Helvetinjärvi National Park, National park in Ruovesi, Finland.
Helvetinjärvi is a national park in Ruovesi featuring deep gorges cut into bedrock, with lakes nestled between steep cliffs and dense forest throughout the landscape. The area includes the striking Helvetinkolu gorge and covers terrain shaped by ancient geological forces.
The park was established in 1982 to protect geological formations millions of years old, shaped during the ice age. These rock formations remain a significant part of Finland's geological heritage and record of ancient environmental change.
The name Helvetinjärvi comes from local folklore and means "Hell's Lake" in Finnish, inspired by the dark water and sheer rock faces that dominate the landscape here.
Visitors can explore over 40 kilometers of marked trails that wind through different parts of the park. Camping facilities and fire pits are available at Haukanhieta beach and other locations throughout the area.
The park has two separate climbing zones: Sammakkolampi for rock climbing and the northern shore of Iso Helvetinjärvi for ice climbing. This dual purpose makes it an unusual location where climbers can practice both disciplines in the same area.
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