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Pulkkilanharju Light: A Scenic Lakeland Route

Discover Finland's stunning lakeland scenery at Pulkkilanharju Light, a narrow Ice Age esker stretching across Lake Päijänne.

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Pulkkilanharju Light is a captivating scenic route and historical landmark in Asikkala, Finland. This narrow esker, formed during the Ice Age, stretches across Lake Päijänne, offering breathtaking views and a unique natural landscape connected by bridges.

A brief summary to Pulkkilanharju Light

  • Pulkkilantie 615, Asikkala, 17320, FI
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots along the Pulkkilanharju ridge.
  • Bring your binoculars for birdwatching, especially during the spring and autumn migrations.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the nature trails.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach Pulkkilanharju Light by car, navigate to Pulkkilantie 615, 17320 Asikkala. From Vääksy or Sysmä, follow road 314. Parking is available free of charge at the Karisalmi bridge parking lot. Be aware that parking might be limited during peak season.

  • Bus

    You can take a bus from Vääksy or Sysmä via road 314 to Pulkkilanharju. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date schedules. From the bus stop at Karisalmi bridge, it's a short walk to the esker and nature trail.

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Discover more about Pulkkilanharju Light

Pulkkilanharju Light is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a journey through Finland's geological past and stunning lakeland scenery. This nearly 9-kilometer-long esker is comprised of ridge islands and submerged ridges, a testament to the Ice Age's powerful shaping forces. The narrow ridge traverses Lake Päijänne, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding waters and landscapes. The area is part of the nationally valuable scenic area and the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its geological significance. Pulkkilanharju is formed of materials deposited by meltwaters at the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 11,500 years ago. The esker is an important birdwatching site during spring and autumn migrations. Connected by three bridges—the embanked section of Pulkkilansalmi, the suspension bridge of Karisalmi, and the arch bridge of Käkisalmi—Pulkkilanharju offers a blend of natural beauty and human engineering. Part of Pulkkilanharju belongs to the Päijänne National Park, adding to its appeal for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the esker on foot via the Pulkkilanharju Nature Trail, a mostly easy 2-kilometer route from Karisalmi bridge, with a longer 4.5-kilometer option available. Pulkkilanharju also marks the starting point of the Päijänne Tunnel, the world's longest continuous rock tunnel, which supplies drinking water to over a million Finns in the Greater Helsinki area.

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