baumzaehlen - Primeval Forests & Their Trees

Isojärvi National Park , Finland

This park (22 km ² ) mostly consists of previously managed forest but there are also old-growth areas. The best preserved forests are in the Lortikanvuori, Vahterinvuori and to the north of lakes Kuorejärvi and Hevosjärvi, where one of the most valuable sites is located: Latokuusikko, a primeval Picea abies (Norway spruce) forest with a herb-rich understory on fertile soil. P. abies reaches heights of more than 40 m there – a remarkable size for the latitude (about 62°N).

Tree species diversity is low and most species are easy to identify. Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) and P. abies dominate. Altitude is about 120–200 metres . Annual precipitation is about 600 mm and average annual temperature 3–4°C.

Off-trail hiking is fairly easy. Camping is allowed only at designated sites.

Official site:

http://www.nationalparks.fi/en/isojarvinp