Mid-congress excursions

Wednesday, 11 August 2004

The mid-congress excursions will introduce a variety of Finnish sites with limnological and cultural aspects. They also provide participants with a relaxing break between busy lecture days. You should choose 5 excursions in order of preference. Early booking may ensure that you participate in the excursion you prefer. All excursions include lunch with warm main course. The costs of the mid-congress excursions are included in the registration fee of the delegates and accompanying persons. These all-day excursions start at 08.00-09.00 hrs and arrival back in Lahti will be between 15.00 and 17.00 hrs. All excursions both start and end at the parking place of the City Theatre. Please note that some of them require rather long bus journeys of more than 1 hour. Local weather in August can be warm and sunny but may be cool and rainy. Accordingly, it is advisable to bring along a waterproof jacket, besides a t-shirt and a swim suit. Strong walking shoes are recommended but boots are not necessary (unless you are eager to collect samples).

| Map of excursions |

Excursion 1. Lammi

We visit Lammi Biological Station, the largest biological field station in Finland. It is situated in a forest-farmland landscape on the shore of Lake Pääjärvi, one of the deepest lakes (max. 87 m) in Finland. An introduction to the station, the research activities there and its surroundings will be given. 25 km north of this station lies the Evo Forest Area characterized by old Taiga forest. There visit to the Evo Fisheries Research Station, one of the oldest biological research stations of the world, established in 1892. After a short introduction to the station and its activities we take a look at some of the ca. 100 small forest lakes of the area with examples of recent research on their ecosystems. In the afternoon there is a chance to browse at Lammi village and its medieval stone church. Clothing suitable for outdoor walking is recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 711 KB)

Excursion 2. Mire habitats and Hämeenlinna

Finland has a wealth of different mire habitats (click Unique mires). Raised bogs characterise the mires of the costal regions and the southern parts of Finland. First we visit Suurisuo, an undisturbed, protected and nationally important mire in Janakkala municipality. We walk along boardwalks through this valuable research and study area, characterised by variable bog types, and see several endangered plant species. The mire is also important for its bird fauna. Then we visit Röyhynsuo, a mire used for peat production since 2001 by Vapo Oy, which is the world's leading peat producer. The company introduces their procedures for waste water management before release downstream. In the afternoon we drive to the City of Hämeenlinna, where we visit a medieval castle built in the 13th century, around which the town was founded in 1639. Clothing suitable for light outdoor pursuits is recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 635 KB)

Excursion 3. Kokemäenjoki waterway

An introduction to the large and nationally important River Kokemäenjoki waterway. We see the relatively large (area 120 km2) but shallow Lake Vanajavesi (mean depth 8 m) with almost 100 islands. This naturally eutrophic lake has suffered from both industrial and municipal waste water loading. In addition, the water level is being controlled to reduce flooding damage. We also visit Lake Äimäjärvi, which is a typical anthropogenically eutrophicated shallow lake, characterised by internal loading with phosphorus concentrations up to 90 µg l-1 in summer. Biomanipulation as a restoration measure has been applied in L. Äimäjärvi during recent years. In the Iittala glass museum we can see famous Finnish glass design. Finally, a visit to Finland's oldest nature protection area at Aulanko, which is a national urban park in the City of Hämeenlinna. There is a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery from an observation tower and have a cup of coffee and other refreshments. Clothing suitable for light outdoor pursuits is recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 125 KB)

Excursion 4. Tampere

We drive ca. 1.5 hours to the City of Tampere, which is one of the biggest and liveliest cities in Finland. Water power and the waterways across Lake Näsijärvi and L. Pyhäjärvi provided a favourable location for industry in the 19th century. Thus the utilization of local water facilities allowed the city grow rapidly on the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids. We visit the Laboratory of the Pirkanmaa Regional Environment Centre and hear a short introduction to the lab and its research activities. We enjoy the beautiful scenery at the Pyynikki ridge and see how the city is surrounded by lakes and waterways. The limnology of the large lakes, Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi, on the two sides of the city will be introduced, as well as water management and protection under the pressure of industrial development. Finally, there is a guided tour of the Finlayson area, a former industrial site now converted into a modern venue for various activities.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 186 KB)

Excursion 5. Lake Päijänne

We see the southern part of Lake Päijänne, the second largest lake in Finland (only L. Saimaa is larger). Asikkala's fishing and cultural centre, Päijännetalo, introduces us to the natural history of L. Päijänne, which is famous for its excellent water quality. The Helsinki metropolitan area is supplied with drinking water via the Päijänne water tunnel, the longest continuous rock tunnel in the world (120 km). We take a cruise to Kelvenne, one of Finland's largest and most splendid esker islands, situated in the Päijänne National Park. Outside the Lake Saimaa region, this is the first park in Finland to be established for the purpose of protecting a large lake ecosystem. Clothing and footwear suitable for outdoors are recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 187 KB)

Excursion 6. The Arvaja Water Course

We drive ca. 100 km north from Lahti to the Arvaja water course in central Finland. The headwaters of this water course belong to the Isojärvi National Park in Kuhmoinen. The park protects the variable forest and lakeland scenery west of Lake Päijänne. The area is rich in small forest lakes and ponds. The downstream water course includes beautiful countryside with small lakes and rapids. As a result of severe human activities, the diversity of riverine nature has decreased markedly. Because of this, the environmental and fisheries authorities in Central Finland have restored those rapids in the 1990s. A excursion for people who set a value on fresh outdoor life and hiking. There will be a possibility to take a sauna bath. Raincoat, boots and towel are recommended.

