Bothnian Bay facts for kids
The Bothnian Bay (called Bottenviken in Swedish and Perämeri in Finnish) is a large bay. It is the northernmost part of the Gulf of Bothnia. The Gulf of Bothnia is an arm of the Baltic Sea. This bay is located between Finland and Sweden.
The Bothnian Bay is known for its cold waters. It often freezes over in winter. This makes it a special place for icebreakers. These powerful ships help keep shipping lanes open.
Islands and Nature
The biggest island in the Bothnian Bay is Hailuoto. This island belongs to Finland. It is the only island in the bay where people live all year round.
The bay is also home to Perämeri National Park. This park helps protect the unique nature of the area. It includes many small islands and coastal areas. You can find different kinds of birds and plants here.
Life in the Bay
Even though it gets very cold, the Bothnian Bay supports a lot of life. Fish like Baltic herring and salmon live here. People also enjoy fishing in the bay.
Many towns and cities are located along the shores of the Bothnian Bay. These include Oulu and Kemi in Finland. In Sweden, cities like Luleå and Piteå are on the bay. These cities often have important ports and industries.
Ice and Shipping
During winter, the Bothnian Bay can be covered in thick ice. This ice can be several feet deep. Special ice roads are sometimes built across the frozen bay. These roads connect islands like Hailuoto to the mainland.
Icebreakers are very important here. They break paths through the ice for ships. This allows cargo ships to deliver goods even in the coldest months. Without icebreakers, trade would stop during winter.
Images for kids
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A cargo ship approaching the Vihreäsaari harbour in Oulu, Finland, while the Bay of Bothnia starts to freeze for the winter
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The ice road between the Hailuoto island and the mainland
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The Hermanni islands. A wintery view of a group of small islands in the Bothnian Bay near Oulu, Finland
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The lighthouse on the island of Pite-Rönnskär in Bothnian Bay
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A fishing village of the Kallankari Islands, part of Kalajoki
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Old Raahe, Finland
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Industrial zone in Luleå
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Finnish map of the bay – click to enlarge
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Satellite image of Fennoscandia with sea ice covering the Bothnian Bay (white region in center)
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The bridge to Seskarö, Sweden
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Finnish icebreaker MSV Fennica in the Bay
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Looking back from the Icebreaker Sampo near Kemi, Finland
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Old mill buildings and harbour in Toppila, Oulu, Finland
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Buildings and the birdwatching tower at Varessäikkä harbour, Siikajoki, Finland
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Old fisherman's cottage
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Lönkytin island
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The island of Kahvankari in Oulu, Finland
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The eastern shore of the Kellon Kraaseli island, Haukipudas, Finland
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Bothnian Bay in Kemi, Finland
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Sunset at Hiekkasärkät, Kalajoki, Finland
See also
In Spanish: Bahía de Botnia para niños
