Akionsaari and Varjakka

The Akionlahti Bay, located in Oulunsalo’s Varjakka, is an approximately 263-ha nature reserve which was founded in 2006. The Natura 2000 nature reserve is located primarily in the waters and coast meadow owned by the partition unit. The Akionlahti Bay is estimated to have emerged approximately 400 years ago and has mostly detached from the sea. The bay’s deepest point is about 1,3 meters. The Akionlahti Bay’s coastal flora is zonal, ranging from low water spiky flora to wide grasses and rush meadows.  

The area serves as a nesting environment for a wide range of bird species and for a large number of birds. The Bay is a significant rest stop for migratory birds.  

The Akionsaari Island is surrounded by a nature trail and there is a bird-watching tower on the island’s southern coast. The island’s northern coast includes a lean-to and a campfire site. The nature trail continues on the mainland to the Warjakka Art Path and passes the protected sea mark pine. 

There is a popular campfire site on the Varjakka Island. The old sawmill buildings in Varjakka represent our culture-historical construction tradition. Also, there is a guest marina and an unofficial swimming place in Varjakka. In the summers, you can arrive at the Varjakka guest marina with your boat or a traditional hand-rope ferry. Read more about the ferry here (in Finnish).