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A hiker's dream destination

Rokua Geopark offers unique nature experiences and many activities and events all year round! The Rokua Geopark, comprising the Oulujoki River Valley, Rokua and Lake Oulujärvi, is a fascinating whole where the interaction between inanimate and animate nature and human activity forms a valuable story that has continued over the millennia.

Our many natural and cultural sites offer a unique nature experience for hikers of all levels. Examples of Rokua Geopark gems include Rokua National Park, Liimanninkoski Rapids, Lemmenpolku Love Trail, Lamminaho Farm and Lake Oulu Recreation Area.

The diverse nature of Rokua Geopark can be enjoyed all year round!

Read more about activities in Rokua Geopark

Finland’s first Global Geopark site

Rokua Geopark is the first tourist area in Finland to be awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status. UNESCO is a United Nations organisation that only designates places with unique geological heritage as Global Geoparks. Global Geoparks also promote sustainable development, research, learning and the continuity of cultural heritage through partnerships with local businesses and operators. In addition to the UNESCO Global Geopark Programme, Rokua Geopark is a member of the European and World Geopark Networks. Find out more about the European Geoparks Network and read about the World Geoparks Network.

Each UNESCO Global Geopark has its own theme. The theme of Rokua Geopark is the Ice Age. The legacy of the Ice Age is linked to the unique history of the development of the bedrock in the Rokua Geopark area. Geology has also influenced the development of wildlife and settlement in the area in many ways. The Rokua Geopark, together with the Icelandic and Norwegian Geoparks, is one of the northernmost of the more than 160 UNESCO Global Geoparks in the world.

Read more about UNESCO Global Geoparks

Three areas of special scenic interest

Rokua Geopark consists of three areas with significant scenic attractions: The Oulu River Valley, Lake Oulu and the Rokua ridge and dunes, which form a continuous area of more than 1300 km2. The area begins at Muhos, about 20 km from Oulu, and continues from there to Lake Oulu, about 90 km away.

The legacy of the Ice Age and the historical development of the area can be seen in the natural features of Rokua Geopark, such as high dunes, deep bogs, vast marshes, beautiful sandy beaches and white lichen-covered forests.

Discover the origins of the region

An extensive network of walking trails

The Rokua Geopark area has an extensive network of hiking trails and many companies that provide guides and equipment for year-round outdoor activities. Explore the experiences offered by our companies in our Discovery Tour Shop or plan your own day out in Rokua Geopark!

Responsible services

Rokua Geopark is part of the Sustainable Travel Finland programme. We want to offer more responsible services to local residents and to our domestic and international guests.

Geofood is the local food of the Geopark area

The geological history of the Rokua Geopark area has shaped the soil and climate of the area and influenced local food production. The area produces unique local food products called GEOfood, which are closely linked to the area’s geological heritage. The environment and tourism are seamlessly linked in Geofood products.

GEOfood products are produced by local companies in the geopark area, using local ingredients and following strict GEOfood criteria. In addition to Rokua Geopark, there are currently GEOfood producers in Katla Geopark in Iceland, Magma Geopark in Norway and Odsherred Geopark in Denmark. There are also GEOfood restaurants in the Rokua Geopark area that serve GEOfood-certified menus. You can recognise GEOfood products and restaurants by the GEOfood logo.

Partner geoparks of Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

Cooperation between geoparks enable collaboration that crosses national and cultural borders. Today, Rokua Geopark has a total of six partner geoparks in three countries. Cooperative collaborations between geoparks provides opportunities to share knowledge and expertise, and may include activities such as organizing joint events, research collaboration, student exchanges, and developing the protection of geosites and tourism. Increasing mutual visibility and awareness is also an important part of cooperation between partner geoparks.

Aso UNESCO Global Geopark, Japan

Aso Geopark has been a partner of Rokua Geopark since autumn 2024, making it Rokua Geopark’s newest partner geopark! Aso Geopark is located around Japan’s most active volcanic region, where the landscape is dominated by the enormous caldera formed by the eruption of an ancient volcano. The extensive volcanic eruptions of the past have made the region’s landscapes and soils exceptionally rich. The area is also home to unique culture and traditions that have developed around its volcanic heritage. Cooperation between Rokua and Aso has included, among other things, a visit to the geopark in Japan and a trade fair presentation about Rokua Geopark held there. The visibility of Aso Geopark in Rokua has, in turn, been increased through activities such as a photo exhibition held in Manamansalo, featuring photographs showcasing the geopark’s environment and culture. Learn more here!

Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark, China

Funiushan Geopark was established around several geological heritage sites, featuring granite landscapes, karst formations, and lake and basin landscapes. The fossilized dinosaur eggs discovered in the area, and their remarkable diversity, are among the unique features of Funiushan Geopark. So far, 13 different types of dinosaur eggs have been discovered in the area. Cooperation with Rokua Geopark began in 2016. Learn more here!

Yuntaishan UNESCO Global Geopark, China

The landscape of Yuntaishan Geopark is characterized by impressive gorges, peaks, valleys, and rock terraces, commonly known as the Yuntai landforms. This water-rich area is adorned with numerous waterfalls, springs, and ponds, as well as towering cliffs composed of quartz sandstone and carbonate rocks, reaching heights of up to 600 metres. Yuntaishan Geopark has been a partner geopark of Rokua Geopark since 2016. Learn more here!

Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark, China

Qinling Zhongnanshan Geopark combines features shaped by the Ice Age with a rich cultural heritage, all set within impressive mountain landscapes. The remains of the Quaternary period, together with the geopark’s location in a mountain-building zone, make it a fascinating geological site. The area is particularly characterized by enormous landslide complexes and the landscapes shaped by them, remnants of the Taibai Glacier, and a major continental fault zone extending for 13 kilometres. Remains of ancient humans have also been discovered in the area, estimated to be more than one million years old. Cooperation between Qinling Zhongnanshan and Rokua Geopark began in 2015. Learn more here!

Yandangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, China

The geological features of Yandangshan Geopark are strongly rooted in volcanic processes. The geopark’s location at a tectonic plate boundary led to extensive volcanic eruptions 128–108 million years ago, which created the area’s distinctive, sharp rock peaks. For centuries, the geopark has also been a source of inspiration for Chinese poetry and art, and it is home to significant cultural heritage sites such as Lingyan Temple, Nengren Temple, and the ancient Changyu Dongtian quarry. The geopark partnership between Yandangshan and Rokua Geopark began in 2014. Read more here!

Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany

Swabian Alb Geopark has been Rokua Geopark’s first partner geopark since 2013! Swabian Alb Geopark is particularly known for its spectacular limestone caves, fossils, and landscapes shaped by the Ice Age. In the geopark area and along the Steinlach River, visitors can, for example, see a 200-million-year-old seabed. The area has also yielded some of the world’s oldest known works of art and musical instruments – a true treasure trove of nature and culture! Learn more here!