Birdwatching in Finland

There are still crystal-clear lakes and brooks and stretches of almost untouched wilderness in many parts in Finland where you can hear the soughing of the wind in the old forests and enjoy the clean air.

In geographical terms, Finland is the 12th largest country in Europe. In terms of population, however, it is one of the smallest. Northern Finland in particular is practically 'a large wilderness' with more reindeer than people!

Finland is the northernmost country in the world and the easternmost one in Europe, in a way acting as the 'western extension to Siberia'. It is thus no wonder that its avifauna should feature a number of northern and eastern species rarely encountered elsewhere in Europe.

Most of the geographical area covered by Finland lies in the northern coniferous zone so forests make up 69% of its total surface area. In addition, the majority of our most interesting birds and mammals, i.e. Owls, Woodpeckers, Grouse, Elk, Bears, Wolves, Lynx and Wolverines, live in the old forests.

Approximately one tenth of Finland's surface area is paludified so Finland can be called the land of bogs. Bird species living in bogs include arctic waders in their summer plumage in the breeding season, Taiga Bean Geese, Common Cranes and Whooper Swans all nest.

Lakes and rivers make up some 10% of Finland's surface area: there are almost 200,000 lakes in the country. Our typical bird species that can be seen on lakes include the Black-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe and Little Gull. The shallow brackish water bays on the Finnish coast feature a wide variety of waterfowl and waders.
Typical tundra species, such as the Dotterel, Ptarmigan and Gyrfalcon, the world's largest falcon, are encountered on the treeless fells of Lapland in the northernmost part of Finland.

Soughing forests, crystal-clear water, bears, owls and friendly local people welcome you to enjoy a rewarding nature experience in Finland.