From the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia it is easy not only to set off on short local trails, but also to head towards the more wilderness-like parts of Nuuksio National Park, such as the areas around Lake Urja and Lake Orajärvi. There are no marked trails in this part of the park, so you need […]
A cruise or ferry trip to Turku, Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm, or Mariehamn is an easy – and even luxurious – way to experience the Baltic Sea. However, boarding a massive cruise ship and finding your way around isn’t always straightforward if you’ve never traveled on one before. Here, we’ve gathered some general guidelines and links […]
About a 20-minute drive from Mariehamn lies the charming ruins of Lemböte Chapel, beautifully situated by the sea in a peaceful forest setting. The medieval chapel has been stylishly restored, and even today summer services and other events are still held there. Visitors can explore the site independently, and although the chapel itself is usually […]
The shores of the Baltic Sea are, in my opinion, among the loveliest places in Finland to visit in autumn—and even in winter. Winter is a long, dark season here in the north, and when everyday life keeps spinning, the mind now and then starts to crave a brisk refresh. Any nearby forest happily works […]
Mushroom picking is one of Finland’s most beloved autumn traditions, and for good reason. Wandering in the forest relaxes the mind, fresh air clears the head, and with a bit of luck you’ll return home with a basket full of delicious treasures. If you’re a foreigner living in Finland and want to experience this truly […]
Many are surprised to learn that Finland’s coast offers interesting opportunities for snorkeling. Although the Baltic Sea is relatively shallow and low in salinity, its underwater world is diverse and easy to explore even without diving equipment. Snorkeling gives visitors a new perspective on this northern sea and makes a seaside holiday in Finland even […]
I have just been reading a blog post about the beneficial effects of the forest on brain health. When, after a long day at work – tired from my job and weighed down by the news of the world – I pull a woolly hat onto my head, slip rubber boots on my feet, and […]
In Teijo National Park in Salo, the autumn colors glow beautifully each fall. The area offers an easy and enjoyable autumn foliage destination in Southwest Finland, even for less experienced hikers, with trails around Lakes Matildanjärvi and Puolakkajärvi. A special feature of Teijo National Park is its charming neighboring ironworks villages, such as Mathildedal, where […]
In Punkaharju, one of Finland’s official national landscapes, there is a spot where smooth rock slopes gently and evenly into the clear waters of Lake Puruvesi. Higher up on the wooded bank stands a lean-to shelter, accessible also by wheelchair or with a stroller. This place is called Karjalankallio, “The Rock of Karelia,” a beautiful […]
Punkaharju is one of Finland’s 27 designated national landscapes. The area offers accommodation such as a hotel, and Punkaharju is easily accessible by train. The scenic ridge meandering along the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Puruvesi is an excellent hiking destination. It offers several circular trails as well as the more branching Harju Trail Network, […]
