AGORA_Forest_Doppelseiten.indd

naTuRal anD culTuRal hERiTaGE TOuRiSM FOR incREaSED BalTic SEa REGiOn iDEnTiTY TREaSuRES 1 OF ThE BalTic SEa FORESTS The “Green Gold“ STOnES anD ROckS FOREST RED BRick GOThic ShiFTinG SanD DunES caSTlES anD MuSEuMS



TREaSuRES OF ThE BalTic SEa FORESTS The “Green Gold“

EDiTORial 4 Dear readers, what comes into your mind when you think of the Baltic Sea Region: endless beaches, sand dunes, birch forests, castles and churches or even amber? Countries around the Baltic Sea share a great variety of natural and cultural resources as well as a long common history. The area, however, is still not well recognised as one common region outside its borders. In the framework of the EU-funded project AGORA 2.0 we aim to improve the common identity of the Baltic Sea Region, based on its rich natural and cultural treasures. The fi ve issues of the “Treasures of the Baltic Sea” are our “appetisers” for you – to raise your awareness of the unique beauty of the Baltic Sea Region by telling exciting stories and providing short background information at a glance that make you feel like visiting the region. This issue will bring the fascinating world of forest in the Baltic Sea Region closer to you. Dipl. oec. Betina Meliss Editor Photos: 1 - Lauku Celotajs, 2 - Shutterstock Institute of Geography and Geology University of Greifswald Makarenkostraße 22 17487 Greifswald fon +49 (0) 3834 / 864541 [email protected]

cOnTEnT 5 4 Editorial 5 Content 6 Forests In The Baltic Sea Region 8 The History of the Baltic Sea Region’s Forests 10 Boreal Forests 11 Nemoral Forests 12 Boreo-Nemoral Forests 13 The Most Characteristic Forests In The Baltic Sea Region 13 Pine Forests 14 Spruce And Mixed Spruce –Deciduous Forests 15 Nemoral Broadleaf Forests 16 Bog Woodland 17 Slope And Ravine Forests 18 Gallery And Alluvial Forests 19 Birch Forests 20 Deciduous Swamp Woods 21 Wooded Meadows And Pastures 22 Map Latvia Belarus 24 Pierīga Region 46 Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park 25 Kurzeme Region 47 Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve 26 Latgale Region 48 Braslav Lakes National Park 27 Vidzeme Region 28 Zemgale Region Finland 49 Koli National Park Lithuania 50 Nuuksio National Park 29 Aukštaitija Region 30 Dzūkija Region Sweden 32 Žemaitija Region 51 Norra Kvil 33 Lithuania Minor Region 52 Skuleskogen National Park Estonia Denmark 34 Northern Estonia 53 Rold Forest 35 The Islands Of Estonia 36 Southern Estonia Germany 54 Ancient Beech Forests Poland 55 Jasmund National Park 38 The Masurian Forests 40 Notecka Forest 56 Touristic Information 42 The Szczecin Forests 58 Imprint 44 The Tuchola Forest

FORESTS in ThE BalTic SEa REGiOn 6 The Baltic Sea region is the most wooded territory in Europe. Forest cover reaches from 13% in Denmark up to 74% in Finland. Photos: 1 - Ilze Priedniece, 2 - Diāna Meiere, 3,4 - Valda Baroniņa, 5 - Vilnis Skuja A boreal pine forest with ground cover of lichens and mosses. *2 Since the region covers a fairly large area, forests have served as sources of inspira- berries, nuts, mushrooms, medicinal plants, its forests are rather diverse. Boreal coni- tion, leading to countless legends, stories, game and other gifts from the forest that ferous forests dominate in the northern fairy tales and riddles as a very important are widely used to this day. stretches, while temperate broadleaf part of the intangible cultural heritage of We cannot overvalue the role of the forest forests are found in the central and the region. It is a very important element in producing oxygen, in stabilising the southern parts. The Baltic States, Belarus in satisfying the emotional, aesthetic climate and the water regime and in and the southern part of Sweden are and informational needs of local people. preserving biological diversity. The woods located in the transition zone between The forest has always been an important improve air quality, tamp down noise, these two forest types. resource for the economies of the region’s protect against excessive wind, and reduce The forest is an integral component of countries and forestry is a major industry risks of fl oods and soil erosion. They off er the northern European landscape and in most of them. In Latvia, for instance, habitats for a huge amount of plants and cultural environment. It plays an essential it accounts for 20% of export earnings, animal species, which could not survive role in the environmental, economic and in Sweden 15–20%, in Finland 35–40%. anywhere else. If you learn about these social aspects of these countries. It is no The emphasis is put on the value of timber species, every visit to the forest will accident that the forest is known as “green resources in most cases, but there are become an exciting and very informative gold” in the area. Over the course of ages, other no less valuable treasures – wild adventure.

7 *3 *4 *2 Golden needle mushrooms, found on the shelves in shops, also grow in our nemoral forests. Late in autumn it can be found on dead wood or in the injury places of growing trees, especially on willow and aspen. *3 Cowberry or lingonberry is quite common in boreal pine forests. *4 Tree lungwort – one of the largest lichens in the forests of the Baltic Sea Region – grows in old, almost intact forests on lit-up trunks of broad-leaved trees, quite often on the upper part of the trunk. Instantly recognisable by their red fur, ear tufts and long, fl uff y tails, red squirrels were once the only squirrel species in Europe. This changed when grey squirrels, that quite often can be seen in our forests and parks, were introduced from America.

ThE hiSTORY OF ThE BalTic SEa REGiOn’S FORESTS 8 Photos: 1 - Liene Auniņa, 2 - Vilnis Skuja, 3 - Uvis Suško, 4 - Sandra Bērziņa Ostrich Fern is the largest and most beautiful fern in the Eurasian Elk – the largest animal in the Baltic Sea Region – was widespread nemoral forests of Europe. Reaching heights up to 1.7 m, in the whole region till the 9th century. Currently they are found in Sweden, these plants almost look like something out of a jungle. Finland, Poland, Russia, the Baltic States and southern Belarus. Unlike other parts of Europe, this region as oak, lime, elm, beech and hornbeam. and spruce took over on fallow land, for- saw the emergence of forests over the The climate began to dry up again about ever altering the natural forest structure. course of 12,000 years after the last Ice 4,700 years ago. The scope of broadleaf Despite the changes caused by slash- Age. As ice melted, it left behind large trees, alder and hazel diminished, while and-burn agriculture, most of the forests lakes, rapid rivers and bare outcrops of the number of birch, pine and spruce maintained their primeval nature until the sediment. Gradually, plants typical of increased. Luxuriant hardwood and lime 12th or 13th century. The felling of trees tundra began to appear – lichens, mosses, stands still grew in fertile lowlands while increased in the 14th and 15th century dwarf birches, dwarf willows etc. spruce, pine, birch and elder expanded and later, when the shipping industry, Although the climate was still cold and dry in dry elevations and wet depressions. manufacturing and trade flourished. for the next 5,000 years, pine and birch During the last millennium, the proportion Since the expensive oak timber was most trees slowly colonised the southern and of tree species continued to change, but in demand, broadleaf forests suffered the south-eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. this time, the human activities have been greatest damage again and were felled As the climate became warmer, spruce, the most important factor. heavily until the end of the 18th century. aspen, grey and black alder began to The first humans arrived at the coasts of Over the past 500 years, the amount of expand. Once the plants were there, birds, the Baltic Sea toward the end of the Ice forests has both increased and decreased reindeer, elks, hares, foxes, wolves, Age – more than 10,000 years ago. due to wars, epidemics and management lynxes and other animals followed. They were small tribes of reindeer hunters, forms dictated by political systems. As the 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, the climate who did not affect the environment much. timber industry developed, production of became considerably warmer and damper. Human influence on forests expanded wood and management of the forest The average air temperature was 2–2.5°C with the development of agriculture became targeted processes. Forestry higher than nowadays, and precipitation 5,600 years ago. The forests were cut down practice based on clear felling and re- volumes were nearly one-third higher. and burned to create areas for fields and planting has reduced the areas of natural A lot of mires and ravines evolved because pastures. People learned that the best woodland to small isolated islands. of the large humidity and heavy rain- place for fields was in the fertile broadleaf Scientists have estimated that less than storms. The proportion of pine trees in the forests, thus they were devastated first. 3% of the region’s forests can be classified forests declined in favour of hazels and The broadleaf trees could not ‘re-conquer’ as relatively intact. alder trees, along with broadleaf trees such the abandoned fields. Instead, birch, aspen

9 Moist and almost natural pine-spruce forest in Latvia. ‘Ground lichens’ like Powdered Funnel Lichen is among the fi rst inhabitants of the region after the ice of the last Ice Age melted.

BOREal, nEMORal anD BOREO–nEMORal FORESTS Photo: Uvis Suško Monotonous ground cover is typical in boreal pine forests on dry and sandy soils. The amount of dry and fallen trees that usually support biodiversity in such forests has been reduced by traditional forestry. BOREal FORESTS 10 Most of Sweden, Finland and the northern in Boreal forests of Europe, silver birches, Most boreal forests grow in their natural part of Russia are located in the Boreal downy birches and common aspens are area of distribution – in Sweden, Finland, Region that stretches around the northern quite common. the Baltic States, Belarus, in the northern hemisphere of the Earth across Scandina- The structure of boreal forests is relatively part of Poland and Russia. However, via, Russia, Alaska and Canada. It is known simple with a sparse fi eld layer of mosses, coniferous plantations occur also in places for its coniferous forests, mires and lakes lichens and dwarf ericaceous shrubs on where, in natural circumstances, mixed or that mingle together seamlessly, creating shallow soils. Where the soil is more fertile, deciduous forests would grow. In Den- a characteristic mosaic landscape of forests the groundcover becomes carpeted with mark, for instance, only junipers and yews and wetlands. Among Norway spruce well-adapted herbaceous shrubs and would grow in the areas unaff ected and Scots pine, that are the main species bushes. by humans.

