This is surely Finland’s most incredible yoga studio: acres of snow, a fence lined by the forest, the winter sky as the roof, and the participants… a herd of reindeer. Before stepping into the enclosure, that is, the studio, we are given yoga mats, which are actually reindeer hides, and we hear instructions on how […]
If one Finnish winter condition had to be elevated above the rest, it would be the clear, bright sunshine that makes the crystallized frost snow sparkle on the slopes. No matter how cold, such weather simply makes it impossible to stay indoors. One of Finland’s most spectacular skiing destinations, and possibly the country’s most beautiful […]
During midwinter fell hikes in Lapland, when the weather is clear, you might see intense and beautiful colors on the opposite side of the landscape from the setting Sun. The upper one, a cool-toned redness, is called ‘Belt of Venus’ or ‘antitwilight’ – that is, the afterglow rising opposite the sunset. Beneath it, under certain […]
With the arrival of winter, Helsinki transforms into a true skiing city. During snowy winters, Helsinki delights skiers with a 200-kilometer network of ski trails, which allows one to traverse almost the entire city on skis from the central park. Paloheinä Paloheinä is a classic for skiing enthusiasts in Helsinki. Its diverse network of trails […]
Navigating through Finnish nature is often quite safe even under the cover of darkness. We don’t have animals to fear – predators usually avoid us without our knowledge, and there’s no need to worry about lurking poisonous insects in the dark in Finland. I decided to experience the enchantment and peace of a familiar nature […]
Riisitunturi National Park is located in the municipality of Posio in Finnish Lapland. The area is true wilderness, dominated by the mighty forces of Lapland. In the national park, there’s a trail that can be walked in winter too, with proper winter clothing and equipment. On a clear Monday evening, the sky was bright and […]
Undoubtedly, Koli’s national landscape is one of Finland’s most magnificent natural destinations. Koli offers stunning scenic experiences throughout the year, but there’s something truly special at the top of Koli in winter, with its enormously beautiful and imagination-stirring heavy snow formations. In my book, heavy snow or ‘tykky‘ as we call it in Finnish is […]
With my rucksack weighing heavily on my back, I step from the dirt track onto a stony path. I breathe deeply to absorb the scents of the forest that magically lighten my rucksack and calm my mind. As I walk further, I feel beads of sweat rise on my back. The evening is sunny and […]
Does it make you nervous if someone’s already at the picnic spot, or if someone unexpectedly arrives just when you were about to peacefully sit by yourself? Does it bother you if someone is walking on the hiking trail behind or in front of you? Does sweat form on your forehead when people approach and […]
The Finnish bog is a mythical place. Traditionally, terrifying stories have been told about our bogs to ensure that children at least would not venture onto the bog – for they might sink into the swamp! A hiker is safe on the bog as long as they stay on the marked nature trail. At the […]
