Harju

Definition

A ridge, often of sand and gravel, left behind by the ice age. In the Lakeland these ridges often carry roads and footpaths and give views over the surrounding water, and long narrow lakes frequently lie in the same direction as the ridges. A harju on a map explains why a road follows a particular line across otherwise wet or hilly land. See also: järvi, suo, and the guide Lakeland Finland: A Practical Guide to Lake Travel.