Urho Kekkonen National Park facts for kids
The Urho Kekkonen National Park (Finnish: Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto) is a huge national park located in northern Lapland, Finland. It is close to the towns of Savukoski, Sodankylä, and Inari. This park was started in 1983 and is one of the biggest national parks in all of Finland. It's a special place where nature is protected and people can explore the wild.
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About Urho Kekkonen National Park
Urho Kekkonen National Park is named after a former president of Finland, Urho Kekkonen. National parks are areas of land that governments set aside to protect nature. They help keep animals, plants, and natural places safe for everyone to enjoy. This park is a great example of Finland's wild and beautiful north.
Where is the Park?
The park is found in the northern part of Finland, in a region called Lapland. Lapland is known for its vast wilderness, snowy winters, and the amazing Northern Lights. The park's location means it has unique landscapes, including fells (small mountains), forests, and wetlands. It's a truly remote and peaceful place.
Why Was the Park Created?
The main reason Urho Kekkonen National Park was created was to protect the special nature of the area. This includes its wild animals, rare plants, and the beautiful, untouched landscapes. It also helps preserve the traditional way of life for the Sámi people, who are the Indigenous people of Lapland. The park allows people to visit and learn about nature while making sure it stays safe for the future.
What Can You See?
The park is a home for many different kinds of plants and animals. The landscape changes from thick pine forests to open, treeless fells. In the valleys, you might find clear rivers and peaceful lakes. It's a perfect place for nature lovers to explore.
Amazing Animals
Many animals live in Urho Kekkonen National Park. You might be lucky enough to spot some of them.
- Reindeer: These are very common. Some are wild, and some are semi-domesticated, meaning they are cared for by herders.
- Moose: These large animals can be seen walking through the forests.
- Brown Bears: Bears live in the park, but they are shy and usually avoid people.
- Wolverines: These strong, solitary animals are rare but live in the park.
- Golden Eagles: Look up to the sky, and you might see these majestic birds flying high above the fells.
- Willow Grouse: These birds change their feather color to white in winter to blend in with the snow.
Wonderful Plants
The plants in the park are adapted to the cold northern climate.
- Pine and Spruce Trees: These evergreen trees make up most of the forests.
- Dwarf Birch and Willow: These small shrubs grow on the open fells.
- Cloudberries and Blueberries: In late summer, you can find these tasty wild berries.
- Lichens and Mosses: These plants cover the ground and rocks, especially in the older forests.
Fun Activities in the Park
Urho Kekkonen National Park offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
- Hiking: There are many marked trails for walking, from easy day trips to longer treks.
- Skiing: In winter, the park is a popular place for cross-country skiing.
- Snowshoeing: You can explore the snowy landscape on snowshoes.
- Camping: There are designated camping spots and wilderness huts for overnight stays.
- Photography: The beautiful scenery and wildlife make it a great place for taking pictures.
- Learning about Nature: Visitors can learn about the unique ecosystem and the importance of protecting it.
Images for kids
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Trek from Kiilopää in stereoscopic anaglyph
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Trek from Kiilopää in stereoscopic anaglyph
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional de Urho Kekkonen para niños