European badger is indigenous to the nemoral and boreo- nemoral forests and parks of Europe. It is a nocturnal animal that can be met during the daytime in the period of feeding A groundcover of nemoral forest in the spring when Wood and Yellow anemones and Bird-in-a-bush are blooming. the young. Photos: 1 - Liene Auniņa, 2 - Vilnis Skuja, 3 - Uvis Suško A nemoral forest in the middle of summer when vernal species of forest groundcover have given the place to summer vegetation. nEMORal FORESTS 11 Much of Denmark, Germany and Poland into deciduous or coniferous plantations. One of the most characteristic features are located in the Continental or Nemo- Nowadays, the majority of European of nemoral forests is an impressive total ral Region, covering the largest part of nemoral broadleaf forests grow in Poland, change from vernal to summer vegetation. Europe. This vast area was once covered Belarus, Russia, Germany, Denmark and Many plant species take advantage of the with broadleaf forests, interspersed with Lithuania. Smaller, isolated areas can also fact that there is a lot of light in broadleaf extensive fl oodplains and mires. be found in western Latvia, Estonia, forests early in spring. They rapidly fl ower Unfortunately, during the last centuries and southern parts of Sweden, mostly and sow seeds in the fi rst month of spring many of these forests have been cleared in valleys of rivers, on islands and other to give the place to other plant species for fuel and timber and replaced by large – places that are fertile but diffi cult to around the middle of summer. scale agricultural production or converted cultivate.

Photos: 1 - Valda Baroniņa, 2 - Valda Baroniņa The dwarf birch is an example of boreal plants that The Baltic States are the southernmost point for Northern Twinfl ower that is a typical inhabitant of the boreal region and cannot be found in central Europe. can be found in the Baltic mires and bog woodlands. BOREO-nEMORal FORESTS 12 The Baltic States, Belarus and the south- the presence of Northern twinfl ower, a along the south-western coast of the Baltic ern part of Sweden are the areas where typical species of boreal forests that does and the North Sea, but there is no point boreal coniferous forests meet nemoral not grow in central Europe, or common in looking for it in the eastern parts of the broadleaf ones. This is a gradual transition. hornbeam, a typical species of European Baltic States or in Belarus. The geographic and climatic conditions, broadleaf forests that does not grow in The Baltic and Belarusian forests are however, are the reason why there are Scandinavia, Estonia and in the northern considerably diverse due to the large both coniferous and broadleaf forests, part of Latvia. variation of soil and terrain conditions on as well as mixed ones in which both kinds The Baltic States and Belarus are located in fairly small territories and historical forest of trees grow. a zone where western (Atlantic or coastal) management traditions. Compared to It is the southernmost point for many and eastern (continental or inland) species Western Europe, this is the place where boreal species and the northernmost for come into contact as well. An example semi natural forests of high biodiversity many nemoral ones. Examples include here is cross-leaved heath, which is found value can be found more often.

ThE MOST chaRacTERiSTic FORESTS in ThE BalTic SEa REGiOn Photos: 1 - Uģis Piterāns, 2 - Diāna Meiere, 3 - Valda Baroniņa Foxy bolete is one of the fungi that grow exclusi- Dry Boreal pine forests occasionally can be found on comparatively fertile soils. Such vely under pine trees. Like most of boletes, it can pine stands are much richer in plants and junipers than typical pine-lichen forests. be cooked without prior boiling. PinE FORESTS 13 Dry pine forests are quite common along Most of them are small invertebrates living road ties for centuries. Many natural pine the shore of the Baltic Sea and in the in the soil, however, the surface of the forests are converted into pine plantations. northern part of the Boreal Region. ground is also rich in invertebrates. As a result old pine forests with natural Most of pine stands are found on sandy These are the best place for ants, robber forest features are extremely rare. They can dunes and sandy lowlands where other fl ies, antlion, pine borer, pine weevil and be found only in places where commercial species fi nd it hard to compete. wood tiger beetle. Open pine stands are forest management is limited by natu- In places where the soil is the poorest, light home to tree pipit, redstart, pied fl ycatcher ral circumstances or nature protection and open pine forests with junipers, and many other birds. requirements – along the sandy shoreline heather, crowberries, cowberries and a Dry pine forests with rich heather, cow- of the Baltic Sea or on the islands of mires. thick ground cover of white lichens and berry, blueberry, bearberry and crowberry Such old pine forests are easy to recognise green mosses are found. In areas that have stands are important winter grazing places by trees of diff erent age and dimensions, more moisture and nutrition, there are for roe deer, elk and red deer. by dead wood in diff erent stages of decay, more productive pine forests that include Pine forests seldom have been cleared for by biologically old trees with fl at crowns, some spruce and birch trees. These forests agricultural purposes, because the soil is large branches, thick bark, woodpecker are the best place to fi nd chanterelles, poor and inappropriate for grains. It is also signs and scars from fi res and by species boletes, bilberries and cowberries. not advantageous to try to grow other that can live only in such biologically valu- Though it might seem that the diversity kinds of trees at such locations. Pines have able forests. Most of them are included in of animal species in dry pine forests is not been utilised to produce building mate- Natura 2000 sites. great, more than 2,000 species dwell here. rials, ship masts, telephone poles and rail-

Chaffi nch is one of the most common forest birds that are found in forests, parks and gardens. It makes a perfectly camoufl aged nest in the forks of branches or trunk, quite often in young spruce. Photos: 1 - Ainars Auniņš, 2 - Valda Baroniņa, 3 - Agnese Priede Wood-sorrel is a typical companion of Norway spruce. A semi natural boreal spruce forest with dense stands of Fir Clubmoss in Latvia. It can be found even in the densest spruce forests. SPRucE anD MiXED SPRucE – DEciDuOuS FORESTS 14 Dark and shady spruce forests or slightly tail, northern starfl ower, sweet woodruff pulp and paper industry developed, that lighter and more diverse spruce – decid- and ferns. In sparse areas, usually there the spruce was fi rst appreciated. Since the uous forests are found throughout the are a lot of bilberries, but in dense places, beginning of the 20th century, the spruce whole region, particularly in highlands, the ground cover is made up of scattered has been one of the target species of trees. where the soil is more fertile and moist. mosses. Since a large part of spruce forests In many places, spruce was planted in These are typical boreal coniferous forests now grow in the territories of former areas cleared of broadleaf forests as well as with a distinct green moss ground cover broadleaf forests, species typical of in areas of dried bog woodlands. and tall herbs that have adapted to life in broadleaf forests can be found there, Although the total area covered with shady conditions. for instance, liverleaf, lily of the valley, spruce has increased, old and semi natural The largest areas of spruce forest are ones greater stitchwort and yellow archangel. spruce forests are rare. They can be recog- in which rowan and hazel can be found Spruce forest is one of the best places for nised by large trees with holes and wood- in the undergrowth and a lot of wood – Goldcrest, Crossbill, Chaffi nch, Crested tit pecker signs, covered with mosses and sorrels and green mosses in ground cover. and Dunnock. Fox, pine marten and the lichens and by many dried and fallen trees Where the soil is loamier, there can also rarities of our fauna – wolf, lynx and bear – of large dimensions and various age. Such grow some lime, oak, maple, ash, horn- are delighted to fi nd shelter here, too. old spruce and spruce-deciduous forests beam or even beech trees. Undergrowth As late as in the latter half of the 19th are protected. Most of them are included of such forests consists of rowans, hazels, century, spruce and birch trees were in Natura 2000 sites. honeysuckles and spindles, while the herb considered as “weeds”. It was only toward layer is made of fi r clubmoss, wood horse- the end of the century, as the

European hornet is a quite frequent wasp in deciduous forests, rich with old and hollowed trees. Photos: 1 - Uģis Piterāns, 2,3 - Valda Baroniņa Ramsons mark the vegetation of nemoral oak forests. In appropriate places they form dense Spring pea contributes to the colourful vernal stands, which are embellished by white blossoms aspect of vegetation in oak and beech forests. in May and in the beginning of June. nEMORal BROaDlEaF FORESTS 15 Nemoral broadleaf forests are the richest “moss boot” tends to be distinctly higher are more diverse. Lime, elm, ash, rowan forests in Europe. They consist of beech, there. The rough bark and knotted boughs and hazel trees commonly grow among hornbeam, oak, lime, ash, elm and maple provide shelter to various beetles. Leaves, oaks and its groundcover is thickly covered trees in many diff erent combinations. in turn, serve as food for larvae of various with plants during the summer months. Broadleaf forests are distinguished by butterfl ies. The wealth of insects attracts Since the slash-and-burn agriculture and vernal species like anemones, stars of many bird species, especially warblers, subsequent development of the agri- Bethlehem, bird-in-a-bush and spring fl ycatchers, tits, chaffi nches, nuthatches culture and forestry, broadleaf forests pea that carpet its groundcover before and jays. have been transformed the most. Spruce the tree canopy shuts out the light. They Although all nemoral forests have much in forests and fi elds have replaced them in are characterised by a large diversity of common, there are some diff erences be- many places, and old and natural broad- mosses, lichens and polypores, which tween the eastern and western stretches. leaf stands have become extremely rare. grow on tree trunks and on fallen trees. The climatic conditions and soils are par- Such areas can be recognised by trees of Since various species require diff erent light ticularly well suited to beech in Denmark, diff erent age and old trees, full of holes, and moisture conditions, each has its own Germany, Poland and the western part of woodpecker signs, covered with mosses, place on the trunk of the tree. Light-loving Belarus, while further to the north and east lichens and polypores. Old broadleaf lichens are closer to the tops of the trees, beech is gradually replaced by oak, lime forests are rich with glades, dry and fallen because they can survive without moisture and hornbeam. trees, lots of decayed wood, and species for longer periods. The base of the tree is Thick, dense canopies are characteristic that live only in such forests. Such old often covered with a thick ‘moss boot’, as of beech forests. In summer, this roof of broadleaf stands with features of un- there is more moisture that mosses need. leaves prevents sunlight from reaching the managed forests are protected. Most of The more shady part of the trunk, usually forest fl oor, stifl ing the growth of other them are included in Natura 2000 sites. on its northern side, dries less, and the trees and wildfl owers. Oak forests, in turn,

