Lake Lappajärvi

Lake Lappajärvi is an impact crater lake spanning three municipalities in Southern Ostrobothnia, with depths reaching 36 meters and a surface area of roughly 145 square kilometers. Its nearly circular shape reflects the asteroid strike that created it, and the water today is surrounded by forest and farmland.

This crater formed roughly 77.85 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous when an asteroid about 1.6 kilometers across struck the region. The impact shaped the land into the distinctive basin that holds the lake today.

The geological museum at Hotel Kivitippu displays meteorite samples and lunar rocks, helping visitors understand how impact craters form and the forces involved.

Visitors can fish year-round with the proper permits obtained before fishing, making any season suitable for this activity. Winter opens the lake to ice skating on maintained sections, offering a different way to experience the water.

The lake holds 56 islands, with Kärnänsaari featuring a rare rock called Kärnäiitti that forms only where asteroids have struck Earth. This stone type developed through the extreme heat and pressure of the cosmic impact.

Location: Lappajärvi

Location: Vimpeli

Location: Alajärvi

Elevation above the sea: 70 m

GPS coordinates: 63.13511,23.64236

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31