Patvinsuo National Park

Patvinsuo Overview

Patvinsuo National Park, known as Patvinsuon kansallispuisto in Finnish, is a pristine wilderness area located in eastern Finland, near the Russian border, in the North Karelia region.

Covering approximately 38 square miles (105 square kilometers), the park is renowned for its vast peatlands, ancient forests, and tranquil waterways. Established in 1982, Patvinsuo is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a refuge for rare bird species, offering visitors a chance to experience Finland’s untouched natural beauty.

The park’s landscape is dominated by extensive peat bogs, pine-covered eskers, and old-growth forests, creating a unique mosaic of ecosystems. The wetlands, interspersed with small ponds and lakes, make Patvinsuo one of Finland’s most significant areas for mire conservation. The expansive Lahnasuo Mire is a central feature of the park, displaying a stunning array of raised bog formations and open fens.

The Lutjanpuro Stream meanders through parts of the park, adding to the region’s rich hydrological network. The park’s sandy ridges, such as the Teretinniemi Esker, provide elevated viewpoints over the surrounding wetlands and dense boreal forests, primarily composed of Scots pine, spruce, and birch. In autumn, the landscape bursts into color as the peatlands turn golden and the forests shimmer with shades of yellow and red.

Patvinsuo National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is one of the best places in Finland to observe brown bears (Ursus arctos), particularly in the more secluded areas of the park. The park is also home to elk (Alces alces), lynx (Lynx lynx), and beavers (Castor fiber), which thrive in the wetland-rich environment. The dense forests support populations of smaller mammals such as pine martens, red foxes, and hares.

Birdwatchers are especially drawn to Patvinsuo due to its diverse avian life. The park provides nesting grounds for several rare and elusive species, including the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), black-throated diver (Gavia arctica), and the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). The wetlands are particularly valuable for migratory birds, with sightings of cranes, whooper swans, and various wading birds that use the park as a stopover during seasonal migrations.

A popular attraction within the park is Lake Suomunjärvi, with its clear waters and sandy beaches offering a striking contrast to the surrounding marshlands. The Suomunkierto Trail, a well-known hiking route, circles the lake and provides excellent opportunities for nature observation. Visitors can explore the Patvinsuo Circular Trail, a longer route that traverses the park’s diverse landscapes, from open mires to dense forests.

Birdwatching towers strategically placed across the park, such as the Surkansuo Observation Tower, provide panoramic views and excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities. Canoeing is also a popular activity, particularly along the park’s tranquil waterways, allowing for close-up encounters with the wetland ecosystems.

Patvinsuo’s management focuses on the conservation of its delicate mire ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by climate change and human impact. The park has been successful in restoring some previously drained wetlands, aiding in the recovery of native plant and animal species.

Efforts to minimize disturbances to the park’s brown bear population have been implemented through strict visitor guidelines. Despite these successes, challenges remain, including the need for continued monitoring of water levels and protecting the park from the effects of commercial forestry in surrounding areas.

Park Map

Patvinsuo National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Patvinsuo National Park, located in eastern Finland, is known for its vast wetlands, old-growth forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is an important habitat for many species, including large mammals and smaller forest dwellers. Visitors can explore its remote wilderness while observing some of Finland’s most iconic animals.

Brown Bear
The brown bear is the largest predator in Finland and a symbol of the country’s wild nature. Although elusive, these powerful animals roam the forests of Patvinsuo in search of food, including berries, insects, and small mammals.

Gray Wolf
Wolves are top predators in the park, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. These intelligent and social animals live in packs and primarily hunt deer and smaller mammals.

Eurasian Lynx
This secretive and solitary feline is one of Finland’s top predators. The Eurasian lynx is an expert hunter, preying on hares, birds, and even small deer. It is rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits.

Moose
Moose, the largest deer species in Europe, are common in the park’s forests and wetlands. These massive herbivores feed on aquatic plants, tree bark, and leaves.

Wolverine
One of the rarest and most mysterious animals in Finland, the wolverine is a fierce and solitary scavenger. Despite its small size, it is an incredibly strong predator that preys on reindeer and rodents.

European Otter
This semi-aquatic mammal thrives in the park’s rivers and lakes. Otters are excellent swimmers and feed on fish, frogs, and crustaceans.

Raccoon Dog
Originally from East Asia, the raccoon dog has spread across Finland. It is an adaptable omnivore that forages for insects, berries, and small animals.

Red Fox
A highly adaptable predator, the red fox is found throughout the park. It hunts small mammals, birds, and insects and is known for its intelligence and resourcefulness.

Beaver
Beavers play a vital role in shaping Patvinsuo’s wetland ecosystems. By building dams, they create habitats for various other species, including fish, amphibians, and birds.

European Badger
This nocturnal animal lives in burrows and is known for its strong digging abilities. Badgers are omnivores, feeding on insects, berries, and small rodents.

Birds

Patvinsuo National Park is also home to a rich diversity of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s wetlands, forests, and lakes provide ideal nesting and feeding grounds for numerous birds.

Common Crane
A symbol of Finland’s wilderness, the common crane is a large, elegant bird that breeds in the wetlands. It is known for its loud, trumpeting calls and impressive courtship dances.

White-tailed Eagle
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle soars over the park’s lakes in search of fish. With its massive wingspan and sharp talons, it is a powerful hunter.

Osprey
Also known as the fish hawk, the osprey is a skilled angler that dives into the water to catch fish. It builds large nests near lakes and rivers.

Black Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in Europe, the black woodpecker is a striking bird with jet-black plumage and a red cap. It plays a key role in forest ecosystems by creating nesting cavities used by other species.

Whooper Swan
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, is a large and graceful waterfowl species found in the park’s lakes. It is known for its loud, trumpet-like calls.

Western Capercaillie
This large forest-dwelling grouse is known for its dramatic courtship displays. Males are significantly larger than females and have striking dark plumage.

Golden Eagle
A powerful predator, the golden eagle hunts small mammals and birds across the park’s forests and open landscapes. Its keen eyesight and incredible speed make it a formidable hunter.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a nocturnal predator with striking orange eyes and powerful talons. It preys on small mammals and birds.

Great Grey Owl
This mysterious and silent hunter thrives in the park’s forests. The great grey owl is known for its large, round face and piercing yellow eyes.

Eurasian Curlew
This wading bird, with its long, curved bill, is a common sight in the park’s wetlands. It feeds on insects, worms, and small crustaceans while producing distinctive, haunting calls.

Patvinsuo National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into Finland’s untamed nature with its diverse array of mammals and bird species.