Old and semi natural bog woodland has many elements that are of key importance in protecting biological diversity – trees of various age, lots of dried and fallen trees, hummocks and openings. Photos: 1 -Uvis Suško, 2 - Liene Auniņa, 3 - Valda Baroniņa A Nordic bog woodland landscape with The highly aromatic Northern Labrador tea can be downy birch. In such a forest, mosses pre- dominate in the ground cover and lichens found in almost every site of bog woodland. are common on stems and trunks. BOG WOODlanD 16 Bog woodlands are coniferous or mixed sedges form the undergrowth. Old and Trees in bog woodland grow slowly, and coniferous-deciduous forests on peaty almost natural bog woodland has many they are hard to manage. That is why large soils in places where the water level elements that are of key importance in areas of bog woodlands have been drained is permanently high and the groundwater protecting biological diversity – trees of to improve the quality of the timber and is very poor, most often on the edges of various age, lots of dried and fallen trees, forest management success. This, however, mires or in relief depressions between trees with holes and woodpecker signs, means the degradation of this valuable hillocks. These are typical boreal forests hummocks and openings. Such forests are habitat and loss of many elements, which where pines, downy birches, spruces or home to many rare and protected species. are needed for the existence of lots of spe- black alders form the tree layer, which They host several species for which the cies. To preserve the remaining ones, most is often low with many stunted trees, south part of the Baltic Sea Region is the of old and semi-natural bog woodland while blueberries, bog bilberries, cranber- very edge of their distribution area, for stands are included in Natura 2000 sites. ries, heather, Labrador tea, bogmosses, example, cross-leaved heath, bogmyrtle, feather moss, wind-blown moss and dwarf birch and drooping wood-reed.

Shady slopes of riverbanks with ravines have many elements that are of key importance in preserving biological diversity. Photos: 1 -Valda Baronina, 2 - Uvis Suško, 3 - Diāna Meiere Common bird‘s nest is a very frequent fungus in deciduous forests, slope and ravine forests and Norway maple that is quite frequent in slope and parks, but it is rarely spotted as the cup does not ravine forests becomes bright not only in autumn, exceed 1 cm. A pale yellow “lid” covers the young but also in spring, before leaves open, when the ones. When the fungus grows up, the “lid” breaks, branches force into sulphurous blossoms. revealing up to 10–15 “eggs” with spores. SlOPE anD RaVinE FORESTS 17 Mixed nemoral forests composed of and patches of bare soil or rock diversify Since slope and ravine forests are diffi cult maples, ashes, elms, limes and oaks are the forest structure providing places for to access and harvest, such forests are less quite common on coarse sediments on diff erent species to co-exist. As nemoral transformed. Signs of a natural forest are slopes and ravines. Depending on the forests, slope and ravine forests are rich in quite common there – old and large trees, local climatic conditions, two subtypes vernal species. Shady ravines and slopes large hazel bushes, many dried trees, lots can be recognised. A subtype with maple faced to the north are always wetter, of fallen trees and trees with holes and dominates in cooler and more humid envi- cooler and shadier, so they have a wealth woodpecker signs. Such sites provide a ronments while a subtype with limes is the of snails and slugs, fallen trees covered refuge for many rare and endangered most common on warm and dry slopes. with mosses, and plants which love mosses, snails, slugs and lichens. The most Slope and ravine forests are characterised moisture and fertile soil. Warmer, drier important sites of slope and ravine forests by permanent shade, lower temperatures and lighter slopes (those facing the south) are included in Natura 2000 sites. and higher humidity than in the surround- are denser with light tolerant herbs and ing areas. Springs, brooks, large boulders lichens on trees.

Photos: 1,2 - Daiga Brakmane, 3 -Uvis Suško Common hop that creeps upwards along the trees and shrubs Continuous fern cover is quite common in gallery and alluvial forests. is a quite frequent “liana” in alluvial forests. After blooming, the female plants develop peculiar, soft fruits that are widely used for brewing beer, in medicine and cosmetics. GallERY anD alluVial FORESTS 18 Unique types of forests are found along forests are an extreme rarity. This varied of trunks are often covered with bits of soil riverbanks and in fl oodplains. habitat includes ash, alder and elm forests that have been carried by the fl oodwaters, They become fl ooded regularly and then in fl oodplains and willow galleries along which means that they have fewer mosses “drained” in a natural way, while the fertile watercourses, often with bird cherry, com- than on the central part of the trunk. This soil is enriched by the fl oodwaters. mon hop and black currant underneath. provides good evidence of the eff ects of Structures like oxbows, silts, depressions Nettles, meadowsweets, sedges and other fl ooding and also indicates the level of the and piles of sand created by the fl ood herbs preferring humid and nutrient-rich fl oodwaters. streams provide a diverse spatial structure soils replace anemones, lesser celandines, Gallery and alluvial forests are relatively wide- for species to co-exist. Particularly out- marsh marigolds and other vernal plants spread, but they are seriously threatened due standing are the forests that have evolved during the summer. to regulation of watercourses and manage- naturally as rivers twisted and turned Old and often fl ooded alluvial forests have ment of water levels. For this reason alluvial and washed away their banks. In today’s trees with higher roots and trunks covered forests are fairly uncommon and protected highly managed landscape, these natural with mosses and lichens. The lower parts nowadays.

Birch leaf roller is a frequent beetle in birch forests. Rolled birch leaves easily determine its presence. Photos: 1 - Uģis Piterāns, 2 - Baiba Strazdiņa, 3 -Valda Baroniņa Common spotted orchid is the most widespread orchid in Europe. Birch groves consisting of silver birch are It produces some fabulous fl owering displays across a wide range quite common within the whole region. of habitats from dry grasslands to marshes and forest edges. BiRch FORESTS 19 Silver birch is one of the most common Nevertheless, birches do not create long- ed marsh and spotted orchids. Despite the species of trees, which can grow in various lasting forests. Young spruce trees feel fact that the birch is so common, intensive habitats and in combination with other fi ne in the shadow of birches, and spruces use of it has meant that there are very types of trees. They are found on aban- gradually replace birches over the course few old and natural birch stands that are doned farmland and meadows as well of time without purposive management. appropriate for rare or protected species. as on forest openings as birches appear Depending on the place and the history of quickly after storms, fi res, clearcuts and the forest, birch forests will contain plants abandonment. Since the birch is a com- that are typical of grasslands, fallow lands paratively valuable and fast growing spe- or coniferous forests. Many species, which cies, birch plantations are quite common usually grow along the edges of forests, in many places of the region. are typical there, including the endanger-

After the spring fl oods have passed and fertile silts deposited, dense stands of high sedges, ferns, yellow iris and cabbage thistle are common in swamp forests in fl oodplains. Kingcup or marsh marigold is one of the most gorgeous vernal plants that can be seen in the swamps and fl oodplains. Photos: 1,3 - Valda Baroniņa, 2 - Baiba Strazdiņa Even during a dry summer, empty or sparsely vegetated areas of land indicate the presence of almost permanently fl ooded patches. DEciDuOuS SWaMP WOODS 20 On wet, fertile and regularly fl ooded almost permanently fl ooded patches. Even at the tops of the hummocks where soil wetlands, edges of mires and ground- during a dry summer, when pools dry out, is relatively dry, while sedges, bog arum, water outfl ow places where a paludifi ca- empty or sparsely vegetated areas of land marsh cinquefoil, marsh fern, bittersweet tion tendency can be observed, black alder will indicate their presence. nightshade and yellow iris can be found in and ash forests named swamp woods are Swamp woods that are not intensively most cases at the foot of hummocks and in the most common. As other trees fi nd it managed are characterised by multi-aged fl ooded spaces between hummocks. hard to compete in such places, black alder stands, presence of old stems, high hum- Due to their highly specifi c location and and ash swamps can persist for thousands mocks, sun-exposed snags, dead wood in intensive melioration, swamp woods are of years under artifi cially unchanged diff erent stages of decay, trees with holes quite rare. Its most important sites are conditions. and woodpecker signs, providing a diverse included in Natura 2000 sites. The most characteristic elements of these spatial structure for species to co-exist. forests are a mosaic pattern of vegetation, Wood-sorrel, blueberry, bugleweed and hummocks around the tree stems and buckler-fern are the most common plants

