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Virkkula Bird Watching Tower: A Window to Liminka Bay's Avian Wonders

Observe diverse bird species at Virkkula Bird Watching Tower in Liminka Bay, a top European bird wetland. Accessible and rewarding nature experience.

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The Virkkula Bird Watching Tower, located in Liminka Bay, offers panoramic views of one of Europe's most significant bird wetlands. This two-story tower is accessible via a 600-meter path and provides opportunities to observe approximately 200 bird species.

A brief summary to Virkkula Bird Watching Tower

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit between April and September for the best birdwatching opportunities and ideal lighting.
  • Borrow binoculars from the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre for free to enhance your bird spotting.
  • Explore the Kukkala learning environment near the Visitor Centre to learn about local vegetation and habitats.
  • Take bus lines 52A, 53, or 53A from Oulu to reach the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Oulu, take bus lines 52A, 53, or 53A towards Liminka. The nearest bus stop to the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre is 'Luontokeskus th P'. From the bus stop, it is a 600-meter walk to the Visitor Centre and the Virkkula Bird Watching Tower. A single bus ticket costs €2.60 for adults when paid with contactless payment or via the OSL mobile app. Cash fares are €5 for adults.

  • Walking

    From the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre (Rantakurvi 6, 91900 Liminka), follow the accessible gravel path for 600 meters to reach the Virkkula Bird Watching Tower. The path is suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

  • Driving

    From Highway 8, follow the signs to Liminka Bay Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is located approximately 35 km south of Oulu and 5 km north of Liminka. Parking is available at the Liminka Bay Visitor Center parking place. There is space for about 30 cars, including two accessible parking spaces. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Virkkula Bird Watching Tower

Virkkula Bird Watching Tower is the most popular destination in Liminka Bay, a birdwatcher's paradise. Situated within the Liminka Bay Nature Reserve, the tower provides an excellent vantage point to observe the diverse birdlife of this internationally renowned wetland. Approximately 200 bird species can be spotted annually, with around 160 nesting in the area. The tower is a two-story structure accessible via a 600-meter gravel path from the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre, making it suitable for wheelchairs and prams. The lower platform is also accessible. The best time to visit is from April to September, with ideal lighting conditions throughout the day. The tower is known as the best place in Liminka Bay to spot the black-tailed godwit. The grazing area to the east also hosts curlews, ruffs, and sandpipers. In autumn, large numbers of waterfowl gather in front of the tower. Liminka Bay itself is a product of post-glacial land uplift, creating unique shore areas that support a wide range of bird species. The bay is part of the European Union's Natura network and the international Ramsar wetland conservation network. The Liminka Bay Visitor Centre enhances the experience with exhibits, guided tours, and free binocular rentals.

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