Nature’s untouched beauty at Archipelago WILDCoast

One of the European Wilderness Network partner from Finland is Archipelago National Park.
The European Wilderness Network representing Europe’s last Wilderness, was founded in 2014 and has grown to now 40 members in 17 Countries with more than 350 000 ha of audited Wilderness.

Nestled within the Archipelago National Park of Finland, the Archipelago WILDCoast spans over 10,600 hectares. It forms a key part of one of the largest archipelagos in the world, featuring thousands of islands and rocky islets that create a vast and serene sea. This stunning coastal area offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

A wilderness tourism experience

The Archipelago WILDCoast, while strictly protected, is part of a broader region where visitors can experience Finland’s natural beauty. The Archipelago National Park allows for a variety of activities such as sailing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, cycling, diving, and snorkeling. These activities offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery, with many opportunities to spot rare birds in their natural habitats.

In recent years, “learning in nature” programs have grown in popularity, especially for schools. These educational experiences focus on hands-on learning about the outdoors, survival skills, and fostering an appreciation for the environment. For those interested in birdwatching, the Archipelago WILDCoast is a paradise, offering sightings of diverse species, especially during migration seasons.

Protecting the Archipelago’s ecosystems

The conservation of this unique region is a priority. Metsähallitus’ Nature Services plays an important role in monitoring the environment’s health and supporting research aimed at understanding ecosystem dynamics. Active efforts focus on maintaining the balance of nature through various management activities.

In the Archipelago Sea, grazing by local cattle and sheep helps prevent the overgrowth of traditional landscapes, maintaining meadows and shorelines. Volunteers and park staff work together to care for these environments, preserving the picturesque landscapes that attract visitors. Efforts to control small predators have also supported the recovery of bird populations, while eelgrass planting in certain areas has helped create underwater meadows vital to marine life.

A rich history and heritage

The history of the Archipelago National Park stretches back thousands of years. Human presence in the area dates to the late Stone Age, around 2000–1300 BC. The archipelago’s unique geography and marine resources have always been central to the lives of its inhabitants. In ancient times, the local people relied on fishing, hunting, and trade. The Baltic Sea’s once higher salinity supported an abundance of fish species, including the Atlantic cod, and seals were plentiful in the area.

As settlements grew, particularly during the Iron Age (500–1150 BC), many archaeological sites were established. The landscape itself bears the marks of its human history—burial mounds, remnants of fishing settlements, and marks on rocks used by ancient inhabitants. Over time, the population grew and waned, influenced by environmental, social, and political changes. The Archipelago’s role as a cultural and natural landmark continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to preserve both its heritage and its ecosystems.

Traditional agricultural landscapes

One of the highlights of the Archipelago National Park is its traditional agricultural landscapes. The park is home to wooded meadows, pastures, and coastal heaths where island cattle have grazed for centuries. However, as traditional farming practices declined, these landscapes were threatened by the overgrowth of shrubs and trees.

To combat this, local farmers, conservationists, and volunteers work together to manage these landscapes. Livestock, including cattle, sheep, and alpacas, continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the park’s natural beauty. The management of these areas also supports the survival of plant and insect species unique to traditional environments.

Volunteer camps, organized by groups such as WWF and the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, allow visitors to help clear meadows and maintain these historic landscapes. Jungfruskär Island, in particular, stands as an example of successful landscape management.

The White-Tailed Eagle: A conservation triumph

Perhaps the most iconic species of the Archipelago National Park is the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). Once on the brink of extinction due to environmental toxins, this majestic bird has made a remarkable recovery. In the 1970s, the white-tailed eagle’s population dwindled due to chemicals such as DDT, which caused their eggs to have thin, fragile shells.

Through dedicated conservation efforts, the eagle has rebounded. WWF and Metsähallitus led successful programs to protect nesting sites, monitor populations, and provide the eagles with safe feeding areas. Today, the white-tailed sea eagle can be spotted soaring above the Archipelago Sea, a symbol of nature’s resilience.

Life beneath the surface

The waters surrounding the Archipelago WILDCoast are just as fascinating as the landscapes above the surface. The Baltic Sea, with its brackish water, hosts a variety of species that have adapted to its unique conditions. The seabed is varied, featuring mud, sand, and rocky outcrops, providing diverse habitats for marine life.

Key species like bladderwrack, blue mussels, and the Baltic clam help support an entire ecosystem, providing food and shelter for countless other organisms. However, the Baltic Sea faces significant challenges, including eutrophication, environmental toxins, and the impacts of climate change. The efforts to protect the land also extend to preserving the health of the surrounding waters.

Conclusion

The Archipelago WILDCoast offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It is a place where the beauty of Finland’s natural landscape meets rich history, active conservation, and sustainable tourism. By respecting the delicate balance between human activity and nature, we can ensure that the Archipelago National Park remains a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for generations to come. Whether you’re hiking along its shores, exploring underwater, or simply taking in the view, the Archipelago WILDCoast offers a unique opportunity to connect with both nature and history in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

European Wilderness Network

The main aim of the European Wilderness Network is a unified approach to Wilderness Stewardship and the representation of Wilderness and its challenges internationally and within the European Union. All Wilderness, WILDCoasts, WILDForests, WILDIslands, and WILDRivers, in the European Wilderness Network are unique and represent the best and wildest places in Europe.