A typical wooded meadow with large oak trees. *1 Photos: 1,2 - Valda Baroniņa, 3 - Liene Auniņa, 4 - Diāna Meiere Common Spotted orchid is the most widespread orchid in Europe. This brightly yellow to orange sulphur polypore that grows in wooded meadows and parks is edible while it It produces some fabulous fl owering displays across a wide range is young, but should be carefully cooked before eating of habitats from dry grasslands to marshes and forest edges.. Wooded pasture with large pine trees. WOODED MEaDOWS anD PaSTuRES 21 Wooded meadows and pastures are one species like cowslip, wood cow-wheat, lopping of trees. Unfortunately, very few of the oldest types of landscape in our re- cranesbill, lily of the valley, wild and of these areas are managed nowadays. gion. They have evolved over the course of creamy strawberries, wild orchids, and a When management ends, most wooded the centuries as livestock has grazed in fo- well developed epiphytic fl ora of mosses meadows and pastures become over- rests and along their edges. This landscape and lichens. In an area of just 25 m , more grown. That is why most wooded mead- 2 consists of scattered oak, lime, elm, ash, than 60 species of plants and nearly 200 ows are under special protection. birch or pine trees and patches of open species of lichens can be found. This is a grasslands. Lush rowans, hazelnuts and very important place for rare and protect- *1 From the end of May until August, one can often oberserve large stands of bluish yellow crab apple trees fi nd a place in the ed saff ron yellow polypore, hermit beetle, cow-wheat on the wooded meadows and forest shadow of the large oaks quite often. and the light-tolerant lichens that grow on edges. Its dominant shade is created by the yellow They can be characterised by species-rich the trunks of broadleaf trees. blossoms that come into bloom at the top of the vegetation complexes with rare and Traditionally, these areas were managed by stem, but the bluish violet colour by the fringy- toothed leaves. threatened meadow and forest’s edge a combination of haymaking, grazing and

latVia 1 Kemeri National Park 2 Šlītere National Park 3 Gudenieku Nature Reserve 4 Rāzna National Park 2 5 Gauja National Park 222 6 Northern Gauja Protected Landscape Region 7 Tērvete Nature Park lithuaNia 8 Augštaitijos National Park 9 Labanoras Regional Park 10 Dzūkijos National Park 11 Neries Regional Park 12 Žemaitijos National Park 13 Kuršių Nerija National Park estoNia 14 Lahemaa National Park 15 Vilsandi National Park 16 Soomaa National Park 17 Karula National Park PolaND 18 The Masurian Forests 19 Notecka Forest 20 The Szczecin Forests 21 The Tuchola Forest Belarus 22 Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park 23 Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve 24 Braslav Lakes National Park 27 FiNlaND 25 Koli National Park 26 Nuuksio National Park 29 sweDeN 27 Norra Kvil National Park 28 Skuleskogen National Park DeNmark 29 Rold Forest germaNY 31 30 Ancient Beech Forests 31 Jasmund National Park 20 30 19

23 23 25 28 26 14 16 17 15 5 2 6 1 3 4 7 12 24 8 13 9 11 23 10 18 Minsk 21 22

laTVia PiERĪGa 1 RIGA REGiOn 24 Photos: Lauku Celotajs Ķemeri NatioNal Park Varied broadleaf forests with the natural (Ķemeru NacioNĀlais Parks) density of dried and fallen trees provide Ķemeri National Park is one of the largest ideal conditions for rare and endangered wetland areas in Latvia with a huge plants and animals. The wet forests in river cOnTacT diversity of species. It is also of pan-Euro- fl oodplains that are protected in large pean importance in terms of sulphurous areas of the park should be especially springs. The sulphurous waters originate mentioned, while in the rest of Latvia Nature conservation from the raised bog areas in the surround- and Europe they have been almost fully agency ings of Ķemeri village. One of the most destroyed. Everyone is invited to outstanding wetlands in the park is the wooden pathways called Dumbrāju the Large Ķemeri Bog with a wide moss trail to discover the kingdom of the black Pierīga regional and cranberry carpet, small pine trees, alder (Alnus glutinosa) swamp forest along administration serpentine lakes and islands of mineral soil. the Vēršupīte River. The most impressive scenes occur during spring fl ooding and Almost all types of forests characteristic after major rainfall during the rest of the “Meža māja“ (Forest House) of Latvia can be found in the park. year. Thick roots of alder trees are evidence Ķemeri, Jūrmala, LV-2012 The old pine forests on the dunes repre- of frequent seasonal fl oods. sent the coastal landscape. Widely spread Tel. +371 677 300 78 mixed forests off er an important nesting By Lauku Celotajs, Sintija Kordule place for such protected bird species as [email protected] black stork (Ciconia nigra), lesser spotted www.daba.gov.lv/kemeri eagle (Aquila pomarina) and white-backed woodpecker (Picoides leucotos).

2 laTVia kuRzEME 3 RIGA REGiOn 25 Photos: 1,2 - Lauku Celotajs, 3 - Madars Mileiko ŠlĪtere NatioNal Park migration, the park is crossed by millions (ŠlĪteres NacioNĀlais Parks) of birds every year. There are many great Šlītere National Park is one of the most out- places that off er unforgettable experiences standing sites in Latvia, because of its bio- for bird watchers. The park includes one of cOnTacT diversity and geological features that show the most popular tourist destinations in the historical development of the Baltic Sea Latvia – the Cape of Kolka. Tourists can and cultural heritage of the Livonian Coast. enjoy interesting nature trails, bicycle routes Nature conservation The ancient shoreline of the Baltic Ice Lake and viewing towers. agency known as the Blue Hills of Šlītere is the geologically oldest part of the park. The guDeNieku Nature reserVe Blue Hills are covered with old, relatively (DaBas liegums „guDeNieki”) kurzeme regional intact broadleaf forests that are rich in The Nature Reserve was established to administration species. Due to the specifi c microclimate protect and manage one of the rare stands of northern Kurzeme, ancient plants such as of juniper in Latvia that are 50–70 years old. the Baltic ivy (Hedera helix var. baltica) and A part of the area is “managed” by sheep. “Šlīteres mežniecība”, the common yew (Taxus baccata) can be Juniper growths were often used for grazing Dundagas county, LV-3270 found here. purposes in the past, and that facilitated The dunes of the park are overgrown with their existence. Nowadays, when traditional Tel. +371 632 860 00 dry pine forest. The dune habitats, forests farming declines and areas of grazing land and very old sand-borrowed pine trees can shrink, the most signifi cant stands of juni- [email protected] be explored along the Kolkasrags Pine Trail. pers are protected and managed in order www.daba.gov.lv The oldest trees might be around 200 years to preserve them from disappearing among www.slitere.lv old. During the spring and autumn bird trees and other bushes. By Lauku celotajs

laTVia laTGalE RIGA 4 REGiOn 26 Photos: Baiba Strazdina rĀzNa NatioNal Park On the banks of the Lake Ežezers, which (rĀzNas NacioNĀlais Parks) has more islands than any other lake in Latvia’s newest national park was formed Latvia, grow the Piļori oaks – one of the to protect the nature and wealth of cul- few remaining pure stands of oaks in cOnTacT tural heritage of the ethnographic region Latvia (19.6 ha). The oldest trees are of Latgale widely known as “the Land of thought to be 300 or 400 years old. the Blue Lakes”. Big and small hills among Oak is the largest and most magnifi cent Nature conservation which there are lowlands or valleys tree in Latvian forests. In folklore it is the agency interspersed with lakes are typical relief symbol of power and masculinity. Oak features of the park. Lake Rāzna is called seeds or acorns are essential feed for birds “the Sea of Latgale”, because it is not only and other animals, and the stands of trees latgale regional the second largest lake in Latvia, but also off er a great living space for diff erent administration the richest in water. One of the most popu- species of plants, mushrooms and insects. lar destinations in the park is Mākoņkalns During spring, the blooming plants like Hill, which off ers a lovely view of Lake liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis), wood and Zemnieku 16a Rāzna. Nature values of the Lake Ežezers yellow anemones (Anemone nemorosa, Rēzekne, LV-4601 and its surroundings have been protected Anemone ranunculoides), spring pea since 1928 and it is the longest protected (Lathyrus vernus) etc. make the ground Tel. +371 646 058 60 area in the park. Forests cover nearly one of the oak forest very colourful. half of the park. The mix of conifer and [email protected] broadleaf forest fragments overgrows www.daba.gov.lv many of the hill slopes, valleys, lake banks, peninsulas and islands.

5 6 laTVia ViDzEME RIGA REGiOn 27 Photos: Lauku Celotajs gauja NatioNal Park the southern parts of the Sietiņiezis Cliff , (gaujas NacioNĀlais Parks) visitors can see the scenic river valley and This was Latvia’s fi rst national park, and the pine forests that surround it. More it was set up to protect the ancient Gauja beautiful sandstone cliff s can be visited on cOnTacT River Valley, the valleys of its tributaries, the banks of the Amata River, which is one its species and its cultural landscape. The of the most rapid rivers in Latvia. Down territory has a great diversity of species – from the Rīga–Veclaicene highway, it fl ows Nature conservation some 900 plant species in total. Almost all along a deep valley with slope, mixed agency types of forests characteristic of Latvia can spruce and deciduous tree forests. be found here. The park is one of the most popular tourist The park is well-known for its impressive destinations in Latvia. It is one of the best Vidzeme regional slope and ravine forests. Such forests are protected territories in Latvia in terms of administration less transformed, because they are diffi cult nature trails and tourism routes. to access and harvest. Many contain signs of a natural forest – old and large trees and the NortherN gauja ProtecteD Rīgas 10a bushes, many woodpecker holes and lots laNDscaPe regioN (ziemeĻgaujas Salacgrīva, LV-4033 of fallen trees. Many rare and endangered aizsargĀjamo aiNaVu aPViDus) mosses, snails, slugs and lichens fi nd The forests in this area are situated along Tel. +371 640 714 08 refuge in such forests and indicate that the banks of the Gauja River. Various ha- the forests in this region have existed bitats can be seen along Zīle trail – boreal [email protected] for a very long time. forests, slope forests, mixed forests of www.daba.gov.lv One of the most outstanding geological deciduous and broadleaf trees as well as www.gnp.lv highlights in the park is the Sietiņiezis Cliff . wooded meadows with oaks. Managed Devonian sandstone cliff s are interesting wooded meadows are of very high aes- because of their diversity of forms. From thetic, cultural and historical value.

