Siikaneva trail – Siikanevan Soidensuo nature reserve

The Siikaneva Nature Reserve, located about 40 kilometers northeast of Tampere, is one of the most important bog areas in the Finnish region of Pirkanmaa. Most of the other bogs in the region have been drained. For this reason, the integrity and diversity of Siikaneva as a whole are to be preserved. The islands of primeval forest are also of considerable natural value. Siikaneva is also valuable as a landscape and recreational destination, as well as for research and educational purposes. A hike through the area reveals not only geological evidence of the past, but also a valuable refuge for numerous bird species. Cranes, whooper swans, and various ducks use the bog as a resting and breeding ground. Two research stations here – one at the edge of the forest, one in the open bog – are investigating the influence of bogs on the greenhouse gas exchange between soil and atmosphere. On this bog hike, I was also fascinated by the special atmosphere: the alternation between light-filled expanses and mysteriously dark forest islands makes this hike a striking nature experience. Want more? You can find more information about nature and sights along this trail in my second hiking book, "Finland on Foot - Hiking between Helsinki and Lapland." Over 500 pages of accompanying background information await you on 1,000 kilometers of hiking through many protected and hiking areas in Finland. My motto: "Walk - See - Understand." Contact me and ask!