One of the most quintessentially Finnish ways to spend time outdoors is to brew coffee over an open fire. Unhurriedness is an essential part of the moment: a good fire takes time to catch properly, and good coffee takes time to become just right. Calmness and deliberate movements also belong to the experience, as does […]
Although Haukkalampi is the most popular gateway to Nuuksio National Park, it is still possible to experience peace and quiet there – as long as you time your visit right. If you have the chance to head to Nuuksio on a winter weekday outside the holiday season, it’s well worth taking. About a week ago, […]
The destinations of the Häme Lakeland are one more impressive than the next: Torronsuo and Liesjärvi National Parks, the Komio nature reserve, Saari Folk Park, the crystal-clear Melkutin lakes, and the recreation areas of Lake Pääjärvi and Lake Ruostejärvi (Rust lake)all offer beautiful trails to explore, the peace of the forest, the scent of labrador […]
Karkali Nature Reserve is located on a peninsula extending into Lake Lohjanjärvi, near the village of Sammatti. Known for its hazel groves and the Torhola Cave, Karkali is often thought of as a lush summer destination, but we wanted to see what it is like in winter. What we found was peace, silence, and a […]
The Christmas holidays, a grey sky, the lack of snow, and daylight lasting only a few short hours had wrapped Liesjärvi National Park in complete stillness when we arrived at the courtyard of the Korteniemi heritage farm on Christmas Day. The drive from Helsinki takes only about an hour and a half. We first walked […]
The heart of Liesjärvi National Park can, in a way, be found at its southern edge, where the Korteniemi Heritage Farm is located. This old forest ranger’s homestead serves as a beautiful, atmospheric starting point for hikes into the national park, radiating the spirit of times past. From one corner of the Korteniemi yard, you […]
Snowshoeing, in the right conditions – above all on a firm, load-bearing snow crust – is a fun and fitness-boosting activity that will make you break a sweat even in freezing temperatures. In the Pallastunturi fells, there is a great destination for both beginners and more experienced snowshoers alike: Palkaskero. The route from the nature […]
Ruissalo in Turku is an island connected to the mainland by a bridge, offering nature lovers plenty to explore. We visited Ruissalo for an afternoon outing with the intention of experiencing two very different worlds: the University of Turku Botanical Garden and, just a few kilometres away, the coastal area of Kuuva. The wildly shifting […]
This year again, it looks like there won’t be any snow in the southernmost parts of Finland for who knows how long. My sympathies to all of you who have travelled to Finland & Helsinki only to discover that the white winter wonderland you imagined is nowhere to be found. Instead, you’re greeted by grey […]
In Finnish Christmas traditions, going to the sauna — joulusauna a.k.a. the Christmas sauna — has long been one of the most important rituals. Old folk beliefs were filled with elves and spirits, and various charms were performed to ensure a good harvest in the coming summer. Most modern Finns no longer have flax fields […]