laTVia zEMGalE 7 RIGA REGiOn 28 Photos: Juris Smalinskis tĒrVete Nature Park famous Latvian author Anna Brigadere. (tĒrVetes DaBas Parks) More than a hundred wooden sculptures The valley of the Tērvete River with its and statues that depict the fi gures of the scenic landscape and nature as well as well-known fairytale plays can be found in cOnTacT cultural values is the focus of this nature the park’s area. park. Extensive forests cover more than a The Tērvete Nature Park has been success- half of the nature park’s territory. The Old fully adapted to the leisure and environ- information centre of Pine Park is one of the most interesting mental education needs of visitors. There the tērvete Nature Park parts of this protected area, because of its is a dense network of trails for a day-long scientifi c and aesthetic signifi cance. The hiking as well as routes that are suitable for oldest and tallest pine trees in the Baltic cross-country skiing during snowy winters. “Tērvetes sils”, Tērvete Parish States grow here. Some trees are 300 years Diff erent environmental activities such as Tērvete Municipality, old. They are up to 40 metres high. forest expeditions, workshops or lessons LV-3730 Other parts of the park like the Fairytale in nature are off ered to preschoolers and Forest, the Dwarfs’ Forest and the play- schoolchildren. The Tērvete Nature Park is Tel. +371 637 262 12 ground with diff erent attractions are very one of the most popular tourist destina- popular among families with children and tions in Zemgale. [email protected] school classes. Most of them come here www.tervetesparks.lv to “meet” the fairytale characters like little by Lauku Celotajs, Sintija Kordule, www.mammadaba.lv Annele with her friends, Sprīdītis and giant Source: www.tervetesparks.lv Lutausis created after the plays by the

liThuania aukŠTaiTija 9 8 REGiOn VILNIUS 29 Photos: 1 - Bronius Šablevičius, 2,3 - Lauku Celotajs augŠtaitijos NatioNal Park Cultural heritage of the park includes many (augŠtaitijos NacioNaliNis Parkas) wooden objects – carvings, sacral buildings The fi rst national park was established to and crosses made by master craftsmen. protect the Lithuanian “Land of Lakes” There are several authentic villages in the cOnTacT with a landscape supplemented by the park with interesting buildings and street Augštaitija highlands and the local villages. plans. Beekeeping has a very long tradition Beside the countless lakes, large areas in the area of the park and has become aukštaitija of the park are covered with forests. a popular product for tourists as well as National Park Most of them are coniferous forests, in culinary heritage. which stands of pine predominate. The Visitor information oldest pine trees grow in Ažvinčiai Wood. laBaNoras regioNal Park centre The age of many trees is over 200 years. The park is one of the most forested regions In terms of biodiversity, the park is one of of Lithuania with many lakes and exten- Ignalinos r., Palūšė the richest protected areas in the country. sive leisure opportunities. The Peršokšnos LT-30202 Lithuania Visitors are invited to visit the Botany Trail Nature Trail is 4 km long and passes through that leads along the shore of the lake, the various forest habitats. Plants, animals, old Telefon +370 386 474 78 sandy dunes, the valleys of small streams trees and other objects can be seen along and wetlands, and introduces nature lovers this trail. The site is suitable for a one or [email protected] to more than 150 plant species. The trail two-day boating trip along the lakes www.labanoroparkas.lt is 3.5 km long and circular with its start at of the park and the streams that link them. Palūšė on the eastern end of the Lūšiai Lake.

Dzūkija REGiOn 30 Photo: Lauku Celotajs Dzūkijos NatioNal Park worked as beekeepers, and those tradi- a sandy forest road (about 9 km there and (Dzūkijos NacioNaliNis Parkas) tions might best be seen in the village of back). Visitors can hike or bike to the edge Dzūkijos National Park is situated in the Musteika. The witnesses of very old bee- of the bog where wooded dunes and the southern part of Lithuania, where one keeping traditions are trees with hollows bog itself feature a 1.5 km nature trail and of the largest forests in Lithuania is locat- growing in the forest of Dzūkija. The wide a viewing tower, which offers a lovely view ed. The forest has always been of great forest area offers great places for picking of the western part of the bog. importance in the culture and traditions wild berries and mushrooms. of the Dzūkian people. The famous forests of Dzūkija, the area Neries regioNal Park Most of the territory is covered by coni- around Marcinkonys and the cultural (Neries regioNiNis Parkas) ferous forests. Pine groves dominate and heritage of the Dzūkians can be explored Neries Regional Park was established to cover wide areas of the inland dunes. along the Zackagirio Nature Trail. protect the landscape, species and natural Stands of spruces mostly grow on the oak-wood of the middle stretch of the highlands while deciduous trees like elms the ČePkeliu swamP Neries River. Moreover, it is one of the most and alders can be found in the valleys of (ČePkeliu raistas) forested regional parks in the country. The rivers. The park is crossed by several rivers Alongside the Dzūkijos National Park is landscape of the park is dominated by co- with lovely banks and distinct river valleys. the largest moss swamp in Lithuania, niferous forests; most of them are different The mighty Nemunas River Valley offers a the Čepkelių swamp. The Čepkeliai State types of pine forest. In places where the look at cultural and historical monuments Nature Reserve was established in order to soil is poor, there are light and open pine from various ages. This is an outstanding protect it. forests with cowberries. More productive landscape. Streams and rivers offer clear Before visiting the bog, visitors must pine forests with spruces, bilberries, cow- and cold water. There are several villages register at the Dzūkijos National Park’s berries etc. grow in areas that have more in the park that have retained their ancient visitor centre in Marcinkonys. The Čepkeliu nutrients and moisture. They are important beauty. The people of Dzūkija have always Nature Trail leads from Marcinkonys along winter grazing places for deer and elks.

liThuania 11 VILNIUS 10 31 cOnTacT Dzūkijos National Park and Čepkeliai state Nature reserve administration Vilniaus str. 3, Merkinė Varėnos r. LT-65334 Telefon +370 310 446 41 www.dzukijosparkas.lt merkinės visitors centre Vilniaus str. 3, Merkinė Varėnos r., LT-65334 Telefon +370 310 572 45 Photos: Lauku Celotajs [email protected] www.cepkeliai-dzukija.lt Deciduous forests can be found in the valley of the Neries River, its tributaries Neries regional Park and on the banks of lakes. The largest area Visitor centre of the broadleaved forests in the park is Dūkštos Oak Forest. It covers an area of Vilniaus str. 3, about 300 ha and belongs to the widest Dūkštos, Vilnius District and oldest oak forests in Lithuania. The Tel. +370 525 992 42 oldest trees are thought to be 180 to 200 years old. It is possible to visit this great [email protected] | place by walking the Dūkštų Oak Forest www.neriesparkas.lt Trail that is 2.3 km long. The oak trees had a spiritual meaning for ancient people. Since they believed that the souls of the marcinkonys deceased lived in trees, they felt a respect visitors centre and aff ection for oak trees. More fascinating nature and culture ob- Šilagelių str. 11, Marcinkonys, jects can be admired along the Dūkštų Na- Varėnos r., LT-65303 ture Trail. It is an approximately 5 km long Telefon +370 310 444 66 path that passes through the landscape of the Neries River and its environmental and [email protected] cultural treasures, including impressive www.cepkeliai.lt exposures, huge boulders, historic hill forts etc.

liThuania 12 ŽEMaiTija VILNIUS REGiOn 32 Photos: 1 - Betina Meliss, 2 - Lauku Celotajs, 3 - V. Bezaron Žemaitijos NatioNal Park Near a former Soviet nuclear weapon (Žemaitijos NacioNaliNis Parkas) base, the Plokštinės Nature Trail has been The national park was established in order created. While walking along this 3.2 km to protect the Plateliai Lake – the largest, long trail visitors can see spruce groves, cOnTacT deepest and cleanest lake of Žemaitija as stands of birches, nesting boxes of bats, well as the nature and cultural environ- local plants and animals as well as a nature ment of the highlands that have the same monument – Pilelio spring. Visitor centre of the name. The Mikytų Nature Trail is a 1 km circular Žemaitijos National Park Forests cover nearly one half of the park trail featuring a huge forest and informa- territory. Shady spruce groves occupy the tion about the history of the terrain in the hills and deep depressions. There are also Žemaitija highlands and the surrounding Didzioji str. 8 some old and natural coniferous forests area. An excellent landscape can be seen Plateliai, Plunges District that consist of spruce and pine trees with from the Mikitai hill (an ancient pagan LT-90420 very little birches and asps. Stands of old ritual hill). Lithuana pine trees can be found on the eastern Visitors have many opportunities for bird coast of Plateliai Lake. Old and tall trees are and animal watching, mushroom or berry Tel. +370 448 492 31 very important for raptors like eagles to picking, hiking, cycling, boating, diving provide nesting places. There are basically or taking part in the cultural festivals or [email protected] untouched broadleaf forests on the islands activities. Travellers love Lake Plateliai and www.zemaitijosnp.lt of the Plateliai Lake. Žemaičių Kalvarija as important destina- tions for pilgrims.

