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Patvinsuo National Park: Finland's Untamed Wilderness

Explore Patvinsuo National Park: Hike through pristine wilderness, discover diverse wildlife, and experience the tranquility of Finnish nature in Lieksa.

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Discover the serene beauty of Patvinsuo National Park in Lieksa, Finland, a vast expanse of bogs, forests, and lakes. Established in 1982, this park offers 80 km of marked trails, diverse wildlife, and a chance to experience the tranquility of Finnish nature.

A brief summary to Patvinsuo National Park

Local tips

  • Visit in early summer to see blooming flora and active wildlife.
  • Bring sturdy hiking boots, as some trails can be muddy, especially after rain.
  • Pack insect repellent, especially during the summer months, to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
  • Check the park's website for current hiking information, including trail conditions and any restrictions.
  • Be aware of the restrictions in the marsh areas around Teretti, Hulkkonen, Lahnasuo and Surkansuo, which are in effect from early spring until mid-July.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach Patvinsuo National Park by car, head towards Lieksa, the nearest town. From Lieksa, take Route 6 (E63) towards Joensuu. After approximately 30 kilometers, look for signs for Patvinsuo National Park. Turn onto the smaller road leading to the park entrance. Parking is available at the park entrance. There are also places for caravans and campervans at the Suomu Nature Information Hut, for a fee. Parking is also available at the Surkanpuro parking area.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Patvinsuo National Park using public transport, take a train or bus to Lieksa from Joensuu. From Lieksa, you can take a local taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle to Patvinsuo National Park, which is approximately 20 kilometers away from the bus station. Bus schedules may vary, so check in advance. A taxi or pre-arranged shuttle from Lieksa to Patvinsuo National Park will cost approximately 40-60 EUR.

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Discover more about Patvinsuo National Park

Patvinsuo National Park, located in the North Karelia region of Finland, is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts. Established in 1982, the park spans 105 square kilometers (41 sq mi) and showcases a unique blend of bogs, old-growth forests, and clear waterways. It is situated within the municipalities of Lieksa and Ilomantsi. The park's landscape is dominated by vast open mires, interspersed with pine forests and sandy shorelines along Lake Suomunjärvi. Patvinsuo is an internationally significant area for mire conservation and research. The diverse ecosystems within the park support a rich variety of wildlife, including the elusive bear, which serves as the park's emblem. Other inhabitants include lynx, wolves, and beavers. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the numerous species of birds, such as swans, cranes, geese, and birds of prey. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty through a network of well-maintained trails. The most popular trail is the 16-kilometer Suomunkierto Trail, which circles Lake Suomunjärvi. The 25-kilometer Patvinkierto Trail offers a longer hiking experience, with a birdwatching tower at Teretinniemi. Shorter nature trails, such as the Kuusipolku Trail (3 km), Lakkapolku Trail (3.3 km), and Mäntypolku Trail (4.5 km), provide glimpses into different habitats within the park. Camping and campfire sites are available at designated locations. Patvinsuo also has a rich cultural history. Lake Suomunjärvi's Kuikkaniemi cape was inhabited as early as the 17th century. Today, a chimneyless hut, Savupirtti, stands empty on the cape point. The Suomu Nature Information Hut, built in 1953, is located on the grounds of a former forest warden's estate.

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