Northern Bogs

Northern Bogs

Country:
Latvia
Site number:
1385
Area:
7,718.0 ha
Designation date:
27-03-2003
Coordinates:
00°00'N 00°00'E
Transboundary Site:
  • Typical scenery of marginal parts of Northern bogs
  • Pool and hollow systems are typical Northern bog landscape
  • Scale of the wetland
  • Lake Ramatas Lielezers (162 hectares) is located in the middle of the wetland
  • Northern bog
  • Raised bog, winter

Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.


The Site is a representative example of a natural raised bog complex, characteristic of the boreal biogeographical region. The Northern Bogs include four large raised bogs: Kodu-Kapzemes mire, Ollu mire, Limsanu mire and Pirtsmeza mire. The Site also comprises hummocks and hollow complexes with labyrinths of bog pools. The forests around the bogs are of various types, with mixed forests dominating. The wetland plays a significant role in regulating the local microclimate as well as recharging groundwater and supports a variety of life forms. Furthermore, the Northern Bogs are of cultural value; they served as historical winter roads, as well as a refuge during the Second World War. They are now used for recreation, tourism and research. Parts of the Kodu-Kapzemes and Ollu mires are located within the territory of Estonia and are included in the Sookuninga Ramsar Site (Site no.1748).

Transboundary designation: Northern Bogs Ramsar Site is part of the “North Livonian” Transboundary Ramsar Site along with Nigula Nature Reserve Ramsar Site (No. 910) and Sookuninga Nature Reserve Ramsar Site (No. 1748) in Estonia, established in 2007.
Administrative region: Limbazi, Valmiera

Global international designation:
  • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
National legal designation:
  • Nature reserve - Ziemelu purvi
Regional (international) legal designations:
  • EU Natura 2000
Last publication date: 31-01-2025
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