Bothnian Bay National Park, Marine national park in northern Lapland, Finland
Bothnian Bay National Park spreads across the Gulf of Bothnia with numerous islands that continue to emerge from the water over time. The park consists mainly of open water, with only small portions of actual land visible above the surface.
The park was created in 1991 to protect these islands that formed after the last ice age ended. The process of post-glacial rebound continues to shape the landscape here.
Fishing communities continue to use the islands as traditional bases, maintaining practices and techniques that have been passed down through families for generations.
Access to the park is only possible by boat, with one island serving as the main hub offering a protected harbor, rental accommodations, and a public sauna. Visitors should expect travel by water and limited land areas to explore.
A designated protection area here is home to seal populations that depend on these waters. At the same time, rare bird species nest in the region, making it especially valuable for wildlife watchers.
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