Huuhanranta shore formations

The 1.5km long and curved Huuhanranta sandy beach is one of Saimaa’s longest, and is therefore fondly known as the “Saimaa Riviera”. Huuhanranta is part of the Kyläniemi ice-marginal formation and it is characterised by ancient shorelines from several different development stages; the Baltic ice lake (approx. 105-106msl), the South Saimaa ice lake (approx. 91-92msl) and Greater Saimaa (approx. 83msl). Huuhanranta is a recreational site managed by the South Karelian Foundation for Recreation Areas. Recreational services can be found at the western end of the open beach. Huuhanranta has also Saimaa Geopark signs.

Näe ja koe GEOKOHTEET Huuhanranta shore formations

Experience the Riviera of saimaa

Ancient channel systems carved out by glacial meltwater can be seen in some shoreline deposits at the Huuhanranta area. Modern Saimaa’s beach ridges and shore walls are also found near the shore. In addition, to the southeast of the shore there is a wide rocky area which consists of mica gneiss featuring grooves eroded by the ice sheet. The shoreline rocks feature an interface between mica gneiss and tonalite, two expansive rock type areas.

Flora and fauna that can withstand dryness and large fluctuations in temperature thrive on the sunny southern ridges of Huuhanranta. Sand pink (Dianthus arenarius) are one of the plant species found in the ancient beach banks at Huuhanranta.

Image: Kaisa-Maria Remes

Saimaa geopark Signpost

Saimaa geopark signpost 2

Geological vocabulary

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