Nature Reserves in Finland

The nature reserves of Finland vary in character and conservation objectives. National parks are over 1,000-hectare protected areas that highlight the natural features of Finland. The other nature reserves have been established to protect special types of nature, e.g. mires or herb-rich forests. Some of these areas are kept untouched in their natural state while others are cared for in different ways.

These areas are on state-owned land and managed by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland or the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.

• Strict Nature Reserves
• Mire Reserves
• Herb-rich Forest Reserves
• Old-growth Forest Reserves
• Seal Reserves
• Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site
• Protected Area History
• Protected areas managed by Metsähallitus (number and area)

Privately-owned Protected Areas

Protected areas can be established on lands owned by municipalities, organisations or individuals when the land owner applies for permission from Finland’s environmental administration. There is a very diverse range of private protected areas from strict bird reserves to valuable estate parks. Sometimes these areas are directly connected to state-owned protected areas and share services with them.

There are about 7,800 private nature reserves in Finland, mainly The private located in southern part of the country.

Parks & Wildlife Finland may also manage privately owned nature reserves – with the landowner´s permission.