Just a short drive from Turku, a tall rock called Vanhalinna (‘Old Castle’) rises on the banks of the Aurajoki river amid rural scenery. Its grey, stony surface is a striking sight in the middle of the fields. This is one of the most significant ancient hillforts in Finland, and it is well worth climbing […]
The Pallas fells are one of Finland’s 27 nationally significant landscapes. The cluster of round-topped, massive fell peaks is a sight that easily leaves onlookers speechless – both first-timers and more experienced visitors to Lapland alike. The Pallas fells can be seen from far away and admired from many different directions. Here’s a list of […]
I had been waiting for quite a while for a day when all of the following elements would line up at once: fine weather, a weekday, good company, a reason to be in Turku, and a free schedule. When such a day finally arrived, I knew exactly what to do: I would walk the route […]
As late summer settles over the coast and everyday routines resume in many Finnish households, one hiking destination after another grows quiet again. This is the time of year when even summer’s busiest spots can be experienced in peace, while the weather is still holding onto its warm, gentle character. We headed out on a […]
Liessaari Island rises straight out of Lake Lohjanjärvi, right in front of the town of Lohja. A footbridge leads onto the island, and waiting at the far end is a peaceful sandy beach lined with tall pines. The wooded island has a network of trails. There are also lean-to shelters available. Liessaari, Lohja On summer […]
Last year at Finland, Naturally we put together a list called A Metalhead’s Travel Guide to Finland, featuring Finnish travel destinations that are connected, in one way or another, to metal music. The list includes many otherwise well-known destinations, some of which have served as filming locations for music videos. But when you think about […]
On a summer day in Helsinki we had a few hours to spare for a visit somewhere, and this time Lauttasaari Island was our chosen destination. We found beautiful smooth-rock shores, ja nice beach and clear seawater! The area has a public swimming beach and protected coastal meadows. We were out and about, inspired by […]
In the village of Muurla in Salo, there’s a short path leading up a wooded hill, at the top of which a stone ancient burial cairn spreads out in a ring shape in a beautiful spot. The grave doesn’t offer views into the distance, but together with the surrounding trees, the path, and the undergrowth, […]
At the end of the Midsummer weekend, we took a little trip to Torronsuo National Park. Torronsuo is one of the most popular national parks in Southern Finland, perhaps because its raw, wilderness-like character brings to mind the landscapes of Lapland for many visitors. Our one-and-a-half-year-old toddler got to set the pace part of the […]
If you only have one long afternoon in Hanko, I would personally recommend two things above everything else: a stroll along the grand wooden villas of Appelgrenintie road (along which you’ll also find one of Hanko’s most famous beaches, Bellevue), and the Tulliniemi (Uddskatan) nature trail, which winds through beautiful shoreline nature all the way […]