liThuania liThuania 13 VILNIUS MinOR REGiOn 33 Photos: Lauku Celotajs kurŠiŲ Nerija NatioNal Park uous trees. More than half of the forest was most spectacular parabolic dunes on the (kurŠiŲ Nerijos NacioNaliNis planted by human hands. At Urbas Hill, one Curonian Spit. The slopes of the hill are en- Parkas) of the fi rst dunes forested by local inhabi- veloped with conifers. There is an outdoor The Kuršių Nerija National Park features tants, planting of trees and shrubs has been exhibition of wooden sculptures which one of the most impressive sets of dunes in carried out since 1874. was established in 1997, and this is one of Northern Europe with sandy areas, mar- While the scots pine is one of the most the most popular destinations in the Park. velous pine tree forests and the cultural common tree species in the region, dwarf environment of ancient Curonians. Dunes mountain pine was introduced in the mid- Article based on The Curonian Spit Nation- of the Curonian Spit on both Lithuanian and dle of the 19th century. It is about 1m high al Park Administration, Nida Culture and Russian side belong to the UNESCO World on average and even being blown over with Tourism Centre “Agila”, Lauku Celotajs and Heritage as a “cultural landscape” with sig- sand it is able to stay alive for several years. www.nerija.lt nifi cant natural and cultural heritage value. Dry pine forests are very vulnerable to For centuries, people have desperately fi re. A peculiar landscape of trunks of dry battled against sand but it has been quite mountain pine still remind everyone of the impossible to win. In fact, the sand has massive fi re here in spring 2006 when 235ha cOnTacT buried more than just a few homes and of century-old pine trees burned down. villages. The interaction between nature The Great Dune Ridge is the largest relief kursiu Nerija National and humankind led to the establishment formation on the Curonian Spit, stretching Park administration of the national park in order to protect this along its eastern side from the north to the unique territory. south. Most of the Great Ridge is covered Nagliu str. 8, Neringa, Lithuania The largest part of the park is covered with with trees. It is the most beautiful forest Tel: +370 469 51224 forests that consist mostly of pine trees. on the Curonian Spit. The Hill of Witches [email protected] | www.nerija.lt Birch and alder predominate among decid- in Juodkrantė is one of the largest and

14 ESTOnia nORThERn TALLINN ESTOnia 34 Photos: Lauku Celotajs lahemaa NatioNal Park Scandinavian landscapes and their fi elds (lahemaa rahVusPark) of rocks. Some kilometres from the Gulf of The fi rst national park in Estonia was set Finland, there are the steep and hilly cliff s up to protect the coastal environment and best known as North-Estonian Klint. Beau- cOnTacT its cultural heritage. With good reason, tiful waterfalls on the rivers and streams it is called “the Land of Gulfs” in Estonian. cross the Klint. The stands of broadleaved There are four coastal peninsulas that are forest with high biodiversity can be found environmental Board separated from each other by small gulfs. in some places at the foot of the cliff s. Palmse offi ce Forest covers extensive areas of the park There are many wetlands in the park, and it is home to large predators as wolf, including raised bogs surrounded by Palmse, Vihula vald, Lääne-Virumaa bear and lynx. The Käsmu peninsula has swampy forests. Visitors can enjoy the Tel. +372 329 55 30 a dense network of forest trails suitable outstanding environment of the bog in for hiking and biking. There are impres- the Viru Swamp Trail. The 3.5 km long trail [email protected] sive fi elds of moss-covered stones in the crosses the Viru bog from the north to www.keskkonnaamet.ee  forest located at the northern end of the the south. There is a wooden observation peninsula. The park features many geolog- tower from which the typical landscape ically interesting objects. Many fi eldstones of a mossy swamp can be surveyed. Visitor centre were carried to this location during the Ice Age, and some of them are very huge. Source: Lauku Celotajs, www.estonica.org Palmse, Vihula vald, Lääne-Virumaa The fi eldstones in some places resemble Tel. +372 329 55 55 [email protected] www.lahemaa.ee

ESTOnia ThE iSlanDS 15 TALLINN OF ESTOnia 35 Photos: Lauku Celotajs VilsaNDi NatioNal Park The Vaika Islands were the fi rst protected (VilsaNDi rahVusPark) nature area in the Baltic States with the The landscape of the Vilsandi archipelago Vaika Islands Reserve being established in resembles the views that can be seen along 1910. The area is a particularly restricted cOnTacT the shores of Scandinavia, and this is truly reserve and can only be viewed from unique in the Baltic Sea Region. There are a distance. birds, seals, interesting vegetation, ancient The Elda cliff and peninsula off er a beau- Visitor centre of the fossils and lighthouses. tiful area of land covered with stands of Vilsandi National Park Vilsandi National Park was established to juniper. The seashore is interesting here protect the nature and cultural heritage of because of sediment layers dating back the coastal landscapes. The Park includes to the Silurian Era. Other islands of the Loona Manor 150 small islands with the Vilsandi Island archipelago can be seen from the tip of Loona, Kihelkonna Parish, SA being the largest one. It is a very “new” the peninsula. island that emerged only 2,000 years ago Telefon +372 454 65 10 thanks to the rising crust of the earth. This Source: Lauku Celotajs brought together two separate islands and [email protected] occurred around 350 years ago. Most of the www.loonamanor.ee area of Vilsandi Island is overgrown with www.vilsandi.ee forest and fi elds of juniper.

ESTOnia SOuThERn TALLINN 16 ESTOnia 36 Photos: Lauku Celotajs soomaa NatioNal Park Hiking Trail. The trail is 4.5 km long, leading (soomaa rahVusPark) along the former narrow-gauge railway In Estonian, the word “Soomaa” means line, which was used to transport timber “the Land of bogs”. The Soomaa National during the mid-20th century. The Lemmjõe cOnTacT Park is one of the largest complexes of hiking trail starts at the confl uence of the wetlands (bogs, fens, lakes, unregulated Lemmjõgi and the Raudna rivers. The trail rivers etc.) in Estonia. The Region of Soo- passes through fl oodplain grasslands and soomaa National Park maa is known for its “fi fth season”. During old and very wet forests, which are among Visitor centre this time, vast areas are fl ooded, including the largest forests of their type in Estonia. meadows and forests, and it is only possi- The Kuuraniidu nature trail is 1.7 km long ble to get around by boat. and circular, passing through various forest Kõrtsi-Tõramaa There is a dense network of nature trails habitats and providing information about Tipu Village, Viljandi County created for nature friends. The Meiekose their inhabitants and the basic principles 71211 Estonia Hiking Trail passes through wet forests of forest management. Along the Beaver and fl oodplain grasslands, which are Trail visitors can see how beavers adapt the Tel. +372 435 71 64 inundated during the fl ooding season. environment to their own needs. The trail is between 3 and 5 km long. It [email protected] leads along an old road on the left bank Source: Lauku Celotajs, www.soomaa.ee  of the Tõramaa River. Various types of www.keskkonnaamet.ee/soom-eng/nature forests can be discovered in the Ignatsi

ESTOnia TALLINN 17 37 Photos: Lauku Celotajs karula NatioNal Park The Rebäse Landscape Trail is a circular (karula rahVusPark) 7km trail leading through various lovely Karula National Park was established to habitats – forests, grasslands and small protect the environment and cultural land- wetlands. cOnTacT scapes of the Karula highlands. The park is The cultural landscape of the park is made located in the centre of a huge forest, which up of small single-family farms and villages is one of the largest forests in southern with wooden buildings and small country rmk information Point Estonia. Forests cover approximately 70% roads. The Sibula granary, which has been in the karula National of the territory. Bogs and lakes separate restored, is one of the oldest buildings the forest areas from each other. in the park. It was built in the mid-19th Park centre There are several opportunities for hiking century. and discovering the nature in the park. Ähijärve Village, Antsla The Pärajärve Forest Trail is 4 km long, Source: Lauku Celotajs Rural Municipality, marked and circular, leading through a large Võru County forest and allowing visitors to study plants, animals and forestry traditions. The trail Tel. +372 782 83 50 starts at the village of Pärajärve. [email protected] www.rmk.ee

ThE MaSuRian FORESTS 38 Photos: 1 - M. Arent-Nieradka, 2 - Public Domain Image The Promotional Forest Complex Masurian are frequent. The landforms result from the which results in a mosaic of soils and hab- Forests is the largest of its kind in Poland. movement of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet, itats, abundance of water and wetlands, This area is considered to be one of the especially during the last Baltic glaciation. extensive and well-preserved forests, most beautiful and most valuable natural Clay is the prevailing soil in the northern moderately intensive or even extensive and scenic areas of Europe. Covering an part with moraines and bottom moraines agricultural activity and a relatively high area of 118,216 ha, the complex is located characterising the landscape. The south is degree of naturalness of many habitats. in the regions of Warmia and Mazury. an area of sandy sandurs. The dominance These features contribute to biodiversity. It is composed of forests belonging to the of glacial deposits and younger deposits of Wolves and many rare animals live here State Forest Districts: Pisz, Maskulińskie, the Holocene has created numerous bogs. such as golden eagle, lesser spotted Spychowo, Strzałowo and Mrągowo. It also eagle, osprey, eagle owl, black stork, black includes the land of the Research Station The most common tree here is pine. grouse cranes and elks. After years of for Ecological Agriculture and Preserve Particularly well-known is the Masurian absence, lynx have been observed in the Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Pine, which covers the eastern edges of area. Free-ranging herds of Polish pony Sciences in Popielno. This is the only place the Mokre Lake. It can reach a height of also inhabit the forest. Interesting speci- in Europe where one can observe beavers 40 m and an age of 200 years. Lakes are mens of plants are lichen and Iceland moss and learn about them through direct hidden in oak and mixed forests, swamps – an endangered species, which needs contact. and alder woods with old monumental very clean air to live. A floristic curiosity trees. Due to continental influence, which is the northern twinflower – a relic of the A large part of the Masurian Forests is is partially mitigated by the great mass of glacial epoch. the Piska Forest. In the north there are lake water, the climate is characterised by many large lakes, including Śniardwy, the long and cold winters. The Masurian Forests include Łuknajno largest lake in Poland and Nidzkie Lake, Lake, which is a UNESCO Biosphere a landscape reserve. In the southern part A typical feature of the Masurian Forests Reserve with an area of about 1,300 ha. It there are no lakes, but streams and rivers is the variety of geomorphological forms is on the list of protected wetlands under

