The state buys land and expands Rokua National Park, known for its sand dunes and lichen forests

The Rokua National Park, located between Oulu and Kajaani, will be extended by more than 60 hectares. Soon to be 70 years old, the protected area has grown fourfold over the years since its opening.

The state is expanding the Rokua National Park in North Ostrobothnia.

More than 60 hectares of land in the northern part of Rokuanvaara have been purchased. It is mainly young and old pine-rich brushwood, which is expected to develop naturally as part of the national park in the future.

In the new area, post-glacial sand dunes are clearly visible, which are now covered by pine forests.

Rokua is known for its ancient dune formations, pine and lichen fabric, and good hiking opportunities.

Rokua is one of our oldest national parks

The Rokua National Park, located in the Utajärvi, Muhos and Vaala areas, was founded almost 70 years ago.

Over the years, the area has expanded more than four times its original size of 400 hectares. Today, the protection site is over 1,900 hectares.

The first national parks in Finland were founded in 1938. After the World War II regional donations, the Pallas-Ounastunturi and Pyhätunturi National Parks remained. The following sites, including Rokua, were founded in 1956.

There are a total of 41 national parks in Finland, where last year there were most visitors in the oldest nature site known as Pallas-Yllästunturi.