Aapa bogs

The most of Europe’s aapa bogs are in Finland. The aapa bogs are classified as a primarily important type of nature that is projected with the help of Nature 2000 network. There are about 600 bogs in the national bog protection programme, but bogs have been included also in other protection programmes in Finland.

Many wide aapa bogs of Southern Lapland are situated in the environs of Pelkosenniemi. Especially wide birch bogs and swamps rich of birds are typical for Pelkosenniemi. The region has also fen-like pine swamp types that are rare in other parts of Finland.

The bogs of river Kemihaara are a wide totality of bogs of Natura area and for its variety a significant nature reserve of bog nature. The area has 11 bog types that are threatened in Finland. The bird tower of bog Kilpiaapa near village centre and the bird tower of bog Kokonaapa are meant for observation of bogbirds.

The bogs of Luiro area are classified as internationally significant damp places and bird areas. The totality of aapa bogs and raised bogs of Luiro area is mainly in its natural state. The birch bogs are the widest in Finland. The aapa bog Lämsänaapa of Luiro area is the most famous bog in Pelkosenniemi where people pick cloudberries. Some years people find a lot of cloudberries in the region.

Pyhä-Luosto National Park has also some bog areas of Natura areas. There are 35 bog types. Hiking is worth beginning from the nature centre at fell Pyhätunturi that is a nature centre of Pyhä-Luosto National Park.

In Kemijärvi is situated bog Raateaapa’s bog protection area.