The park provides crucial habitat for numerous Arctic species, including brown bears, wolves, and wolverines. The region supports Europe's largest population of golden eagles, along with other notable bird species like the Siberian jay and three-toed woodpecker. Reindeer are abundant throughout the park, managed by local Sámi herders. The rivers host valuable fish populations, including Arctic char and grayling. Small mammals such as lemmings and voles form an essential part of the ecosystem, supporting various predator species.
Lemmenjoki's vegetation varies from old-growth pine forests in the valleys to hardy fell vegetation at higher elevations. The park harbors some of Finland's oldest pine trees, some exceeding 600 years in age. Alpine tundra dominates the fell tops, featuring resilient species like crowberry and mountain birch. The river valleys support lush meadows with rare orchids and other flowering plants. Extensive wetlands and mires host specialized bog plants, including various species of sphagnum moss and carnivorous plants.
The park's landscape was shaped by the last ice age, which ended approximately 10,000 years ago, leaving behind distinctive glacial formations and deposits. The bedrock consists primarily of granulite and gneiss, with significant gold deposits in the region's numerous streams. The Lemmenjoki River valley features dramatic gorges and rapids, while the surrounding fells rise to heights of up to 600 meters. The area also contains important gold-bearing alluvial deposits that have attracted prospectors for generations.
Lemmenjoki has been home to the indigenous Sámi people for thousands of years, who traditionally practiced reindeer herding and fishing in the region. The area gained prominence in the 1940s following the discovery of gold, sparking a minor gold rush that continues today with small-scale prospecting. The national park was established in 1956 and expanded in 1971 to become Finland's largest national park. Traditional Sámi culture remains an integral part of the region, with active reindeer husbandry still practiced within park boundaries.
Lemmenjoki's most distinctive features include the meandering Lemmenjoki River, historic gold panning sites, and the dramatic Joenkielinen Fell offering panoramic views. The park contains Finland's largest roadless wilderness area, with over 60 kilometers of marked hiking trails. Traditional Sámi settlements and reindeer corrals provide cultural interest, while the Ravadas Falls represent one of the park's most photographed natural attractions. The area also features unique gold mining history exhibits and opportunities for visitors to try traditional gold panning.
Lemmenjoki experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and brief, mild summers. Winter temperatures typically range from -25°C to -5°C from November through March, with permanent snow cover and limited daylight. Summers are characterized by the midnight sun phenomenon from June to July, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Spring and autumn are short transitional seasons marked by rapidly changing conditions. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with annual precipitation averaging 500mm.
Finland
68.5970°, 25.6040°
1956
2860
Lemmenjoki is Finland's largest national park and one of the largest wilderness areas in Europe. The park is known for its gold panning history and pristine wilderness. It features vast forests, fells, and river valleys, offering excellent opportunities for extended wilderness hikes.