Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland
Attraction of the Month, Finland By Ndéla Faye
The enchanted forest
Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark showcases Finland’s nature at its best. From swimming in kettle holes shaped by the last Ice Age, to exploring unique geology and untouched forests, the park offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. Located in the province of North Ostrobothnia, Rokua Geopark is part of a larger area comprising of Oulujokilaakso, Oulujärvi and Rokua, included in UNESCO’s global Geopark network. The aim of geoparks is to showcase and preserve geological and cultural heritage sites around the world. “Sustainable development is extremely important to us: we promote local services and products offered by the businesses located in the Geopark,” says Vesa Krökki, Rokua Geopark’s executive director. The park is suitable for the whole family, and there are a number of family-friendly walking trails and activities on offer: from swimming, mountain biking, canoeing and hiking in the summertime to diving under ice, dog sledding, ice fishing and crosscountry skiing in the winter. “Diving under
ice is a special experience that we offer: the water in Rokua’s lakes is so clear that the conditions are ideal for diving in the summer and even more so in the winter,” adds Krökki. The park is also home to a range of wildlife, including golden eagles that visitors can go photograph on guided tours. “We’re primarily an Ice Age Geopark, but the area also has amongst the oldest bedrock in Europe, some of it dating as far back as 2.7 billion years,” Krökki explains. Rokua bears the remnants of a prehistoric time – and the area’s unique flora and fauna, long summers and winters and Finnish traditions only add to the park’s charm.
Photo: Visit Oulu
Photo: Hannu Kivelä
Photo: Henri Luoma
For more information, please visit: www.rokuageopark.fi
Everyone deserves to enjoy the journey. Our two Superferries sail by day or overnight from Harwich to the Hook of Holland - the most direct route to Holland by ferry from the south of England. Enjoy superb onboard facilities including two stylish restaurants and bars, a blockbuster cinema, luxurious en-suite cabins and our first class Stena Plus lounge.
HOLLAND
£59
FROM
CAR + ONE • HARWICH - HOOK OF HOLLAND
Everyone deserves a break.
Book at stenaline.co.uk or call 08447 70 70 70 *£10 service fee applies to all bookings made by telephone. Subject to availability and restricted space. For full terms and conditions visit www.stenaline.co.uk