Bothnian Bay, Northern bay between Finland and Sweden
The Bothnian Bay is a large body of water separating Finland and Sweden, with roughly 4,000 islands dotting its coastline across various municipalities. The waters are shallow and the shores display a wild landscape of rocky outcrops, coniferous forests, and scattered settlements.
The bay first appeared on a European map in 1482, marking its entry into known geography. Since then, it has shaped the maritime history of northern communities on both coasts.
Coastal communities around the bay maintain deep ties to fishing and maritime work that shape daily life. These traditions remain visible in how people use the waters and build their livelihoods today.
The bay freezes solid from November to May, making snowmobile and ice road travel possible between islands during winter. In warmer months, boat travel becomes the main way to move around and explore the area.
The water holds only 0.2 to 0.3 percent salt, making it one of the least salty bodies of seawater in Europe. This unusual condition allows freshwater fish like pike and perch to live alongside typical marine species.
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