Things to Do and See in the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre

The nest-section of the exhibition. A glass showcase in the middle shows the Western marsh harriers nest. There are white eggs in the nest.
Three information boards with information about bird feathers, molting and the structure of the feather. Different types of feathers can be seen to the left.
Several information boards with a brown background explaining the spring migration, geese and the birds' ability to fly.
The wetland-section of the exhibition. Several information boards about the wetland animals, plants and their importance in the diversity of species. A picture of the Liminka bay coastal meadows can be seen on the wall in the background.
An indentation where several small screens can be seen.
An open door to the fishing cabin. There are stairs to the bird's nest to the left of the door.
Pictures of Finnish owls can be seen on a bright wall.
A view from the exhibition. A birch trunk in the middle and the feather-section of the exhibition in the background.
Information boards with information about the birds' autumn migration and destinations. A world map in the background.
The wader-section of the exhibition, information boards about the Black-tailed godwit and the Ruff.
Several information boards about the colours of the feathers and the plumage.

It is a good idea to start your excursion at the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre. The local speciality, i.e. the fishing and hunting cabins, are a distinctive feature in the scenery. The visitor centre's exhibition presents the life of birds and the history of the cabins.

Permanent exhibition The Eight Seasons of Birds' Year

At the Eight Seasons of Birds' Year exhibition, you can admire the stunning beauty of birds! You can study the annual cycle from the birds' perspective. The starring role is played by the varied bird species of Liminganlahti Bay but the exhibition also explores the life of birds more generally. Many who have visited the Eight Seasons of Birds exhibition say that it is the most beautiful nature exhibition ever. The exhibition has been designed for families with children. However, it also provides fascinating and topical information for passionate bird enthusiasts. The visually impressive exhibition also tells stories and provides information, as well as displays gorgeous bird photographs. Additional information on the services provided by the visitor centre.

Temporary exhibitions

The visitor centre hosts several temporary exhibitions every year. The theme and content varies from photography to aquarelle paintings and anything in between, but keeps the nature always in the limelight. The exhibition changes every one or two months. 

Bird's Nest for Children

A bird's nest has been designed for children, in which they can sit on pillows and listen to fairy tales. The visitor centre also provides games, colouring pages, books and a lot of other fascinating things to keep children amused.

Reference Library

The visitor centre's reference library has a wide variety of nature guidebooks (on plants, mushrooms, birds, mammals, etc.).

Indoor Tower

The visitor centre boasts an indoor bird-watching tower from which you can peek through the telescope towards Liminganlahti Bay. Open only during weekends in wintertime.

Guided Group Tours

Please book the guided tours to the nearest bird watching tower in advance from the Hotel Restaurant Liminganlahti.

 

Six swans flying in a group. Reed is almost entirely covering the seashore. Small puddles of water can be seen. Fishing cabins can be seen in the background and mist on the horizon.
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A woman watching birds through a telescope.

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Trails and Bird-Watching Towers

By Liminganlahti, you will find many bird-watching towers, duckboards and structures serving visitors, such as campfire sites. The visitor centre and its surroundings are accessible for all and it is also possible to go bird-watching with a pram or a wheel chair. Read more about birdwatching towers in Liminka Bay.

The shallow seaside meadows, the wide reed beds, the willow thickets and the seaside birch forests provide habitats and rest spots for a large variety of bird species. In the Liminka Bay area, roughly 200 bird species are sighted annually, of which about 160 nest in the area. There are also rarities amongst the birds. The black-tailed godwit, the lesser white-fronted goose, the gull-billed tern, the Eurasian bittern and many other specialities are absolutely amazing. 

In the Liminka Bay area, the high season begins in April, at the time of the migration of geese, and the spring is culminated by the colourful mating dance of the ruffs. The high season lasts until October, when the last swans fly to the south as the bay freezes over. The area boasts five birdwatching towers, from which it is easy to observe birds. In winter, the feeding of birds at the yard gives you an opportunity to admire the stationary birds, which spend their winters in the area.

Nature trail and Kukkala-learning environment

You can set off for a short nature trail (650m) from the visitor centre's yard. The trail runs along the seashore meadows and through a small coastal forest before ending close to the shoreline.  

In Kukkala-learning environment you can get to know the different habitats and plant species found native in Liminka Bay. The learning environment is situated right next to the Visitor Centre.

Photographing

The coast of Liminka Bay is special, as it has been created by land uplift, providing a fantastic setting for nature photography. The Liminka Bay and Lumijoki birdwatching towers are ideal locations for photography, even though the distance to the birds sets certain requirements for the equipment.

Other Activities

  • Geocaching: geocaching is a fun way to learn how to use GPS and to see the Liminka Bay through the eyes of a treasure hunter!
  • Cross-country skiing: in the Liminka Bay area, there is a cross-country ski trail (about 25 km), which is maintained by the municipalities. Additional information is available on the websites of the municipalities of Liminka, Lumijoki and Oulunsalo.
  • Snowshoeing: snowshoeing gives you an opportunity to explore the Liminka Bay area from a totally different perspective.
  • Mountain biking: There are marked mountain bike trails of different lengths (outdooractive.com) in the areas of Liminka and Lumijoki municipalities. Bikes are rented by TOPyhä Oy (topyha.fi).
  • Canoeing: it is possible to canoe on Liminka Bay with a guide. There are also bird sanctuaries in the area, so please check the canoeing possibilities at the visitor centre.  
  • Learn in nature: on the pages for teachers, you will find tips on nature education in the areas surrounding the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre. At the visitor centre, groups can also hire a guide for their excursion. Read more.
  • Guided group tours: at the visitor centre, you can book a guided tour for your group at the exhibition or in nature. Our cooperation parties organise various kinds of guided hiking trips. The cooperation parties.
  • Volunteer activities: come and work for the good of nature, which is shared by all of us. In the Liminka Bay area, various organisations arrange mowing events for voluntary workers and various events. Read more.