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.
What Does Ice Swimming Feel Like?
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 […]
From Scorching Heat to Ice-Cold Water – Why Finns Do This and How You Can Experience Ice Swimming Too
Finns have a strong connection to nature, and winter swimming – known in Finnish as avanto or avantouinti – is a prime example of it. This pastime combines the wintry outdoors, fresh air, and Finland’s deep-rooted sauna culture, which for many Finns is an essential part of everyday life. In principle, winter swimming can suit […]
An Easy and Stunning Snowshoeing Trail on Koli’s Peaks in Eastern Finland
One of Finland’s most beautiful and easiest snowshoeing trails runs through the national landscapes of Koli, and despite its short distance, it is impressive. The Koli Peaks Snowshoe Trail is an official route maintained by Metsähallitus, intended solely for travel by snowshoes. Its length is 1.9 kilometers, although you can also deviate on foot onto […]
The Soothing Silence of the Woods – Forest Bathing in a Finnish Spruce Forest
Silence. It’s a concept that has become increasingly rare in our daily lives. In a noisy world, I often find myself longing for places where the clamor of human activity is blissfully absent, replaced by the tranquil soundscape of nature, sometimes even absolute silence. Fortunately, in Finland, there are still many places where you can […]
Treasure Hunting in the Woods: Spotting Shed Antlers in Finnish Forests
Since I was a child, I have loved wandering in the forests of my homeland, Finland. The sounds, scents, and tranquility of nature draw me back again and again. Occasionally, the forest offers more than peace and beauty. For the lucky and observant wanderer, Finnish forests can reveal true treasures: clear streams, mysterious caves, or, […]
The Healing Power of Pine Forests: Breathe in Health in the Finnish Woods
In front of me stretches a forest of pillar-like pines. These trees, some of the oldest among them bearing deep grooves and various holes in their thick bark, stand strong and steadfast like ancient guardians. In a Finnish pine forest, there’s a feeling of being at home, with nothing to fear. There’s lots of light, […]
Early Evening Luxury in Finnish Winter: Enjoying the Darkness and Milky Way Right After Work
The darkest days of the year are upon us in Finland, and weekday evenings after work are pitch black. It’s easy to be tempted to curl up on the couch instead of going out. While darkness affects at least some of us negatively in the form of seasonal depression, nature and being outdoors have good […]
Nature Boosts Health – You Don’t Need to Do Anything, Just Go There, Be There, And Let Nature Take Care
I walk into the forest wearing a twenty-year-old jacket, old torn sweatpants, and rubber boots. I have no measuring devices, snacks, time limit, or any specific plan other than to spend a moment in the nearby woods. I’m there for as long as I happen to be this time, basically doing nothing. And you know […]
The Finnish Secret: Embracing Nature for Better Health
I leap over a ditch from the roadside into the forest. The gentle energy of the trees’ embrace wraps around me in an instant. Although the sound of the road still reaches my ears, an invisible wall—a protective force field—has appeared between me and the mundane human world. On the forest side, with each step, […]
