A shallow lake, over 9,000 years old, in the heart of Kuusamo. The lake is barren, with sandy and stony shorelines, clear waters and sparse vegetation. The lake holds numerous islands, most of them small, treeless and rocky while the largest are forested and commercially managed. This is one of the only large lakes in Finland where the water-level is not artificially manipulated. Hundreds of summer cottages surround the lake.
Key biodiversity
One of the most important breeding areas for Gavia arctica and Mergus albellus in the country.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The area is a candidate SAC.
Protected areas
National None International High12,516 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Kitka).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Kitka lake. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 22/03/2023.
