Urho Kekkonen National Park

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Urho Kekkonen National Park, located in Finnish Lapland, is one of Finland’s largest and most popular national parks. It offers a diverse landscape of rolling fells, vast tundras, and dense boreal forests, providing a habitat for a variety of iconic Arctic species. The park is a sanctuary for many mammals that have adapted to the harsh northern climate.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The elusive brown bear roams the remote wilderness of the park, though it is rarely seen by visitors. As Finland’s largest predator, it primarily feeds on berries, roots, insects, and occasionally small mammals.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A rare and powerful carnivore, the wolverine is known for its strength and tenacity. It thrives in the park’s rugged terrain, feeding on carrion and small animals while covering vast distances in search of food.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Once common in Finland, the Arctic fox is now a rare sight in Urho Kekkonen National Park. This small, resilient predator is perfectly adapted to the extreme cold with its thick fur and ability to store fat for winter survival.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A secretive and nocturnal predator, the Eurasian lynx is the largest wild cat in Finland. It preys on hares, birds, and small deer, using its excellent night vision and stealth to hunt.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Perhaps the most iconic species of Lapland, reindeer are semi-domesticated animals that roam the park in large herds. They are central to Sámi culture and well adapted to the Arctic conditions.

Moose (Alces alces)
The largest deer species in Europe, moose are commonly found in the park’s forests and wetlands. They are strong swimmers and primarily feed on leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
More common than its Arctic cousin, the red fox is an adaptable and intelligent predator found throughout the park. It preys on small mammals and scavenges food from various sources.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
This species changes color with the seasons, sporting a white coat in winter for camouflage in the snow. It is a primary prey species for many of the park’s carnivores, including lynxes and birds of prey.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Thriving in the park’s rivers and lakes, the European otter is an excellent swimmer and feeds primarily on fish. Though elusive, its tracks can often be spotted along the water’s edge.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
An invasive species in Finland, the raccoon dog is an omnivore that has established itself in the park’s forests. It competes with native predators for food and habitat.

Birds

Urho Kekkonen National Park is also home to a variety of bird species, many of which are adapted to the harsh Arctic environment. The park’s diverse habitats, from wetlands to taiga forests, attract both resident and migratory birds.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of Finland’s most powerful birds of prey, the golden eagle soars over the park’s fells in search of hares and other small mammals. It is a symbol of wilderness and freedom.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The largest of the falcon species, the gyrfalcon is a skilled hunter that preys on ptarmigans and other birds. Its white and gray plumage provides excellent camouflage against the snow-covered landscape.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
This massive owl is one of the largest in the world, known for its piercing orange eyes and deep hoots. It primarily hunts rodents, hares, and even other birds.

Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus)
A curious and intelligent bird, the Siberian jay is a common sight in the park’s boreal forests. It is known for its boldness around humans and its ability to store food for the harsh winter months.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Well-adapted to the Arctic tundra, this bird changes plumage to match the seasons—white in winter and brown in summer. It is a key prey species for many of the park’s predators.

Northern Hawk-Owl (Surnia ulula)
Unlike most owls, the northern hawk-owl is active during the day. It perches on treetops, scanning the landscape for voles and small birds.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, breeds in the park’s lakes and wetlands. Its loud, trumpet-like calls are often heard echoing through the wilderness.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
The largest woodpecker in Europe, this striking black bird with a red crown is often seen in the park’s forests. It feeds on insects hidden beneath tree bark.

Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)
A characteristic bird of the tundra, the Lapland longspur is a ground-nesting songbird that thrives in the park’s open landscapes. It migrates long distances to escape the harsh winter.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raven is a frequent sight in the park. It scavenges food and is known for its complex vocalizations and playful behavior.

Urho Kekkonen National Park’s diverse wildlife makes it a remarkable destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking to experience the wonders of Arctic Finland.