In Bothnian Bay National Park, the summer is the best season for boating. The national park is, usually, covered by ice from December to May.
The Bothnian Bay National Park consists of the small islands and skerries of the outer archipelago of Kemi and Tornio. On the islands, which have been formed by land uplift, you can see what life was like for fishermen in years gone by and experience everything nature has to offer, from birds to a wide variety of plant species. The national park can only be accessed by boat. In winter, the park can be reached on skis.
- Clear, wide open sea and small islands and lakes shaped by land uplift
- The short nature trails on Selkä-Sarvi and Pensaskari islands
- Summer destination ideal for pleasure boating
- In winter, visitors can reach the islands of the national park on skis
- Selkä-Sarvi excursion harbour and Pensaskari harbour
- Three rental huts and an open wilderness hut
Activities and trails
The best way to explore the islands of Selkä-Saari and Pensaskari is on small nature trails.
Visitors can ski across the sea ice to the islands of the national park. Remember to take safety precautions when skiing on ice!
What else is there to see
Bird watching, fishing, paddling, swimming
Nature of the Bothnian Bay National Park
The park is in the northern-most corner of the Bothnian Bay in the Kemi and Tornio outer archipelago. The shores are very rocky, the waters shallow, and the view is that of open sea.
Nature at the site
History of the Bothnian Bay National Park
The Bothnian Bay landscape is shaped by land uplift and the sea. Humans have also left their mark. The most important cultural historical sites are old fishing bases and the Piispankivi boundary mark.
History of the destinationVisitor's checklist
The National Park is a nature reserveEveryman’s Right are not valid as such in national parks. Pay attention to the restricted areas.
There are movement restrictions in the area
Camp only at permitted camping sitesTemporary camping is only allowed in the camping area on the island of Selkä-Sarvi near the shelter harbour.
Overnight at the cruise port is allowedYou may keep a boat in the excursion port for a maximum of 2 days.
Make campfires only in designated sitesAlways check the current wildfire warning before making a fire. During a wildfire warning, fires are only allowed in cooking shelters with a chimney.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere is no recycling point in the area. Bring a trash bag and take the trash with you.
Always keep pets on a leashAlso remember a dog waste bag and clean up after your dog.