Nature experiences

Alkunkarinlahti nature trails

Alkunkarinlahti nature trail is signposted from Kromitie. Lengths of the trails 700 and 300 metres. Restoration of overgrown sea gulf, three bird watchtowers, covered trails, toilets for disabled persons and campfire site.
 

Haparanda Archipelago National Park

Founded in 1995. The total area is about 6 000 hectares, of which 770 hectares is land. The national park consists of two large islands in the east, Sandskär and Seskar-Furö, and a number of smaller islands and skerries. The Haparanda Archipelago is a place of low-lying islands, with broad sandy beaches and an exotic sand dune landscape shaped by the wind. In the National Park area there are about 25 fish species of which the most frequent are whitefish and Baltic herring. Sandskär has long served as a bird observation post, as many species pause on the island during the spring and autumn migrations. Over 200 species have been observed so far. Further information on the national park, boat connections and cottage rental on Sandskär from Staffan Svanberg, tel. +46 (0)70 552 76 36 and from Tourist Office, tel. +358(0)50 590 0562, +46 (0)922 120 10.

Haparanda nature trail

Length of nature trail 15 km. Starts about 2 kilometres south of Haparanda along the road E4. Interesting flora and fauna and old culture landscapes. Campfire place and observation tower. Different types of forestry.

Kaupunginlahti

Located in Tornio city centre. Park with a view over river Tornio. Water birds can be seen in the city bay. Walking route from Länsiranta to Näränperä and IKEA.
 

Kukkola rapids

The most important natural beauty spot of Tornio and Haparanda is situated in Kukkola, 15 km north of Tornio and Haparanda. Kukkola rapids are the longest free-flowing rapids in Finland with a length of 3 500 m and a fall height of 13,8 m. As early as the Middle Ages Kukkola rapids was famous as a fishing place and even to this day whitefish are caught by using the ancient method of long-handle net fishing. Every year during the end of July a Whitefish Festival is held in Kukkola. On both sides of the rapids it is possible to enjoy freshly grilled whitefish. River rafting in rubber boats is also arranged on both sides.

Matkakoski rapids

Another beautiful site on the river Tornio about 36 km north of Haparanda and Tornio are Matkakoski rapids. The rapids have a length of about 800 metres and a fall height of 10,3 metres. Matkakoski rapids offer excellent fishing opportunities.
 

Perämeri National Park

A group of islands lying far apart from each other are characteristic of Perämeri National Park. The total area of the park is 15 700 hectares, of which only 250 hectares is land. The waterfront meadows lining the islands are a beautiful sight in the middle of the summer. About 60 different bird species have been found nesting in the park. Both ringed seal and grey seal occur in the waters of national park. Perämeri National Park in Finland and Haparanda Archipelago National Park in Sweden form together a recreational site for boating trips, fishermen and those who enjoy swimming and the sun.
 

Raumo nature trail

Length 1,4 km. Starts from Raumo village house, short nature trail on a bird-rich area. Information signs about nature and animals along the trail.