Excursion 7. Salpausselkä ridge

At the southern end of Lake Vesijärvi we hike around walking trails in the beautiful scenery of the Salpausselkä ridge formation, which is the most important ground water area in Finland. Most of the crystal clear springs, characteristic of the ridge formation, have been used for raw water production. We first get acquainted with current issues concerning ground water protection and research in the Lahti region. Later, we visit the old medieval sites and the picturesque stonechurch of Hollola. Right beside the church we climb the steep ascent to the top of the Kapatuosianmäki hill, from where we can enjoy the scenery of L. Vesijärvi and the surrounding fragmented forest-farmland area. Clothing suitable for an outdoor walk is recommended.

Estate of Messilä

Excursion Programme (pdf, 441 KB)

Excursion 8. Lake Vesijärvi

This excursion introduces the history and restoration of Lake Vesijärvi. Only 100 m from the Sibelius Hall we visit the underground sewage treatment plant. There we learn about the waste water management in the City of Lahti, which is strongly linked to the recovery of the lake from eutrophication. During a cruise to the island of Enonsaari in the middle of the southernmost basin of the lake, seine fishing is demonstrated as an example of fish stock management. We also learn about the successful biomanipulation of Lake Vesijärvi, which finally resulted in the disappearence of massive cyanobacterial blooms. We hike along the nature trail on the island, characterised by steep geographical features. The highest point of the island is nearly 70 m above L. Vesijärvi. Lunch is served in the island and includes a traditional Finnish menu with e.g. pikeperch soup and fried European ciscos. There will be a possibility to bath in a sauna and swim in the lake. Clothing suitable for outdoor pursuits is recommended.

Future plans

Excursion Programme (pdf, 547 KB)

Excursion 9. Lake Vesijärvi and Vääksy village

We cruise along Lake Vesijärvi from Lahti to the northern end of the lake, where we visit the village of Vääksy (click ASIKKALA BROCHURE). During the cruise the history and the restoration project of Lake Vesijärvi is presented. We hear about the ongoing research and management of the lake. In Vääksy village we see the 1315 m long, old channel (built in 1871) that connects L. Vesijärvi to L. Päijänne and visit the fishing and cultural centre Päijännetalo, which introduces us to the natural history of the area. In Vääksy there is a chance to browse along the channel and around the village. The history and production of the Rapala-Normark Group Company, which produces world-famous fishing lures, are also introduced at Päijännetalo.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 193 KB)

Excursion 10. Cruise to Heinola

We drive by bus 20 km north from Lahti to the village of Vääksy, which lies by the channel connecting Lake Vesijärvi to Lake Päijänne. After a short excursion in Vääksy, we board a boat that takes us to the southern part of Lake Päijänne, the second largest lake in Finland. We cruise to the city of Heinola through a waterway, where the River Kymijoki originates and through the channel of Kalkkinen built in 1878. During the cruise we enjoy lunch and learn about the water level regulation and research related to the attempts to reduce its impact on Lake Päijänne. The city of Heinola is characterised by numerous lakes (>300) covering ca. 19 % of the area. The water protection and environmental issues of the city are briefly presented during a welcoming occasion. Before returning to Lahti by bus there is a chance to browse in the City of Heinola.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 219 KB)

Excursion 11. Lake Saimaa

We drive ca. 1.5 hours to the heart of the Saimaa lake area, the largest waterway of Finland. We climb over 100 meters to the top of the hill of Neitvuori and get a good overview of the lake system, characterised by numerous islands. We enjoy lunch in an idyllic, old local school and hear a presentation of the EU-Project Life Vuoksi (2001-2004), which is investigating the role of the littoral area as part of an optimal model for environmental monitoring and the involvement of local people. Traditional old Finnish wood construction is introduced in Pien-Toijola house museum, which is a rare example of a traditional Finnish farmhouse. We also make a short visit to the "green" city of Mikkeli, the Capital of the Province of East Finland. Clothing suitable for an outdoor walk is recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 492 KB)

Excursion 12. Kuusankoski and Verla

We visit the modern paper and pulp factory of the UPM-Kymmene Corporation by the River Kymijoki in Kuusankoski, where special attention has been paid to water and air protection. Extremely tight permit conditions and investment in advanced environmental technology have led to improved water quality in the underlying watercourse despite huge production. Thereafter, we visit the picturesque factory museum of Verla among crystal clear running waters, where paper production started over 100 years ago. The mill community and museum are on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. Right beside the mill there are prehistoric rock paintings dating from around 6000 BC. We enjoy a buffet lunch in the restaurant in the former owner's residence.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 214 KB)

