Strict Nature Reserves for Nature Research

Strict nature reserves are established by law or by statute for the purpose of research.

They are located on state-owned lands and are primarily reserved for the purposes of nature conservation and research. They are also used for teaching , if it does not compromise nature conservation in the area.

Strict nature reserves are conserved in their natural state so that researchers would be able to compare them with other areas and determine how many of nature’s changes are natural instead of having been caused directly by man.

For the most part, strict nature reserves are closed to the public.

There are nineteen strict nature reserves in Finland with a total area of about 1,500 km². They are all managed by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland.

Parts of Strict Nature Reserves open to the Public

It is possible to walk along marked trails in some strict nature reserves.

Information on the strict nature reserves, in which you can hike along marked trails

• Kevo Strict Nature Reserve (nationalparks.fi)
• Malla Strict Nature Reserve (nationalparks.fi)
• Sompio Strict Nature Reserve (nationalparks.fi)