Bothnian Bay National Park

Bothnian Bay Overview

Bothnian Bay National Park, or Perämeren kansallispuisto in Finnish, is located in the northern reaches of the Gulf of Bothnia, the northernmost arm of the Baltic Sea. Covering an area of 61 square miles (157 square kilometers), this Finnish national park is predominantly marine, consisting of a vast archipelago with over 30 islands and islets.

Established in 1991, it protects a unique coastal environment characterized by shallow waters, sandy beaches, rocky shores, and extensive ice cover during winter. The park lies off the coast of Kemi and Tornio, near the border with Sweden, offering a pristine and remote escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

The park’s landscape is shaped by the post-glacial rebound phenomenon, where the land is gradually rising from the sea at a rate of about 9 millimeters per year. As a result, new islands are continuously emerging, and the coastline is constantly shifting. The terrain includes low-lying sandy and rocky islands, some of which are covered with boreal forests and wetland vegetation.

In summer, wildflowers like sea thrift and crowberries add bursts of color to the otherwise rugged and sparse terrain. The shallow waters and extensive reefs create an environment rich in aquatic life and seabirds, while the harsh winter conditions turn the park into a vast frozen expanse, with thick ice covering the bay from November to May.

Bothnian Bay National Park is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to its extreme northern climate. The waters harbor the endangered Baltic ringed seal, one of the few seal species capable of living in the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. The area also supports a population of gray seals, which can often be seen resting on the ice or rocky islets.

Birdwatchers will find the park particularly rewarding, as it is an important breeding and migration area for numerous bird species. Common sightings include Arctic terns, white-tailed eagles, common eiders, and black guillemots. The park is also home to numerous waterfowl and wading birds, particularly during the spring and autumn migrations, making it a crucial habitat for avian conservation.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is Selkä-Sarvi Island, which features historical fishing huts and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life for Finnish fishermen. The island has a small harbor, a nature trail, and old wooden buildings that reflect the region’s maritime heritage.

Another notable site is Iso-Huituri, an island known for its bird colonies and shifting sandbanks. The park’s constantly evolving landscape, with its rising land masses and newly forming islands, makes it a fascinating place to witness nature’s slow transformation.

Visitors to Bothnian Bay National Park can engage in various activities, particularly during the summer months. Boating and kayaking are the best ways to explore the park, as there are no roads or bridges connecting the islands.

Many visitors come for birdwatching, photography, and fishing, while winter offers a completely different experience with ice fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling across the frozen bay. The park is also ideal for those seeking solitude, as the remote islands see relatively few visitors compared to Finland’s more accessible national parks.

Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and the threatened Baltic ringed seal population. Climate change, pollution, and increasing human activity pose challenges to the park’s delicate balance.

However, Finland’s strict environmental protections and ongoing research initiatives help to preserve this unique Arctic coastal environment. Efforts to monitor and reduce the impact of fishing and tourism continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Bothnian Bay’s ecosystem.

Park Map

Bothnian Bay National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Bothnian Bay National Park provides an essential habitat for various bird species, especially during migration periods. The diverse coastal environments and wetlands attract both resident and migratory birds.

Common Eider
This large sea duck breeds in the archipelago, nesting on islands and feeding on mollusks and other marine invertebrates. Males have striking black-and-white plumage, while females are brown for better camouflage.

Whooper Swan
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, is a majestic sight in the park. Known for its loud, trumpeting calls, this large waterfowl breeds in the region’s wetlands.

White-tailed Eagle
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is frequently seen soaring above the park’s coastline, hunting for fish and waterfowl.

Black Guillemot
This striking black-and-white seabird nests on rocky shores and islands within the park. It is an excellent diver, catching fish underwater.

Arctic Tern
Known for its remarkable migration from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, the Arctic tern nests in Bothnian Bay during the summer months. It is highly territorial and will aggressively defend its nesting sites.

Red-breasted Merganser
This diving duck is often seen in the park’s waters, catching fish with its thin, serrated beak. It prefers shallow coastal areas for foraging.

Eurasian Oystercatcher
Easily recognizable by its black-and-white body and long, bright orange beak, the Eurasian oystercatcher feeds on shellfish along the shorelines.

Common Tern
Often spotted hovering above the water before diving for fish, the common tern is a graceful and agile seabird that breeds in the park’s coastal areas.

Northern Lapwing
This striking bird, known for its iridescent green plumage and distinctive crest, is found in the park’s wetlands and coastal meadows.

Great Black-backed Gull
The largest gull species in the world, the great black-backed gull is a dominant predator and scavenger in the park. It preys on fish, smaller birds, and even other gulls.

Bothnian Bay National Park is a crucial habitat for both marine and terrestrial species, offering visitors a chance to observe wildlife in a stunning Arctic setting.

Bothnian Bay National Park, located in the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea in Finland, is known for its unique archipelago, shifting ice formations, and rich marine biodiversity. Despite its harsh climate, the park is home to various fascinating wildlife species, including marine mammals and land-dwelling animals adapted to cold environments.

Gray Seal
One of the most iconic marine mammals in the park, the gray seal thrives in the icy waters of Bothnian Bay. These seals are excellent swimmers and are often spotted resting on ice floes or rocky outcrops.

Ringed Seal
The ringed seal is a smaller species of seal adapted to Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. Unlike the gray seal, the ringed seal relies on ice formations for breeding and can be seen hauling out on the ice during the winter months.

European Otter
Although elusive, the European otter can be found along the coastal shores of the park. These semi-aquatic mammals are excellent hunters, feeding primarily on fish and other small aquatic creatures.

Roe Deer
While more commonly associated with forests and meadows, roe deer occasionally venture near the park’s coastal areas. They are agile and adaptable, feeding on shrubs and other vegetation.

Moose
Moose are the largest land mammals in the region and can sometimes be seen wandering through the forests and wetlands near the park. These massive herbivores are well adapted to the cold climate.

Red Fox
The red fox is a common predator in the area, preying on small mammals and birds. With its keen sense of smell and adaptability, it thrives in Bothnian Bay’s varied landscapes.

Mountain Hare
This species is known for its seasonal coat change, turning white in winter to blend in with the snow. Mountain hares are agile and fast, using their strong hind legs to escape predators.

Least Weasel
One of the smallest carnivores in the park, the least weasel is a skilled hunter, preying on small rodents. Despite its tiny size, it is a fierce predator.

American Mink
This invasive species has established a presence in the park and poses a threat to native bird and fish populations. It is highly adaptable and often found near water.

Eurasian Beaver
Once nearly extinct in Finland, the Eurasian beaver has made a comeback and can be found in riverine habitats within the park. Beavers are known for their ability to modify landscapes by building dams and lodges.