I Stood Barefoot in a Midwinter Forest — and Discovered the Power of Skin-to-Nature Contact
This personal story explores the quiet power of reconnecting with nature—skin to earth, moment to moment.
Entries by Jonna Saari
10 Great Reasons to Visit Lapland in Summer
Summer in Lapland is bright, peaceful, green, and dreamlike in its beauty. While many associate Lapland with winter, snow, and northern lights, summer reveals an entirely different side—one that many Finns return to year after year. Here are ten compelling reasons why summer is the perfect time to head north. Read to the end for […]
Oulanka National Park: Stunning Cliffs & Roaring Rapids
Oulanka National Park is a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers, mesmerizing visitors with dramatic landforms, towering cliffs, and mighty rapids. Its vast network of trails offers something for every level of ability, and the park is dotted with an abundance of rest areas and wilderness huts. Famous for its suspension bridges, rugged canyons, […]
A Majestic Giant: The Rotomänty Pine, Salo
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 […]
Embraced by the March Baltic Sea: Early Spring Beauty at Porkkalanniemi in Kirkkonummi
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 […]
Wine in the Woods: A Unique Forest Experience in Nuuksio near Helsinki
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, […]
I Stepped Off the Road and Found the Beauty of Finnish Nature
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 […]
Caring for Mental Health in Nature: A Trip to the Baltic Sea’s Coastal Cliffs in Inkoo
A refreshing coastal hike highlights nature’s mental health benefits, offering peace, connection, and mindful moments by the Baltic Sea.
Put this on Your Bucket List: Aulanko is A Winter Gem in Jean Sibelius’ Hometown, Hämeenlinna
Discover Aulanko in Hämeenlinna, the hometown of Jean Sibelius. Explore snowy trails, majestic landmarks, and serene winter beauty, capped with an ice swimming experience!
A Rainy Forest Stroll? Definitely! Tips for Enjoying It
Winters in Southern Finland are often rainy these days. See how you can enjoy the forest in rainy weather – it’s surprisingly wonderful.
