The large, beautiful city of Salo, is gently waking up to spring. In Finnish, the word salo means a vast, wild forest, and true to its name, this coastal city between Turku and Helsinki has no shortage of woodlands. While browsing a topographic map near the villages of Kisko and Suomusjärvi, I stumbled upon something […]
At the tip of Porkkalanniemi, a peninsula stretching into the Baltic Sea in Kirkkonummi, you’ll find the Porkkalanniemi recreation area maintained by Uuvi (Uudenmaan virkistysalueyhdistys). The area offers several parking areas, marked trails, and rest stops—provided you’re willing (hopefully without motion sickness!) to navigate the winding, narrow road that demands constant attention. Last week, we […]
I walk along a forest path, take a deep breath, and let the scents of the woods fill my lungs. Our small group has arrived at the edge of Nuuksio National Park—a park just a half-hour drive (and a slightly longer train+bus ride) from the bustling center of Finland’s capital, Helsinki. It’s hard to believe, […]
The winding forest floor, adorned with white-barked birches, beckoned me to step off the path, to wander into nature and see if there were any lingonberries to be found. The evening was already turning dusky, the sun still glowing on the horizon but making it clear that its time to slip away was near. Would […]
A refreshing coastal hike highlights nature’s mental health benefits, offering peace, connection, and mindful moments by the Baltic Sea.
Discover Aulanko in Hämeenlinna, the hometown of Jean Sibelius. Explore snowy trails, majestic landmarks, and serene winter beauty, capped with an ice swimming experience!
Winters in Southern Finland are often rainy these days. See how you can enjoy the forest in rainy weather – it’s surprisingly wonderful.
Survive Finland’s winter like a local! From dressing in layers to winter driving tips—practical advice for cold weather living.
Although it might sound extreme, plunging into an icy lake is more than a thrill—it’s a way to unwind and reset. In the icy embrace of winter waters, daily worries fade, and inner peace emerges. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what this unique experience feels like. 1. A Warm Start in the Dressing Room The […]
The Vantaankoski Nature Trail is a one-kilometer loop trail that runs along paths, boardwalks, stairs, and bridges by the shores of Vantaanjoki river. The destination is easily accessible via direct bus connections from Helsinki and is beautiful even in winter. I walked the trail myself on a January morning when the sun rose magnificently behind […]
