Giant’s kettles of Sukulanrakka

Sukulanrakka’s glacial potholes, also known as giant’s kettles, are located in Rautiosaari village, 22 kilometers south from Rovaniemi. The potholes lay near the road, by a marked trail in the woods. The largest pothole, Paholaisen liemikirnu (Devil’s soup churn) is Finland’s deepest glacial pothole at 15 meters deep. The area also has two other exceptionally large potholes; Ison hiiden piilopirtti and Piispa Hemmingin kirnu, that can be found on top of the rock face. All in all, there are 14 potholes around the Sukulanrakka area.

Giant’s kettles are deep holes that were drilled in solid bedrock tens of thousands of years ago at the end of the ice age. According to current theories, these potholes were formed when powerful meltwater flows spun rocks and gravel against the solid bedrock. Over time, the churn of rocks and water formed a smooth and regular-shaped vertical hole.

If you visit Sukulanrakka during summer, prepare for mosquitoes in the woods. Near the parking lot of the area is a hut with a fireplace which can be booked for personal useonline.

The Finnish word for giant’s kettles is hiidenkirnu, which roughly translates to hiisi’s churn. Hiisis are human-like mysterious characters of Finnish mythology that are often pictured as evil or even demonic.

Address:

Hiidenkirnuntie 165

97110 Rovaniemi