Birdwatching towers across Finland – the best spots for beginners

By visiting a birdwatching tower, you can observe birds without disturbing nature. Many towers are easy to access or partly accessible, making birdwatching possible for an ever wider range of visitors.

Siikalahti in Parikkala is one of Finland’s most well-known birdwatching sites. The wetland attracts large numbers of birds during spring and autumn migration, and there is plenty to see during the breeding season as well.

• What you can see: Around 70 bird species breed at Siikalahti each year, and during migration more than 100 species may be observed in a single day.
• Highlights: Siikalahti is especially famous for its rich and diverse community of nocturnal songbirds, and of the great bittern featured in the area’s emblem.
• Observation points: The area features several observation towers, viewing platforms and a bird hide. Some of the structures are accessible.

Laajalahti Nature Reserve is among the best birdwatching areas in the Helsinki region. It offers excellent opportunities for observation during both spring and autumn migration as well as the breeding season.

• Highlights: The site is well suited as a first destination for beginner birdwatchers.
• What you can see: Grazed coastal meadows, open water and deciduous shoreline forests make the area highly diverse. Dozens of species can be spotted on a single visit.
• Observation points: The most well-known observation spot is the partly accessible Elfvik observation tower. In addition, there are two other structures for bird observation in Laajalahti.

Puurijärvi–Isosuo National Park is particularly renowned for the large numbers of birds seen during migration periods. It is an excellent destination for observing large numbers of birds.

• What you can see: Many species of ducks and waders breed in the park, but the peak moments occur during spring and autumn migration, when hundreds of swans, geese and ducks rest in the wetlands.
• Observation points: The area has a total of four observation towers offering views in different directions.
• Highlights: The roofed Kärjenkallio observation tower, partly renovated in spring 2026, can accommodate up to 50 observers at the same time.

The coastal and aquatic areas of Hailuoto form part of an internationally important bird area in the Oulu region, where large numbers of birds stop to rest during migration.

• Highlights: The tower fits well into a day trip on the island and offers a peaceful place to pause and observe birdlife.
• What you can see: Kirkkosalmi is a good site for observing species such as gadwalls and coots, but many other waterfowl and waders also thrive in the area. During migration periods, Hailuoto’s location is well suited for watching birds of prey.
• Observation points: Located in the central part of the island, Kirkkosalmi observation tower provides an easy way to get to know the birdlife of Hailuoto.

The Viiankiaapa observation tower in Sodankylä offers impressive views over a vast protected mire landscape.

• Highlights: This destination suits birdwatchers looking for tranquillity and the open mire landscapes of Lapland.
• What you can see: The tower was renovated a couple of years ago. Species found in the area include the broad-billed sandpiper, which favours wet mire habitats.
• Observation points: The tower can be reached by following a hiking trail of approximately 3.5 kilometres from the parking area. The walk itself is part of the experience, as birds can be observed along the trail even before reaching the tower.

• The best time to visit observation towers is during spring and autumn migration, but there is plenty to see in the breeding season as well.
• Binoculars make it easier to identify birds.
• Move calmly and follow local guidelines and rules.
• Many observation towers can be reached without a long walk – check the destination information in the Luontoon.fi service in advance.