The park is renowned for its rich bird life, with over 150 species recorded, making it one of Finland's premier bird-watching destinations. Notable species include whooper swans, northern pintails, and various waders. The wetlands provide crucial breeding and resting areas for migratory birds. Mammals found in the park include moose, raccoon dogs, and various small rodents. The wetland environment also supports diverse amphibian populations and numerous invertebrate species, including dragonflies and butterflies adapted to bog habitats.
Puurijärvi-Isosuo showcases diverse wetland vegetation adapted to both nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor conditions. The lake area features extensive reed beds, sedge meadows, and aquatic plants such as water lilies and hornwort. The Isosuo raised bog supports typical bog vegetation including various Sphagnum moss species, cotton grass, and dwarf shrubs like crowberry and bog rosemary. The drier areas around the wetlands host boreal forest species including pine, spruce, and birch, along with characteristic understory plants like lingonberry and blueberry.
The park's landscape was primarily formed during the last ice age, when retreating glaciers carved out depressions and left behind glacial deposits. The area features two distinct geological zones: the lake basin of Puurijärvi and the raised bog complex of Isosuo. The Isosuo bog has developed over thousands of years through the accumulation of peat, now reaching depths of several meters. The lake basin is characterized by nutrient-rich sediments, while the surrounding terrain consists of glacial till and occasional esker formations typical of Finnish post-glacial landscapes.
The Puurijärvi-Isosuo region has been shaped by both natural processes and human activity over thousands of years. Lake Puurijärvi was once a significant waterway for local communities, supporting fishing and transportation. In the early 20th century, water level regulations and drainage projects significantly altered the lake's ecosystem. The area was designated as a national park in 1993 to protect its unique wetland habitats and bird populations. Recent restoration projects have focused on reversing past drainage effects and maintaining optimal conditions for wildlife, particularly in Lake Puurijärvi's basin.
The park's most distinctive feature is Lake Puurijärvi itself, one of Finland's most important bird lakes, complemented by the extensive Isosuo raised bog system. Visitor facilities include several bird-watching towers offering excellent views across the wetlands, particularly the Kärjenkallion tower near Lake Puurijärvi. A network of duckboards and nature trails allows visitors to explore the bog ecosystem safely while protecting sensitive vegetation. The park also features educational displays about wetland ecology and hosts guided nature tours during peak seasons.
Puurijärvi-Isosuo experiences a typical Finnish boreal climate with distinct seasonal changes. Summers are mild with average temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F), while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing from November through March. The area receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with slightly higher rainfall in autumn months. Spring thaw typically begins in April, making the wetlands particularly active with returning migratory birds. The park's microclimate is influenced by its extensive wetland system, which can create localized morning mists and higher humidity levels compared to surrounding areas.
Finland
61.2500°, 22.5670°
1993
27
Puurijärvi-Isosuo National Park is one of Finland's most important wetland areas and bird sanctuaries. The park consists of Lake Puurijärvi and the extensive Isosuo mire complex. It is an internationally significant destination for birdwatching and hosts numerous species of wetland birds.