Excursion 13. Repovesi national park

We drive to Repovesi national park, which is the most significant rock, forest and lake area in south-eastern Finland. The park is characterised by numerous forest lakes, both clearwater and humic. Many of the oligotrophic clearwater lakes are now recovering from acidification. We hike along trails in this geologically unique area. Lunch, including traditional Finnish salmon soup, is served in a shelter built in the forest. On our way to the park we visit the mill community and factory museum in Verla, in beautiful scenery among crystal clear running waters, where paper production started over 100 years ago. Clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor walking are recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 255 KB)

Excursion 14. River Kymijoki

We look at the peculiar contrasts of the River Kymijoki: peaceful nature and thriving wood industry. Salmonid fisheries in the river gave way to utilisation by the forest industry during the early years of the 19th century. However, the fishery has since recovered and Kymijoki is again one of the best salmon rivers in Finland up to the first dam. The western branch of the River Kymijoki runs along the northern edge of Valkmusa National Park, which includes the largest and most varied mire complexes in Finland's southern coastal region. We see the 'hummock and hollow' raised bog at Munasuo, marshy open fens, pine and spruce mires formed around the bog's central plateau. Lunch is served in the city of Kotka on the delta of River Kymijoki. After lunch we visit Maretarium, the modern aquarium in Kotka, with more than 50 native Finnish fish species. Clothing suitable for an outdoor walk is recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 195 KB)

Excursion 15. Kotka

This excursion takes you to the City of Kotka, situated ca. 100 km south of Lahti on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and on the delta of River Kymijoki. From the marina of Kotka we take a boat to the nearby Stora Enso Mill. The Mill, established in 1872, is nowadays a modern facility that integrates saw milling, processing of wood products and manufacturing of paper, and has invested in advanced environmental technology. After the visit to the Mill we take the boat to the fortress of Fort Slava, built in 1792-1794, on the small Kukouri island where we enjoy lunch. We learn about the turbulent history of the area between the eastern and western cultures as well as the natural history of the surrounding sea. Finally, we take a seaside view to the City of Kotka. Clothing suitable for light outdoor pursuits is recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 289 KB)

Excursion 17. Lake Tuusulanjärvi

We visit one of the most extensively studied lakes in our country, Lake Tuusulanjärvi, which used to be known for huge blooms blue-green algae. Due to intensive restoration measures to reduce diffuse and internal nutrient loading, the condition of the lake has improved significantly. Different measures will be introduced and some observed during the day. A unique artistic community was born at the turn of the century along the historically rich, winding shore road on the east side of the lake, joining together literature, visual arts and music. Our national writer, Aleksis Kivi, is the symbol of this community. Pekka Halonen, one the most beloved painters in Finland, built his magnificent romantic log aterlier on a rocky point on the shore of the lake, and world-famous composer Jean Sibelius composed some of his most significant masterpieces in his house Ainola.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 49 KB)

Excursion 18. Helsinki and the campus area of Viikki

An introduction to the premises and activities of the University of Helsinki at Viikki. We walk to the conserved bay Viikinlahti, an internationally valuable wetland area, which has been selected as one of the sites designated by Finland for the inclusion in the Natura 2000 conservation network of the European Union. Here there is a great possibility for bird watching. Finally, a visit to the large, modern sewage treatment plant of the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Department of Ecology and Systematics
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry

Excursion Programme (pdf, 241 KB)

Excursion 19. Helsinki - Daughter of the Baltic

We drive to Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. We visit a huge passenger and car ferry of Silja Line and hear about the waste water systems in these ships cruising in the Baltic and about the unique ship-of-opportunity algal monitoring system called Alg@line. Thereafter, there is time to visit the Old Market Hall and the lively Market Square between the sea and the impressive row of historical buildings including the Presidential Palace. Finally, we board m/s Doris, where we enjoy a cruise with lunch service. During this excursion we see from the water the beauty of Helsinki, known as the Daughter of the Baltic.

Excursion leader

Excursion Programme (pdf, 412 KB)

Excursion 20. Nuuksio national park

We drive to the national park of Nuuksio, which lies in the proximity of the Helsinki metropolitan area. Inside the park, during a 4 km hiking trip, it is possible to see old forests, rocky cliffs, peat bogs, small soft water oligotrophic lakes with and without humic matter colour. On the way back to Lahti we visit the eutrophic Lake Tuusulanjärvi and hear an account of the 100 years of research activities on the lake. Finally, we shortly visit Ainola, the former home of famous composer Jean Sibelius. Clothing suitable for an outdoor walk is recommended.

Excursion Programme (pdf, 132 KB)

Excursion 21. Tvärminne Zoological Station

We drive for about 3 hours along the Salpausselkä eskers and ancient sea bottoms to the Tvärminne Zoological Station, a scientific institute of the University of Helsinki and a centre for many high quality research projects. It is one of the oldest scientific field stations in Finland, established by prof. J.A. Palmén in 1901. Introduction to the research activities and cruising in the archipelago. Participants of the SIL congress held in Helsinki 1956 also visited this station. On the way back from Tvärminne we make a brief visit to the Fiskars mill community and Museum, added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. Note that this excursion is likely to be back in Lahti later than the other excursions - and involves quite a lot of sitting in the bus!

Excursion Programme (pdf, 376 KB)