18 POlanD WARSAW 39 Photos: Public Domain Images the Ramsar Convention and also belongs to the Natura 2000 network. The reserve was created to preserve one of Europe‘s largest colonies of mute swan. Large lakes cOnTacT and good habitat conditions favour the existence of such a large colony, numbering around 2,000 birds in some years. spychowo state research station Forest District for ecological Educational activities are carried out in the Forest Ecological Education Centre in agriculture and Preserve Spychowo. An education complex, which Spychowo 12-150 animal Breeding consists of a separate building for the Forest ul. Mazurska 3 Museum, an amphitheatre for 800 people with a covered stage, a Forest Educational Tel. (+48) 089 622 50 82 Popielno, 12-222 Wejsuny Path and “The Bear Site” is located around Tel. (+48) 089 622 50 06 the centre. The whole area is beautifully (visitor centre) Tel. (+48) 087 423 15 19, situated on the shores of Spychowo Lake. Tel./Fax (+48) 087 423 16 17 Once a week during the holiday season, [email protected] foresters organise bicycle tours. It is possible [email protected] [email protected] to rent bicycles from the Education Centre.

nOTEcka FOREST 40 Photos: Public Domain Images The Promotional Forest Complex Notecka Notecka is also rich in protected plant spe- the trail for example about cultivation Forest is located near the cities of Gorzow cies such as fern, snowdrop, sundews, of forest, mixed forest and forest under- Wielkopolski, Pila, Poznan and Szczecin. It ivy and lily of the valley. There are 16 growth. Furthermore, there is information includes the state forest districts: Potrze- protected nature reserves and more than given about the European beaver and bowice, Wronki, Krucz, Sieraków, Oborniki, 400 nature monuments altogether. More- there are stops at the Museum of Milling Karwin and Międzychód. over, conservation areas for birds were in Jaracz, at the Welna River, including a established. viewpoint, and at a natural monument – Mostly 80-year-old pinewoods that grow an oak. on sandy soil cover the forest areas. Fur- Visitors who like to obtain more informa- thermore, there are numerous glacial lakes. tion on Notecka can follow educational The nature trail “Wilderness of Notecka Some of the protected species in Notecka trails, for example the nature trail Welna Forest” (Ostępy Puszczy Noteckiej) starts Forest are: European beaver (Castor fiber), River Valley (Dolina Wełny), which is locat- at the shelter “Robbers Cottage” (Chata dormouse (Glis glis), European otter (Lutra ed in the forest near Rożnowo village. Zbójców) in Bucharzewo village. It has a lutra), great cormorant (Phalacrocorax The trail has a length of 16.5 km and was length of 3 km and passes through a carbo), common goldeneye (Bucephala designed for horse riding and cycling typical Notecka Forest area. Ten informa- clangula), red kite (Milvus milvus), white- tourism. It is signposted with horse silhou- tion boards are located along the path tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), osprey ettes. The trail starts at the railway station with information about nature and (Pandion haliaetus), Eurasian eagle owl in Rożnów and ends at the forester’s lodge. forestry. It is possible to find out about (Bubo bubo). Beavers can be found in Following this path makes visitors familiar the phases of the forest development, almost all reservoirs and watercourses in with the subject of forest management as functions, activities and locations of forests the area of Notecka Forest. These animals well as forms and methods of conservati- in Poland and about the benefits of the actively transform the environment by on. It is also possible to see many natural forest. The “bird clock“ explains differences leaving visible traces of their activities like and historical curiosities. Thematic stops in the biological activity of different spe- thinning forests or damming water. covering different topics are located along cies of birds. The nature trail describes the

POlanD 19 WARSAW 41 Photo: M. Arent-Nieradka tree as a habitat and brings visitors closer to one of the residents of the forest – squirrels. This path is interesting for anyone who sierakÓw state wants to get to know the secrets of nature cOnTacT and forestry. Forest District z siedzibą w Bucharzewie The path Kończak Valley (Dolina Kończaka) karwiN state 64-410 SIERAKÓW is located 1.6 km from Stobnica in the Forest District Tel./Fax (+48) 061 295 20 65 Oborniki State Forest District and follows the easily accessible path along Kończak ul. 1 Brygady 18 www.poznan.lasy.gov.pl/sierakow stream. It starts at the car park near the road 66-530 Drezdenko linking Stobnica and Boruszyn. The trail is Tel. (+48) 095 762 05 90 about 7.7 km long and at a leisurely pace it is a 4-5 hours walk. It is signposted with www.szczecin.lasy.gov.pl/karwin oBorNiki state the symbol of a beaver. Twelve information Forest District boards are set along the trails, which want to raise visitor’s awareness about the processes Dąbrówka Leśna and work related to forest management and ul. Gajowa 1 nature conservation. 64-600 Oborniki Tel. (+48) 061 297 13 02 PromotioNal Forest comPleXes Promotional Forest Complexes (PFC) were introduced in Poland in 1994. Their purpose www.poznan.lasy.gov.pl/oborniki is to create areas where management agrees with active ecosystem protection and promotion of environment-friendly technologies, research and education. Currently, there are 19 PFCs in Poland.

ThE SzczEcin FORESTS 42 Photos: M. Arent-Nieradka A special feature of the Promotional Wkrzańska Forest is located in the Zachod- An important feature of the Szczecin Fo- Forest Complex (PFC) Szczecin Forests niopomorskie Region on the Polish-Ger- rests is the positive impact of the Atlantic is its location near the agglomeration of man border. It belongs to the Natura 2000 climate on biodiversity. Moreover, the rich Szczecin with over half a million inhab- network and forms a few popular parks hydrographic network includes a part of itants. The city is the third largest area like Arkoński, Głębokie, Kasprowicza within the river basin of the Oder as well as the and the seventh most populated city of the city of Szczecin. It is also an important Ina and Płonia Rivers and Miedwie Lake. Poland. Three large green areas surround recreational area for the citizens of The complex includes 147 natural monu- it: Bukowa Forest, Goleniowska Forest and Szczecin. Numerous cross-border hiking ments (individual trees of different species, Wkrzańska Forest. The total area of the trails and cycle routes pass through erratic boulders and springs), 5 Natura 2000 PFC is 61,070 ha. Wkrzańska Forest. sites designated under the Birds Directive, 5 areas under the Habitats Directive, Bukowa Forests is characterised by the Coniferous forests cover 80% of the third 9 nature reserves and 2 nature parks – dominance of well-preserved, fertile area – Goleniowska Forest. There are main- Beech Forest Szczecin Landscape Park deciduous forests, especially beeches. ly pines and spruces, which were planted (Puszcza Bukowa) and the Lower Oder The rich terrain diversity of Bukowe Hills by humans in the 19th century. In autumn, Valley Nature Park (Dolina Dolnej Odry). favours the preservation of the natural Goleniowska and Wkrzańska Forests are values of these forests. Tourists frequently good places to collect mushrooms. Inhabi- This region is home to many rare plants visit the artificial Emerald Lake because of tants of Szczecin regu-larly use the forests and animals, for example white-tailed its beauty and surroundings. The lake owes of Szczecin City as a leisure and recreatio- eagle, black stork, black and red kite and its name to its distinctive colour of the nal area. lesser-spotted eagle. There are also pro- water, which is the result of interaction tected plant species such as wild service between a carbonate rock bottom and tree, woodbine, purple turk’s cap lily and at sunlight. least 18 species of orchids.

POlanD 20 WARSAW 43 Photo: M. Arent-Nieradka The PFC with numerous hiking trails is a popular tourist destination. It allows getting in contact with nature for any-one who is interested in active relaxation. The cOnTacT Glinna Arboretum plays a special role here with an area of more than 5.5 ha. It shows a rich collection of trees and shrubs from kliniska state gryfi no state all around the world. Forest District Forest District The Nature and Forest Education Centre in the Kliniska Forest District off ers educa- 72 - 123 Kliniska ul. 1 Maja 4 tional activities in the form of outdoor 74 - 100 Gryfi no classes, lessons in the education hall, Tel. (+48) 091 418 14 70 school meetings, events and exhibitions, Tel./Fax (+48) 091 416 22 59  seminars and conferences. It is situated gryfi [email protected] approximately 30 km from the centre of gryfi [email protected] Szczecin on the A3 highway connecting Poland and Germany. Also often visited is the Nature and Forest Information Point in Glinna in Gryfi no For-est District and the Education Centre and Museum located in Świdwi Nature Reserve.

