Kyläniemi is an island on the south of

lake Saimaa Saimaa ( , ; sv, Saimen) is a lake located in the Finnish Lakeland area in southeastern Finland. At approximately , it is the largest lake in Finland, and the fourth largest natural freshwater lake in Europe. The name Saimaa likely comes from a ...

in Taipalsaari. It was formed during the second

Salpausselkä Salpausselkä (; "Bar Ridge") is an extensive ridge system left by the ice age in Southern Finland. It is a large terminal moraine formation that formed in front of the Baltic ice lake during the Younger Dryas period about 12,250–10,400 years ...

. Kyläniemi is the 20th largest island in Finland's inland waters, with an area of 23 km². Kyläniemi used to be a peninsula, until the construction of Kutvele canal in the 18nth century turned it to an island. The island can be reached via the road connection at Ruokohlati and via Kyläniemi ferry.

Geography

The 14 km long island consists of sandy beaches, terraces, gravelly deltas and end

moraine A moraine is any accumulation of unconsolidated debris (regolith and rock), sometimes referred to as glacial till, that occurs in both currently and formerly glaciated regions, and that has been previously carried along by a glacier or ice shee ...

ridges. Kyläniemi emerged during the second Salpausselkä ice-marginal formation, and pasqueflowers and sand pink flowers were among the first plant species to appear on the island. A variety of plants that can be found includes anemone, sand pansy and

canary grass Canary grass is a plant, ''Phalaris canariensis'', belonging to the family Poaceae. Originally a native of the Mediterranean region, it is now grown commercially in several parts of the world for birdseed. Description ''Phalaris canariensis'' ...

. The island also harbors sparsely wooded coniferous forests.Kyläniemi 3"> Kyläniemi is considered a significant geological and biological ridge area. It is protected under the national ridge protection program and the

Natura 2000 Natura 2000 is a network of nature protection areas in the territory of the European Union. It is made up of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas designated under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, respectively ...

network of preserved natural sites.

Gallery

File:Канал Кутвеле, вид с парома.jpg, Kyläsalmi cable ferry. Kutvele canal lies in the background. File:Kyläniemi ferry.jpg, Kyläniemi ferry File:Kyläniemi beach - panoramio.jpg, Kyläniemi beach

References

{{reflist Islands of Finland