The splendid Aulanko Nature Reserve boasts not only a variety of unique curiosities but also a complete 7-kilometer loop trail encircling Lake Aulanko. Predominantly serene in nature, this loop deviates at two swimming beaches and a fire pit, ventures through a forest named after Finland’s national composer Jean Sibelius, and meanders past stunning scenic cliffs. […]
Dog sledding tours are offered in a variety of ways during the winter season in Finland’s snow-sure destinations. The most common are hour- or two-hour long dog sled rides, and there are also longer, even multi-day dog sledding treks, during which accommodations are made at different locations. Beginners can join short tours, and most are […]
This is surely Finland’s most incredible yoga studio: acres of snow, a fence lined by the forest, the winter sky as the roof, and the participants… a herd of reindeer. Before stepping into the enclosure, that is, the studio, we are given yoga mats, which are actually reindeer hides, and we hear instructions on how […]
In the evening darkness, the Snow Hotel is an impressive sight. A massive, windowless structure of snow, surrounded by illuminated ice sculptures and a magical atmosphere. It feels somewhat like being on the set of a movie, uncertain about how to behave or what you’re allowed to touch. A slight thrill. What is it like […]
We embarked on a soothing mini-journey to the Tetrijärvi lean-to and welcomed the New Year enveloped in the gentle silence of Karelian forests. This rest stop, maintained by Metsähallitus (the Finnish Forest Administration), is conveniently situated quite near the Petkeljärvi National Park and its hiking center, boasting excellent facilities. Tetrijärvi lean-to on a map Parking […]
If one Finnish winter condition had to be elevated above the rest, it would be the clear, bright sunshine that makes the crystallized frost snow sparkle on the slopes. No matter how cold, such weather simply makes it impossible to stay indoors. One of Finland’s most spectacular skiing destinations, and possibly the country’s most beautiful […]
The quaint seaside village of Taalintehdas (or Dahlsbruk in Swedish) is found on the Kemiö Island in Southwest Finland. From the ruins of an old blast furnace begins a network of walking trails. We drove there during a late winter spell, with snowbanks still dominating the landscape, though the sun was blazing from a cloudless […]
The midday sun in February did its best, dazzling against a cloudless blue sky. Yet, stepping outside, a brisk wind hit our faces, making the air, already nipped with frost, feel particularly biting. The urge for a hike struck us, and we decided that this time it would be Liesjärvi National Park’s turn. Its majestic […]
Text and Photos: Elina Tarvainen Porvoo old city, in its Christmas lights, is as beautiful as a candy, like a large Advent calendar full of doors to be opened. Here, one truly enters the spirit of Christmas. In this article, through my pictures, you will get to see the beauty of the place, which is […]
The Åland archipelago is part of Finland, stretching between the cities of Turku (FIN) and Stockholm(SWE) in the Baltic Sea. Its largest island, which also houses the region’s capital, Mariehamn, boasts short distances, but there’s quite a lot to explore. One of Åland’s most famous attractions is the Kastelholm Castle. Kastelholm on a map I […]
