Ostrobothnia and Pirkanmaa counties’ marchland and celebrates the special cultural features of each of them.There are a lot of nature sites with comprehensive hiking services, easily accessible for most people. There are hundreds of kilometers of trails for hikers, cyclists, riders etc., and a lot of wilderness to be explored and photographed. Many of the sites are valuable habitats for rare species, at the same time. The Geopark area with its intriguing activities and services for tourists, schools, researchers etc. is the result of persistent co-operation of ten municipalities, dozens of firms, hundreds of local people and lots of different stakeholders. Metsähallitus has constructed an encompassing network of hiking services, firms are developing products and services together and marketing them under the same brand. Local schools provide Geopark-based programs for foreign students together and the Geopark Rangers organize guided trips to main geosites. Local intangible heritage becomes more and more appreciated and visitors can experience it in most of the sites. The area with its incredibly beautiful wetlands, which form an important basis of the whole Geopark, eskers, brooks and springs is worth visiting at every time of year and every time of day.
Additional information
www.lhgeopark.fi (from 11.06.2020) www.lauhanvuoriregion.fi facebook.com/lauhanvuoriregion Instagram.com/lauhanvuoriregion Twitter.com/suogeopark