Finnish Alvar

The Finnish Alvar is a unique type of landscape characterized by a vast, flat or gently rolling limestone plain with sparse vegetation. Found mainly in Finland’s southern regions, it features thin soil over limestone bedrock, creating an environment where hardy grasses, mosses, and specialized plants thrive. Historically, Alvars have supported traditional farming and grazing practices, influencing local biodiversity and cultural heritage. The environment's openness and distinctive flora make it an important ecological and cultural feature of Finland’s natural landscape.