Finland Wildlife: The Animals of Lapland & Where to Find Them

Reindeer, Finland’s national animal, are perhaps the most emblematic of the country’s wildlife. The reindeer’s importance is deeply rooted in history, as they have been domesticated by the Sámi people for centuries, providing them with food, clothing, and transport across the vast wilderness of Lapland.

With their thick fur and hooves designed for walking through deep snow, reindeer have evolved perfectly to live in the harsh conditions of Lapland. Their iconic antlers grow each year, reaching impressive sizes, particularly in males, and are shed after the mating season. During winter, reindeer often form large herds that graze on lichen, their primary food source, which is abundant across the snowy landscapes.

Their presence is a captivating feature of the Finland wildlife, with visitors flocking to Lapland for a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

One of the most elusive and mysterious predators of Lapland is the lynx, a solitary and highly skilled hunter. This wild cat is instantly recognisable by its striking tufted ears, short tail, and powerful build. Known for its keen senses and stealthy hunting techniques, the lynx is perfectly adapted to the snowy landscapes of Lapland. With exceptional hearing and vision, it is able to track and ambush prey such as hares, birds, and roe deer with precision. The lynx’s thick fur also helps it endure the harsh winter temperatures, making it a master of survival in the Arctic conditions.

Lynxes are solitary animals, preferring to roam large territories in search of food, often marking their territory with distinct scent markings to warn other lynxes. They are most active during the night and twilight hours, which makes them even harder to spot. Their elusive nature, combined with their preference for dense forests and remote areas, means that sightings are incredibly rare.

One of the more elusive animals in Lapland is the Arctic fox. This small carnivore is well adapted to life in the extreme cold, with its thick, insulating fur. In winter, the Arctic fox’s fur turns white, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the snow-covered landscape. This helps the fox remain hidden from both predators and prey. The Arctic fox is an expert hunter, feeding on small mammals like lemmings and birds.

Those who venture deep into the wilderness of Lapland may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary creature. The best time to spot an Arctic fox is during the winter months, when its white coat makes it easier to distinguish against the snowy backdrop. Despite their elusive nature, these creatures are an important part of Lapland's ecosystem, playing a key role in controlling populations of smaller mammals. The Arctic fox, with its adaptability and stealth, remains one of the most intriguing animals of the Finnish wilderness.

The tundra hare, a remarkable resident of Lapland, is perfectly adapted to survive the harsh conditions of the Arctic. With its thick fur coat that turns white during the winter months, it blends effortlessly into the snow-covered landscape, offering excellent camouflage from predators. Tundra hares are built for the cold, with short ears and sturdy legs that help them navigate through deep snow and low temperatures. They are herbivores and primarily feed on shrubs, moss, and other vegetation found in the Arctic tundra.

Despite their elusive nature, sightings of the tundra hare can be a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. They are most commonly found in the open, snowy areas of Lapland, where they burrow into the snow to find shelter. The tundra hare’s ability to adapt to the extreme cold makes it a perfect example of Finnish animals thriving in the unforgiving Arctic environment.

Moose, also known as elk in Europe, are another iconic animal in Lapland’s wildlife. These large herbivores are often seen in Lapland’s forests and wetlands, where they feed on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants. Moose are typically solitary animals but can occasionally be seen in small family groups. Due to their size, they are easy to spot, especially in the early morning or late evening when they are most active.

Moose are an integral part of Finland's wildlife, and sightings are not uncommon in the wilds of Lapland. They are often found near lakes, forests, and wetlands, where they graze and drink water. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a moose crossing the road or grazing by the lakeside.

Though there are no polar bears in Finland, this country is instead home to a different noteworthy species: the brown bear. These impressive creatures roam the forests of Lapland, where they spend most of their time foraging for food, primarily berries, roots, and smaller animals. Brown bears are solitary by nature, though they may occasionally be seen in the company of their cubs. These animals are most active in late spring and summer and spend the winter hibernating in dens.

Although brown bears are not commonly encountered due to their shy nature, there are guided tours available where visitors can watch them from hidden hides in the forests. These tours offer a rare and exciting chance to witness the majesty of Finland's national animal up close in its natural environment.

Alongside brown bears, wolves are also native to Lapland. These apex predators play an important role in maintaining the health of Lapland’s ecosystems by regulating populations of smaller animals, such as moose and reindeer. Wolves are highly social animals and live in packs, often communicating with each other over vast distances using their haunting howls. While their presence in Lapland is significant, they are notoriously difficult to spot due to their elusive nature.

Wolves tend to avoid human settlements and remain hidden in the dense forests of Lapland. However, keen observers may be able to track their movements through signs such as footprints and scat. The opportunity to hear their eerie howls echo through the forests adds a magical element to any wildlife experience in Finland.

The wolverine, a carnivorous mammal known for its fierce nature, is another fascinating species found in Lapland. This tough and solitary animal is perfectly adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions. Wolverines have powerful jaws and claws that allow them to break open animal carcasses, scavenging on larger predator kills. They are opportunistic hunters, often feeding on smaller animals like hares, rodents, and birds, making them formidable predators in the wild. Known for their remarkable strength and tenacity, wolverines can take down prey much larger than themselves, including reindeer, if necessary.

Wolverines are highly territorial and cover large distances in search of food. Their thick, dense fur provides excellent insulation against the freezing temperatures of Lapland’s winters, allowing them to thrive in one of the coldest environments on Earth. While spotting a wolverine can be a rare and exciting experience, it requires patience and a deep venture into the wild. Lapland's remote wilderness, where the wolverine roams freely.