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Mires

Mires (peatland) are one of the younger natural phenomena in Rokua Geopark. The area started to form peatwhen the land rose above the surface of the water and peat formed in damp depressions. Initially the mires formed slowly. However, around 6,000 years ago the climate became colder and wetter, and the process began to speed up. Mires are damp and nutrient-rich habitats for plants and animals. They also offer interesting but sometimes challenging terrain for outdoor recreation.

There are several types of mire in Rokua Geopark. In the esker area you will encounter deep peat covering small areas at the base of kettle holes. Between the ancient shorelines there are narrow strips of marsh kilometres long. The flat lands surrounding the ridges, on the other hand, have wide areas of aapa mire. The marshes below the shoreline sand in Lake Oulujärvi are another special feature in one particular area. They came about as the water level of Lake Oulujärvi gradually rose, covering several shoreline marshes over a period of thousands of years. The marshes were subsequently covered by the sand carried by the waves. In shallow bays, today they feel like soft, bubbling sand on the lake bed. 

The deepest kettle hole mire in Finland

Literally “the Well of Deepness”, Syvyydenkaivo is Finland’s deepest kettle hole with a measured depth of more than 50 metres. A kettle hole is a hole, depression typically filled by a lake or peat, resulting from the melting of a mass of ice trapped in glacial deposits. In this particular kettle hole a mire has formed at the bottom, eight metres thick, which covers part of the actual depth of the kettle hole.

Explore the marshes

Lake Oulujärvi

With a surface area of almost 900 m2, Lake Oulujärvi is known as the sea of Kainuu. Lake Oulujärvi is the fourth largest lake in Finland and is geographically situated almost in the middle of Finland. Its beautiful sea-like scenery features the flat plains of Ostrobothnia, the fells of Kainuu, shining golden beaches and bare rocky islands.

Lake Oulujärvi differs from Finland’s other lakes due to its beautiful stretches of open water. Lake Oulujärvi also boasts a large number of islands. In fact 650 islands have been counted with an area bigger than 100 m2. The lake’s large size means it is home to an abundance of wildlife. You might encounter marine species such as ruddy turnstones, great cormorants, and white-tailed eagles drifting above the water. As well as picturesque views and varied wildlife, the sloping sandy beaches are also safe and pleasant places for family swimming. Lake Oulujärvi is also located inside Finland’s only lake hiking area, with managed walking trails and other related services.

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Rokua

The rolling esker landscape of Rokua was created when the continental ice sheet melted about 10,000 years ago. Ponds with sparkling clear water, expanses of lichen shining like silver and beautifully curved dunes are the characteristic features of Rokua. The esker landscape and its surrounding area also feature sandy ridges shaped by the retreat of the Baltic Sea in the prehistoric period. Rokua National Park protects the area’s unique flora and landscap

This unique natural environment can be explored on skis, by snowmobile, on foot or by bike. A 70 km network of trails offers a wide range of options. The fresh, clear water of kettle holes is perfect for a dip on a hot summer’s day or for angling, trolling or ice fishing depending on the time of year. The Rokua area also offers plenty of tourism services.

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Rumala-Kuvaja-Oudonrimmit

The Rumala, Kuvaja and Oudonrimmit mire area is a valuable complex of string bogs and raised bogs. It covers approximately 5,000 hectares. The marshes in the area are largely watery quagmires. They are also reasonably nutrient-rich and provide a valuable habitat for several rare species of animals and plants. Together with Lake Oulujärvi’s Painuanlahti bay, the area is also a prime birdwatching area. The area is covered by the Natura 2000 programme and the heart of the area is protected by a national mire protection programme.

The best way of reaching the area is via Vuolijoentie, taking the turn-off to Metsälammentie. The road takes you to the Kuvaja birdwatching tower, an excellent lookout point for incredible views over the marsh. The tower also has noticeboards with information about the wildlife in the marsh.


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Syvyydenkaivo

Literally “the Well of Deepness”, Syvyydenkaivo is Finland’s deepest kettle hole with a measured depth of more than 50 metres. A bog has formed at the bottom, about eight metres thick, which covers part of the actual depth of the kettle hole.

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