The park hosts a diverse array of boreal and arctic wildlife. Large mammals include moose, reindeer (both wild and semi-domesticated), and occasional brown bears. The park is home to over 100 bird species, including the endangered Siberian Jay, Golden Eagle, and various grouse species. Small mammals like Arctic foxes, pine martens, and red squirrels are common residents. During winter, many species either migrate or adapt to the harsh conditions through various survival strategies. The park also supports several rare butterfly species during the brief summer season.
The park's vegetation varies with altitude, featuring old-growth forests of pine, spruce, and birch in the lower regions. The forest floor is rich with berries including lingonberries, cloudberries, and blueberries, particularly abundant in late summer. Above the treeline, the fell tops support hardy arctic-alpine plants adapted to the harsh conditions, including rare species like the Arctic Bell-heather and Alpine Bearberry. The park also contains valuable aapa mires and wetland areas supporting specialized plant communities including various moss species and carnivorous plants.
The park's most distinctive features are its ancient fells, which are remnants of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, formed over 2 billion years ago. These quartzite fells rise dramatically from the surrounding plains, with the highest point being Noitatunturi at 540 meters. The area's unique geological formations include deep gorges and ravines carved by glacial activity during the last ice age. The distinctive red quartzite rock contains visible layers that tell the story of ancient seas and geological processes, making it a significant site for geological study.
The area has been significant to the indigenous Sámi people for thousands of years, who used these lands for reindeer herding and considered the fells sacred. The park was initially established as two separate national parks - Pyhätunturi in 1938 and Luosto in 2002 - before being merged into a single park in 2005. The name 'Pyhä' means 'holy' in Finnish, reflecting the area's spiritual significance to the indigenous people. Historical evidence of early settlements and hunting cultures dates back to the Stone Age, with rock formations serving as ancient landmarks.
Key attractions include the Isokuru Gorge, Finland's deepest gorge at 220 meters, and the Pyhä-Luosto fell chain stretching 35 kilometers. The park features extensive marked hiking trails totaling over 150 kilometers, including the popular Noitatunturi fell trail offering panoramic views. The Visitor Centre Naava provides comprehensive information and exhibitions about the park's nature and culture. In winter, the park transforms into a popular destination for cross-country skiing, with maintained trails and the nearby Pyhä and Luosto ski resorts offering additional winter activities. The park also contains several day huts and wilderness huts available for overnight stays.
Pyhä-Luosto experiences a subarctic climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are long and cold, lasting from October to April, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F) and abundant snowfall making it ideal for winter activities. Summers are relatively short but mild, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F) and experiencing the midnight sun phenomenon from June to July. Spring and autumn are brief transition seasons, characterized by rapidly changing conditions and the spectacular northern lights visible from late August to April.
Finland
67.0170°, 27.1330°
2005
142
Pyhä-Luosto National Park features ancient fells and Finland's southernmost tunturi chain. The park is known for its dramatic gorges, ancient forests, and geological formations dating back billions of years. It offers excellent opportunities for hiking and skiing, with well-maintained trails and facilities.