Hell's Lake

« Helvetinjärvi, Hell's Lake, in Autumn viewed from the shore and a few other photos of the colourful season. »

When we escaped the city for the weekend, we happened to be driving near Helvetinjärvi National Park and decided to stop and walk to see what earned the name of "Hell's Lake". It's only a one kilometre walk to the lake, but it takes a little time since the path has many gnarled and slippery pine roots along the path in addition to beautiful scenery. I noticed one woman grumbling to the man with her because she wore shoes that you'd expect to have difficultly wearing on a city sidewalk.

I hadn't really gotten out to see much of Finland's more remote wilderness or geologic features so this place was very interesting on both counts. The lakes formed in gorges caused by faults in the bedrock which means they have very steep sides and are very deep. The pine forest that surrounds the lakes is dense, mossy and boggy. There are lots of little streams that look appealing until you notice the water is brown from filtering through the surrounding peat bogs. We only walked as far as Helvetinkolu, but I wish we would have had the time to walk along the trail to Haukanhieta. Finland's National Parks really are quite gorgeous and I hope to visit them all.