Pyhä-Luosto National Park

The southernmost area of great fells in Finnish Lapland offers a versatile glimpse into northern nature. Pyhä-Luosto National Park is a mosaic of open fells and aapa mires, silent old-growth forests, and rugged gorges. The 35-kilometre-long fell chain in Pyhä-Luosto is a remnant of one of the Earth’s oldest mountain ranges, formed over 2,000 million years ago.

The core zone of the national park is made up of Lapland’s southernmost fell chain. The area serves multiple purposes: conserving nature, preserving indigenous culture, and providing a destination for hiking and tourism. The national park combines the former Pyhätunturi National Park (established in 1938) with the Luosto area northwest of Pyhätunturi Fell. These areas were merged at the beginning of 2005 to form a new, unified national park.

The timberline in Pyhä-Luosto National Park lies between 320 and 400 metres above sea level. The fell tops are rocky, with quartzite bedrock, making the terrain rugged and sparsely vegetated. The lower slopes are covered in dense evergreen forests, which gradually transition into expansive aapa bogs further downhill. Vegetation becomes more lush on the lower slopes and in the herb-rich forests along stream banks. The mires in the area belong to the Northern Finland aapa mire zone, offering a wide variety of mire types. The Luosto area also features nutrient-rich fens, especially along the lower course of the River Siurunjoki. Numerous springs in the area further enrich these wetlands.

Pyhä Ski Resort, located in Finnish Lapland’s Pyhä-Luosto National Park, offers 15 slopes and 9 lifts, catering to various skill levels. Known for its reliable snow conditions and diverse terrain, it’s a popular destination for both on-piste and off-piste skiing enthusiasts. ​

For more information go to::https://www.luontoon.fi/en/destinations/pyha-luosto-national-park

Photo: Pyhätunturi Oy / https://www.pyha.fi