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Sammallahdenmäki

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Historical site
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Sammallahdenmäki (Finland)

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Sammallahdenmäki is a highly significant Bronze Age archaeological site in the Satakunta region and was the first Finnish archaeological site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. The area contains 36 stone burial cairns situated along a rocky ridge, dating from approximately 1500 to 500 BC. These monuments reflect the complex funeral rites and social hierarchies of the coastal communities that inhabited the area over three thousand years ago. The most famous structure is the 'Church Floor' (Kirkonlaattia), a unique quadrangular cairn with a flat top that is exceptionally rare in the Nordic region. Another prominent feature is the 'Long Stone Wall', a cairn measuring nearly 19 meters in length. The site provides essential evidence regarding the eastward spread of Scandinavian Bronze Age culture and the religious beliefs of prehistoric societies.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-4-1491417161262-2
Rain mm594540405065667369777168

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Sammallahdenmäki is a Bronze Age burial site in the open air, visitable anytime for free. The stone cairns are accessible via a wooden walkway.
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Typical hours
As it is an open-air site, there are no fixed opening hours. It is best visited during daylight.
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Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions. The prehistoric stone cairns in the forest landscape offer unique subjects.
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Time needed
A walk along the wooden boardwalk takes about 20-30 minutes. Including a stroll in the surroundings, plan for 45 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby city of Rauma, which has a UNESCO old town. The coast of the Bothnian Sea also has nice excursion destinations.
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Getting there
Sammallahdenmäki is about 20 kilometers southeast of Rauma, accessible only by car. A small parking lot is at the start of the path.
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Insider tip
Visit the site on clear weather as the stone cairns stand out best then. Bring sturdy footwear as the path may go through the forest.

Geography

Coordinates
61.11880, 21.84560

Facts

  • The site consists of a total of 36 burial cairns from the Bronze Age.
  • UNESCO designated the area as a World Heritage site in 1999.
  • The cairns date back to the period between 1500 and 500 BC.
  • The 'Church Floor' is a unique quadrangular burial monument.
  • One specific cairn, the 'Long Stone Wall', is about 19 meters long.
  • The stones were piled manually without the use of any binding mortar.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Sammallahdenmäki (6)

Turajärven uimaranta🎡 recreation

Turajärven Uimaranta is near the historical site Sammallahdenmäki.

Spiral crain🏺 historical

An ancient stone cairn that is part of the Bronze Age archaeological complex in Sammallahdenmäki.

The long ruin of Huilu🏺 historical

A significant rectangular stone structure from the Bronze Age located at the Sammallahdenmäki site.

Hiidenkiuas🏺 historical

A large Bronze Age burial cairn made of stones, typical of the archaeological heritage in Sammallahdenmäki.

Lapin kotiseutumuseo🏛 museum

A local history museum showcasing the traditional rural life and heritage of the Lappi region.

Lapin kirkko⛪ religious

A traditional wooden church serving the community in the Sammallahdenmäki area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Sammallahdenmäki?
It is a Bronze Age burial site with over 30 stone cairns, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the site is open to the public free of charge throughout the year.
How do you reach the site?
The site is located in Lappi (near Rauma) and is best reached by car via marked forest paths.
How long does the tour take?
A walk along the marked path takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Are there sanitary facilities?
There are simple dry toilets at the parking area, but no cafes or shops directly at the site.
Sammallahdenmäki: where is it located?
Sammallahdenmäki is located in Finland.
Sammallahdenmäki: what is there to see?
Highlights include Turajärven uimaranta, Spiral crain, The long ruin of Huilu.
Sammallahdenmäki: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sammallahdenmäki: why is it worth visiting?
Sammallahdenmäki is a highly significant Bronze Age archaeological site in the Satakunta region and was the first Finnish archaeological site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.
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