ThE TuchOla FOREST 44 Photos: Karol Pamuła The Promotional Forest Complex Tuchola stands of holm oaks, hornbeam, aspen, result of a systematic approach to cultivate Forest has a system of outstanding natural birch and yew trees. Mushrooms and forests that predominated in the Tuchols- (or semi natural) features. The most inter- berries sprout in the dense undergrowth. kie Forests in past ages. The monoculture esting are numerous picturesque lakes, Well-preserved fragments of the original of pine favours outbreaks of pest insects, varied land forms, a charming section of forest in Poland and rare relict plants can fungal diseases and provides little resis- the Brda River, many streams and springs still be found in Tuchola Forest as well as tance to forest fires. This does not change and the rich flora and fauna. Glacial forms endangered species of birds and mammals the fact that the Tuchola Forests remain characterise the landscape with sandy san- like capercaillie and otter. Furthermore, the one of the most beautiful and precious dur plains being the dominant landform. white-tailed eagle, a symbol from the Pol- natural areas in Poland. One of the most ish national emblem, might be seen here. interesting places is the Yew Reserve in the Four State Forest Districts with a total area State Forest District of Wierzchlas. This of 84,053 ha form the Promotional Forest The Polish statutory forms of conservation reserve has the largest concentration of Complex Tuchola Forest: Dabrowa, Osie, protect almost the entire area of Tuchola yews in Europe. It is named after the great Tuchola and Woziwoda. Most of the forests Forest. The three largest landscape parks Polish painter Leon Wyczółkowski, who are located in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie are: Tucholski, Wdecki and Dolina Dolnej gave the Polish art more than a hundred Region and only a small part of the munici- Wisły (the Lower Vistula Valley). In addition, stunning images of beautifully shaped old palities Chojnice and Czersk belongs to the the three protected landscape areas are: trees. Equally interesting are archaeolo- Pomorskie Region. Śliwicki, Wschodni and Świecki. The most gical monuments known as Stone Circles valuable natural areas are protected in in Odry village, by the Wda River. The Tuchola Forest is one of the largest homo- 18 nature reserves with a total area of near- circles with a diameter of 15 to 33 m are geneous forest areas in Poland. Besides the ly 2,700 ha. Pine occupies more than 95% made of partly dug in stones. The history predominate pine tree, there are also large of the forested area of the complex as a of the circles is still not exactly clear.

POlanD 21 WARSAW 45 Photos: Karol Pamuła Burial chambers were discovered below the circles. The cemetery dates back to the 1st – 3rd century. cOnTacT Through Tuchola Forest fl ow the Brda and Wda Rivers (also known as Black Water). Both rivers have cut impressive meande- state Forest tourist information ring valleys with cascades in the ground. District tuchola centre in the museum The rivers fl ow through numerous lakes so that they form popular canoe trails. of tuchola Forest The main attractions of Tuchola Forest are ul. Gołąbek 4 woods, of course, but the large number of 89 - 511 CEKCYN ul. Podgórna 3 lakes surrounding the forests also impress 89 - 500 Tuchola visitors. In terms of size, Wdzydze Lake is Tel. (+48) 52 334 80 05 the largest one. The largest body of water Fax (+48) 52 334 80 04 Tel./Fax (+48) 52 334 21 89 has the Koronowski reservoir, which is a huge tourists attraction. Here it is possible [email protected] www.it.tuchola.pl to swim, rent kayaks and boats or to spend [email protected]  time on the beach.

BElaRuS BElOVEzhSkaYa 22 MINSK PuShcha naTiOnal PaRk 46 Photos: Lauku Celotajs Belovezhskaya Pushcha is regarded as the 292 lichen, 270 moss and more than 3000 oldest nature reserve in Europe. Its origins fungi species. 90 species are included in date back to the 15th century. Nowadays the Red Data Book of Belarus. One can fi nd the territory has been granted the status over 12,000 invertebrate and 362 verte- cOnTacT of UNESCO World Heritage Site (5,200 ha), brate species here, from which more than an Important Bird Area and an Important 100 are very rare. The European wisent Plant Area. (Bison bonasus) is among them. The num- Belovezhskaya Pushcha Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the only location ber of this species has already exceeded National Park in Europe where such a large intact and old 400 animals. area of forests typical of Western Europe Tourists can stay in four hotels, visit the has been preserved.The average age of nature museum as well as go on various Kamenuki forest stands is 97 years, but the maximum tours. Diff erent hiking and cycling routes Brest Region, Kamieńec District reaches 200–300 years. Many oak trees are available here, or one can go for 225063 Belarus are about 600 years old. The national park a ride in a carriage. accommodates 1024 species of plants, Telephone: +375 1631 5-61-69 [email protected]  www.npbp.brest.by

23 BElaRuS BEREzinSkY MINSK BiOSPhERE RESERVE 47 Photos: Lauku Celotajs The reserve has been created to protect territory plays an important role in the pro- the mixed spruce-deciduous forests, tection of brown bear, European bison, typical of the eastern European region. osprey, black stork and western capercaillie The statuses of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (wood grouse) populations. cOnTacT and Important Bird Area have been granted Tourists can stay in two hotels or in guest- to the territory. The Berezina River and houses. Nature tourists are off ered hiking about 50 other smaller rivers run through routes (Ecological Trail, Animal Trail, Nature the reserve, joining the mires and lakes by Drugstore) and other trails, cycling routes Belarus canals. Mires and bog woodland cover 61% (“The Serguch Channel – from the Varan- 211188 of the total area. More than 1260 species, gians to the Greek” – a 20 km long route) Lepel District, including 811 species of plants, have been and water touring routes (“Along Berezina Vitebsk Region found here. There are 78 species of plants Water Course”, “Reserve Lake Secrets”). Domzheritsy and fungi that are presently on the verge Those who are interested can go on bird, Tsentralnaya Str. 3 of extinction here. More than 3600 inverte- mammal and plant observation tours as brate and 336 vertebrate species have been well as on mire and combined tours and Tel. +375 2132 26406 stated in the reserve. A number of them in winter they can visit Santa Claus. are recorded in the Red Data Book of www.berezinsky.by Belarus. The administration of this [email protected]

24 BElaRuS BRaSlaV lakES MINSK naTiOnal PaRk 48 Photos: Lauku Celotajs Braslav Lakes National Park, which is species are endangered (lesser spotted situated in the borderland of Belarus and eagle, black stork, Eurasian lynx, European Latvia, is regarded as the “benchmark badger etc.). area” of the Baltic lake district. It comprises Tourists can stay in fi ve recreation centres, cOnTacT about 200 lakes, the majority of which are country homestays and holiday camps. joined in a unifi ed water system by canals Those who are interested can discover and the Druyka River. Forests cover about a nature trail. There are coach tours Braslav lakes 53% of the park territory. 1243 species of available, too. Furthermore, visitors have National Park plants have been found in the park. 28 of great opportunities for watching birds them are recorded in the Red Data Book and animals and for fi shing. of Belarus (twinfl ower, martagon or turk‘s Braslav, Vitebsk Region cap lily, ramsons, Siberian iris, shingled Belarus gladiolus etc.). 295 species of animals have been found in the area from which 64 [email protected] www.braslav.com

FinlanD kOli 25 naTiOnal PaRk 49 HELSINKI Photos: Visitfi nland.com Koli is one of 39 national parks in Finland Cultural heritage is still cherished in Koli. and off ers forested hills with inspiring Several fi elds are slashed, burnt and lookout points. In spite of the park´s re-cultivated annually. Traditional Finnish cOnTacT relatively small area (30 km ), one can fi nd livestock (cows and sheep) graze in the 2 northern coniferous forests all over the meadows each summer. view. Lake Pielinen and quartzite cliff s in Both tourism and conservation play a this traditional woodland make Koli one of signifi cant role in Koli and its woodland Visitor centre ukko Finland´s best-known national landscapes. management. In 2007, Europarc Federation From the lookout point Ukko-Koli, visitors awarded Koli National Park the certifi cate Ylä-Kolintie 39 can enjoy a stunning view over Lake according to ”The European Charter for 83960 Koli (Lieksa) Pielinen with many small islands. Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas”. Finland Although the forests were used for slash- There are several kinds of accommodation and-burn agriculture, Koli was a place of from hotels to rental huts and camping Tel. +358 205 64 5654 pilgrimage for Finnish artists in the late sites. Furthermore, a range of sustainable Fax: +358 205 64 5771 19th and early 20th century. It was a source nature tourism services is available in the of inspiration for many composers and area. The Visitor Centre Ukko provides [email protected] painters, for example Jean Sibelius, Eero information on Koli´s heritage landscape, www.outdoors.fi Järnefelt and Pekka Halonen during their wooded hills and culture of eastern Fin- visits. land.

FinlanD nuukSiO 26 HELSINKI naTiOnal PaRk 50 Photos: 1 - Visitfi nland.com, 2 - Reijo Juurinen Thanks to its location near the Helsinki With its marked trail, cooking shelters and area, Nuuksio National Park is an escape camping sites Nuuksio is ideal for short hi- from the busy capital off ering boreal forest king trips. Visitor advisors provide tailored experiences. The national park comprises trip packages and tips to local destinations. cOnTacT an area of 45 km and forms the western The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia (opened 2 part of so called Nuuksio lake uplands. spring 2013) gathers the pearls of Finnish Its location so close to the capital (less than nature. The internationally high-ranking haukkalampi Nature two hours by train and bus from Helsinki centre will showcase Finnish nature in information hut city centre) is unusual. a unique way. Haltia is a gateway to all The area is the most extensive and ecolo- Finnish national parks and it shows inter- gically important backwoods area of the actively the richness of Finnish nature from Haukkalammen luontotupa region. It is aff ected by broken bedrock the fells in Lapland to the herb-rich forests Haukkalammentie and it consists of an intricate mosaic of in southern Finland and from the Baltic 02820 Espoo habitats because of its relatively southern Sea archipelago to areas of wilderness. In Finland location. Dozens of endangered or near Haltia, visitor will see, hear, smell and feel threatened species according to the IUCN the Finnish nature with all senses. Compre- Tel. +358205 64 4790 Red List of Threatened Species are known hensive restaurant, conference and nature to inhabit the area. shop services complete the experience. [email protected] www.outdoors.fi