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Geotope · Rokua Geopark · 128 m

Kilonniemi Gneiss Site, Manamansalo

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Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

Photo: Harri Tarvainen / Rokua Geopark, Pohjolan Rengastie

Kilonniemi gneiss bedrock is the oldest bedrock in the EU. It was formed 2,700 - 2,600 million years ago after numerous geological processes.

In Kilonniemi, you can get to know the oldest bedrock region in the European Union, the gneiss rock that crystallized 2,700 to 2,600 million years ago. It is a remnant of an ancient continent that, during its history, has repeatedly found itself in the collision zone of continental plates, corrugated into mountains, and again worn into a flat rock surface. Memories of these turmoil are a striped and wrinkled appearance of gneiss. The signposts next to the rock formation tell about the oldest rock areas on earth, the age of the rocks, and illustrate the gneiss revelation with pictures and texts.

The Kilonniemi Gneiss Site is one of the attractions of Rokua Geopark. The Manamansalo Deer Trail, Manamansalo Memorial Church and the Oulujärvi Hiking Area are nearby. The gneiss site is best to visit during snowless time.

Explore the website of Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark area here!

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Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

Responsible for this content
Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

Directions

Manamansalo Island can be reached from the north by road.

From the direction of Vaala, turn right from route 22 to Petäjälahdentie, road 8823. Drive 15 kilometers, after which turn right at Kaivannonsalmi, onto Manamansalontie (8820). Drive about 2.5 kilometers and turn right onto Kiloniementie. Drive straight on the sand road for 3 km, after which you will reach your destination. When coming from the direction of Paltamo, turn left from Highway 22 onto the same Petäjälahdentie. Alternatively, you can turn left onto Manamansalontie, road 8820, already at Melalahti. In this case, drive 32 Manamansalontie and then turn right onto Kiloniementie. Drive straight on the sand road for 3 km, after which you will reach your destination.

Coming from the south, Manamansalo can be reached by ferry. From 879 Vuolijoentie, turn onto 8820 Alassalmentie and drive 5.4 kilometers and you will arrive at Alassalmi ferry. Travel by ferry 800 meters (approx. 2 min), check the schedules on the Finferries website. After the ferry trip, drive straight for 3.1 kilometers on Manamansalontie, road 8820. Turn left on Puronrannantie and drive 10.3 kilometers. Turn left onto Manamansalontie and drive 1.5 miles. Then turn left onto Kiloniementie. Drive straight on the sand road for 3 km, after which you will reach your destination.

Parking

Parking spot next to the gneiss rock.

Coordinates

64.422815, 27.127303

DMS

64°25'22.1"N 27°07'38.3"E

UTM

35W 506132 7144137

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