Patvinsuo National Park

Patvinsuo covers a wide expanse of raised bog, old spruce and pine forest and lakes between Lieksa and Ilomantsi, and it is one of the more remote-feeling national parks in southern and central Finland. Boardwalks run across the open bog to bird towers and around Suomunjarvi, a clear lake with sand shores at the edge of the park where swimming is possible. Cranes, whooper swans and waders breed on the mire, and the forest holds bear, wolverine and other large carnivores; several wildlife watching hides operate on the park's edges, run privately, for people who want to see bears at night from a fixed position.

What you actually see

• Boardwalks across raised bog - the routes over open mire.
• Suomunjarvi lake - clear water and sand shores inside the park.
• Cranes and whooper swans - the breeding birds of the mire.
• Bear watching hides - privately run night hides at the edges.

When to go

June to September for walking; hide bookings run through the summer. A day or two. Mosquitoes are severe in June and July. Bear hides must be booked well ahead.

Honest expectations

Mosquitoes and horseflies here are punishing in midsummer. Bear watching is a paid overnight sit in a hide with no guarantees. The park is remote and needs a car. Facilities are huts, pits and dry toilets.

Nearby

Lieksa is north; Ilomantsi lies south.