Syrjävaara becomes Finland’s first International Dark Sky Park

Syrjävaara, Kaavi, Finland

Syrjävaara Dark Sky Center has received Finland’s first international Dark Sky Park certification from DarkSky International. This is the result of the park’s long-term work to raise awareness of light pollution, reduce it, and commit to protecting people, nature, and the starry sky from its dangers in Eastern Finland. The achievement is important for raising awareness of the entire area and for protecting its previously little-known resource: natural darkness. 

“This certification demonstrates that a site’s impact is not defined by its size, but by its vision and commitment. Through the dedication of its owners, this historic landscape has become a leading example of dark sky conservation in Finland, protecting exceptional Nordic night skies while supporting research, education, and astro-tourism. We are proud to recognize Syrjävaara as Finland’s first International Dark Sky Place and look forward to the leadership it will continue to provide for dark sky conservation across the region” remarked Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager.

Syrjävaara (also known as Remote Hill) is located in the northern coniferous forest zone in Kaavi municipality in Eastern Finland. The area is rich in fauna and has a low population density, only 3.8 inhabitants per square kilometer. The area was settled immediately after the Ice Age. The current settlement was established during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Syrjävaara farm is one of the oldest in the area, and there are many traces of previous activities and settlement. 

The park covers an area of 90 hectares. It offers excellent opportunities to experience the night, from the nightless nights of summer to the complete darkness of late autumn and the starry sky of winter. Since the area is located at 63º north latitude, in the boreal region near the Arctic border, the starry sky phenomena of both regions are common.

The Association of Nature Friends of Northeast Savo states: “Since the park is always open, it also attracts self-guided visitors. The remoteness of the facility does guarantee darkness, but at the same time, it is easily accessible. Even though the topic is global, Syrjävaara as a destination is within human reach.” 

The park aims to arouse people’s interest and appreciation for the night, so that they will act to protect it. Education, teaching, information, and organizing events are key to achieving this. “Syrjävaara has inspired municipalities and companies in Eastern Finland to embark on dark sky protection and tourism development projects. Syrjävaara’s contribution has been very significant in launching the dark sky area project activities of these three municipalities and increasing their visibility in Northeastern Savo, partly also in North Karelia and all of Finland,” says Tuija Valta, CEO of the Tuusniemi Municipality Development Company. 

In addition to protecting the darkness, studying darkness and its related factors is important to Syrjävaara. Tuukka Perhoniemi, Dark Sky Advocate from the Astronomical Association Ursa, states: “In Syrjävaara, Reijonen has been developing the Syrjävaara Star Park and Dark Sky Center with stargazing facilities, organized events aimed at nocturnal nature, and built a chain of measurement stations that have offered groundbreaking results of the effects of sky glow around cities and towns.” 

The certification now supports efforts to promote dark sky protection in Eastern Finland and, more broadly, throughout Finland. It also supports the development of activities in Syrjävaara and the Eastern Finland region so that more people than before have the opportunity to visit and explore the region’s nature and its diverse dark sky. The certification opens up opportunities for broader internationalization, increases awareness of the region’s unique nature, and supports its protection.

The Syrjävaara Dark Sky Park now joins the ranks of over 270 locations worldwide that have shown strong community support for defending dark skies and protecting the night from light pollution. 

About the International Dark Sky Places Program: 

Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory, voluntary program that encourages communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. Syrjävaara International Dark Sky Park now joins more than 270 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.

About DarkSky International: 

The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.

Media Contacts

Olli Reijonen
[email protected]