European Wilderness Society

Exploring Finland’s National Parks: A Legacy of Conservation and Beauty

Finland’s national parks are not just breathtakingly beautiful landscapes—they are a testament to the country’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving nature, maintaining biodiversity, and providing spaces for recreation and reflection. With a network of 40 national parks, Finland offers some of Europe’s most diverse and pristine wildernesses, from lush forests and serene lakes to rugged mountains and remote archipelagos. But these parks weren’t always there, and their journey from debate to establishment is as fascinating as the lands they protect.

The Birth of Finland’s National Parks: A Long Road to Recognition

The story of Finland’s first national parks began with a passionate public debate that lasted nearly six decades. In the early 20th century, A.E. Nordenskiöld, a Finnish-born scientist and explorer, proposed the idea of protected areas on state-owned lands. This idea sparked a national discussion about the need to conserve Finland’s natural heritage—not only as a precious resource for the future but also as a symbol of national identity and pride.

After much deliberation and navigating complex legal and political hurdles, Finland established its first national parks in 1938. Managed by the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla), these early parks marked a pivotal moment in Finland’s conservation history. Despite their importance, the parks were initially remote and inaccessible to the general public, with only a few established trails and no comprehensive visitor services.

Post-War Expansion and the Role of Metsähallitus

Finland’s landscape was forever altered by the devastation of the Second World War. By the end of the war, only two national parks remained: Pallas-Ounastunturi and Pyhätunturi. However, rebuilding the country’s natural heritage became a national priority alongside infrastructure recovery. In 1956, Finland took another significant step, establishing a new batch of national parks on lands owned by Metsähallitus, the state-owned land management agency.

These parks—Liesjärvi, Linnansaari, Pyhä-Häkki, and others—were originally far from the public eye. However, as the years passed, Finland realized that national parks could serve not only as nature reserves but also as vital spaces for recreation and public well-being. The true development of Finland’s national parks as hiking and sightseeing destinations only began in earnest during the 1970s, when public access and infrastructure improvements were prioritized.

A Global Model: Inspiration from the United States

As Finland’s network of national parks continued to grow, the country looked to global examples for guidance. One of the most significant influences was the United States’ National Park Service, which had been established decades earlier. Drawing inspiration from the U.S. model, Finland implemented the concept of a management plan for each national park. This ensured that conservation efforts and recreational activities could coexist harmoniously—a delicate balance that continues to define Finnish parks today.

By 1982, the national park network had expanded considerably, with 11 new parks established. These included the famous Helvetinjärvi, Patvinsuo, and Oulanka National Parks, among others. The aim was clear: to protect the most significant natural areas of Finland while also making them accessible to the public for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

National Parks as Guardians of Nature and Well-being

Finland’s national parks serve multiple purposes, but the central one remains nature conservation. Today, the parks are guardians of Finland’s diverse flora and fauna, many species of which are unique to the region. From the snow-capped peaks of Lapland to the vast wetlands of the south, Finland’s parks represent the raw beauty of the natural world. But they also serve a more personal role for visitors: providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, a place to reconnect with nature and restore mental and physical health.

The connection between national parks and public well-being is increasingly recognized. Finnish researchers and conservationists argue that time spent in nature not only preserves biodiversity but also enhances human health. Whether it’s a peaceful walk along a lake or an immersive wilderness experience in the heart of the forests, the parks offer respite and healing, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

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2017-10-14 12.33.49.jpg – © European Wilderness Society CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Challenges Ahead: The Future of Finland’s National Parks

However, as with many of the world’s protected areas, Finland’s national parks face challenges. Climate change, invasive species, and the pressures of modern tourism all pose threats to the delicate ecosystems these parks protect. Recent evaluations, including a global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have highlighted both the successes and the areas in need of improvement.

One key recommendation from the IUCN report is the need for better management practices to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The parks also need to find new ways to balance conservation with sustainable tourism, ensuring that the parks remain intact for future generations while still being accessible to the public.

Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on increasing public involvement in park management. Local communities, especially those in rural and northern regions, can play a critical role in protecting these landscapes while benefiting from eco-tourism and nature-based livelihoods. Finland’s national parks are becoming more than just protected spaces; they are hubs for local engagement, research, and sustainable development.

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2017-10-14 13.05.05.jpg – © European Wilderness Society CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Preserving Finland’s Natural Heritage: A Shared Responsibility

Today, Finland’s national parks represent a bold commitment to preserving the country’s rich natural heritage. They are places where both locals and visitors can experience the tranquility of nature, where scientific research continues to unlock the mysteries of the natural world, and where the importance of conservation is acknowledged at every level.

As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, Finland’s national parks stand as a model for balancing human recreation with the pressing need for nature protection. Through careful management, public engagement, and international cooperation, Finland’s parks will continue to be a source of pride, joy, and preservation for generations to come. Whether you’re hiking the trails of Lemmenjoki, canoeing the waters of Linnansaari, or simply enjoying the silence of a northern forest, Finland’s national parks remind us of the beauty and importance of nature—and our responsibility to protect it.


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