Kraatterijärvi Geopark is a unique travel destination offering attractions across the regions of South Ostrobothnia and Central Finland. Its most important sight is the Lappajärvi crater, Finland’s largest meteorite crater, which formed 73 million years ago from a meteorite impact and is one of the best-preserved meteorite craters in Europe. Visitors can also explore kärkiöllinen, a special rock type created during the impact, enjoy diverse nature trails, and discover the region’s rich cultural heritage.
What Does Kraatterijärvi Geopark Offer to Travelers?
Kraatterijärvi Geopark is a geological treasure trove that tells an impressive story about the forces of the universe and Earth’s history. The area is named after the Lappajärvi meteorite impact, which occurred approximately 73 million years ago and permanently shaped the region’s landscape.
The Geopark area covers five municipalities: Alajärvi, Lappajärvi, Evijärvi, Soini, and Vimpeli. Its geological uniqueness is based on the meteorite crater, which is Finland’s largest and one of Europe’s best-preserved craters. The force of the impact also created kärkiöllinen (impactite), a rare rock type not found anywhere else in Finland.
The area’s distinctiveness is enhanced by landscapes shaped by the Ice Age, visible as moraine ridges, glacial erratics, and potholes. Together, these geological elements offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore Earth’s history and better understand the forces that have shaped our home planet.
What Are the Main Geological Attractions in Kraatterijärvi Geopark?
The most important geological attraction in Kraatterijärvi Geopark is Lappajärvi itself—Finland’s largest meteorite crater with a diameter of about 23 kilometers. The lake forms the central part of the crater, and several locations around it showcase the effects of the impact.
Kärkiöllinen, or impactite, is a unique rock type in the area that formed from bedrock melted and recrystallized by the meteorite impact. This rare stone can be admired particularly in Kärnänsaari, Lappajärvi’s Kivitippu, and Vimpeli’s Lakeaharju. Other significant geological sites include:
- Pyhävuori in Alajärvi—offering spectacular views of the crater landscape
- Vimpeli’s Lakeaharju—the highest point of the crater’s rim wall
- Hanhineva quarry—a site where kärkiöllinen can be found
- Lakaniemi stone—a massive glacial erratic in Lappajärvi
Visitors can also learn about the area’s geological specialties at the Kivitippu Stone Cabinet in Lappajärvi, which displays a rock collection of the region’s geological treasures and information about the crater’s formation.
How Should You Explore Kraatterijärvi Geopark’s Nature Trails?
Kraatterijärvi Geopark’s nature trails offer diverse routes for different types of hikers. You should choose trails according to your fitness level and interests, as there are both easy and more demanding routes available.
For beginners and families, the Pyhävuori Nature Trail in Alajärvi is suitable, measuring about 2 kilometers and traversing easily accessible terrain. The route features information boards about the area’s geology and spectacular views of the crater landscape. For more experienced hikers, we recommend:
- Vimpeli’s Lakeaharju route (6 km)—running along the highest point of the crater’s rim
- Kärnänsaari circuit (4 km)—introducing visitors to impactite formations
- Nykälänniemi nature trail in Lappajärvi (3 km)—featuring magnificent lake views
Remember to come prepared: comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, drinking water, and light snacks are important for all routes. In spring and fall, trails can be wet, so waterproof footwear is recommended. In summer, insect repellent and sun protection are also advisable.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kraatterijärvi Geopark?
The best time to visit Kraatterijärvi Geopark is during the summer season from May to September when weather conditions are generally most favorable for outdoor activities and nature exploration. June and July are the most popular visiting times, as most services are fully operational and nature is at its most verdant.
Different seasons, however, offer varied experiences. In early summer, nature comes alive, birds sing, and the bright nights create a magical atmosphere. Late summer offers warm swimming waters and berry-picking opportunities. In September, autumn colors transform the landscape and forests fill with mushrooms.
Notable regional events include the Kärnä Days in Lappajärvi in July and the Aalto Week in Alajärvi, which offers cultural experiences centered around Alvar Aalto’s architecture. Weather conditions vary, so checking the forecast before your visit is always a good idea.
What Other Cultural Attractions Should You See in the Kraatterijärvi Geopark Area?
Beyond geological attractions, the Kraatterijärvi Geopark area boasts numerous interesting cultural sites. The area’s definitive cultural gem is Alvar Aalto’s architecture in Alajärvi, where visitors can admire Aalto-designed buildings including Villa Väinölä, the municipal Aalto Center, and the Parish Office.
Interesting museum sites include the Nelimarkka Museum in Alajärvi, which exhibits works by painter Eero Nelimarkka, and the Järviseutu Museum, where you can learn about the region’s local history. In Lappajärvi, the Kivitippu Stone Cabinet combines geology and culture by explaining the crater’s formation and its effects on the area’s development.
The influence of geology is also evident in local traditions and crafts. Jewelry and souvenirs made from impactite are popular mementos. In Vimpeli, visitors can learn about traditional Finnish baseball, which forms an important part of the area’s cultural identity. The region also hosts various craft exhibitions and events showcasing local skills and traditions.
How Do Kraatterijärvi Geopark’s Attractions Complement the Alajärvi Travel Experience?
Kraatterijärvi Geopark’s attractions offer a unique addition to the Alajärvi travel experience by combining natural wonders, geological history, and local culture. These attractions perfectly complement Alajärvi’s other draws, such as Alvar Aalto’s architecture and the lake district’s natural landscapes.
For travelers, we recommend a diverse combination of different sites: spend the morning exploring the Aalto Center in Alajärvi, head to the Pyhävuori nature trail after lunch to admire the crater landscape, and end the day relaxing on the shores of Lappajärvi. Such a combination offers both cultural and natural experiences.
Hotel-Restaurant Alvariini, located in the heart of South Ostrobothnia, provides an excellent base for exploring the Geopark. From our location, you can easily access all the area’s main attractions, and we also offer guided Aalto tours for travelers during summer. By staying with us, you can perfectly combine Kraatterijärvi Geopark’s geological wonders, Alvar Aalto’s architecture, and local culture into one memorable travel experience in the magnificent landscapes of Finland’s lake district.