Tuntureita

Tuntureita, the plural form of tunturi, are a characteristic type of upland landscape in northern Finland, especially in Finnish Lapland. A tunturi is a high, treeless hill or fell that forms part of a subarctic upland area and is largely shaped by glacial activity. The term is commonly used in Finnish geography to describe this distinct terrain, and tuntureita refers to the group of such fells in a region.

Geography and geology: Tunturi landscapes occur in subarctic zones and typically rise from a few hundred meters to over a thousand meters above sea level. They feature bare or sparsely vegetated summits and slopes, with thin soils and exposed rock. Vegetation on the higher parts is limited to tundra-like mosses, lichens, and hardy low shrubs, while tree cover is restricted to the lower slopes in many areas.

Ecology and land use: The unique climate and vegetation of tunturielandscapes support reindeer herding and seasonal grazing. The harsh conditions and open terrain also make these areas popular for outdoor recreation, including hiking and cross-country skiing. Much of the landscape is protected in national parks and other conservation areas to preserve its natural and cultural values.

Notable areas: The tunturi environment is exemplified by landscapes in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and other parts of Finnish Lapland, where visitors can experience the upland, treeless hills, extensive tundra, and panoramic vistas that define this geographic feature.