Karhunpesäkivi, Glacial erratic in Inari, Finland.
Karhunpesäkivi is a giant boulder located near Lake Myössäjärvi that contains a natural hollow space created by water erosion over thousands of years. A staircase provides access to explore the interior of the rock, and the site includes parking, a cafeteria, and a souvenir shop.
During the last Ice Age, glacial movements transported this massive pyroxenite boulder across the Finnish landscape, leaving traces of geological transformation. The stone's current location and composition reflect the power of these prehistoric forces.
Local stories tell of a Laplander who found shelter under the rock during a snowstorm and discovered he had spent the night beside a sleeping bear.
Signs and information boards at the site show which areas of the boulder are accessible and when the grounds are open to visitors. Wear suitable footwear, as stairs can be slippery in wet weather, and exploring the interior requires careful footing.
The boulder contains Finland's largest tafoni formation, a honeycomb-like hollow created by natural weathering that carved out an impressive cavity in the stone. This rare geological formation developed through specialized erosion processes and makes the site valuable for geomorphological study.
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