In Finland temperature gets as low as -40°C (-40°F) in winter, and in such weather trees get covered in so much snow and frost that it makes the landscape look as if it was from another planet.
Northern Finland is largely covered by the Boreal forest, the world’s biggest territorial biome, which freezes for around 6 months of the year. It’s so cold there that the forest trees have frozen into ice sculptures, producing an unearthly image.
The long towering shards of ice, pasted against a backdrop of white blankets, provide a beautiful scene that is unique to Finland’s woodlands.
As you stroll through the hauntingly gorgeous frozen terrain, it appears and feels alive. The plants, rocks, and trees become completely white, forming magnificent shapes. They sometimes appear to be an army of snowmen strewn around the woodland. At times, they appear to be strange beasts lying still in wait.
The forest comes alive during the day, and the few hours of sunlight make the snow glisten.
But how did these trees freeze in such unusual shapes? Surprisingly, Northern Finland has a high humidity level, and the air is moist and dense. In fact, wetness may be felt in the air at all times of the year. Because of the humidity in the air, there are many water droplets in the atmosphere. When temperatures drop below zero, these water droplets make contact with the trees and continue to freeze onto them.
That’s how the trees get covered in snow and ice and form such interesting shapes. It’s all because of the high humidity.
Riisitunturi National Park, noted for its stunning winter scenery, is an excellent site to check out this winter wonderland. A magnificent journey via huts spread around the open wilderness there will lead you to a landscape of beautiful natural ice sculptures. The park is about 60 kilometers from the nearest airport, Kussamo.
Truly a unique sight.
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