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Introducing Patvinsuo National Park
Patvinsuo is a large marshland area between Lieksa and Ilomantsi. Swans, cranes and other birds nest here and bears and other mammals can be seen if you're lucky. With the excellent pitkospuu (boardwalk) network, you can easily hike around, observing the life of a Finnish marshland.
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If you have little time, go to the southern shore of Suomunjärvi. It's 3.5km from the main road to Teretin lintutorni, a bird-watching tower. This is a good walk through forests and wetlands, and you will see some birds.
There are three nature trails and several good hiking routes along the boardwalk path. You can walk around Lake Suomu or follow pitkospuu trails through the wetlands.
Suomu Park Centre (548 506) has a warden in attendance from early May to mid- September for advice, fishing permits and free maps. There is a dormitory with nine beds, including the use of a small kitchen. You can use the telephone and the sauna for a fee. There are seven camping sites and one laavu (an open shelter with sloping roof) within the park boundaries; all have toilets and firewood and are free of charge. You can also hire canoes and rowing boats here (per hour/day €5/20).
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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