Ruissalo in Turku is an island connected to the mainland by a bridge, offering nature lovers plenty to explore. We visited Ruissalo for an afternoon outing with the intention of experiencing two very different worlds: the University of Turku Botanical Garden and, just a few kilometres away, the coastal area of Kuuva. The wildly shifting […]
From the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia it is easy not only to set off on short local trails, but also to head towards the more wilderness-like parts of Nuuksio National Park, such as the areas around Lake Urja and Lake Orajärvi. There are no marked trails in this part of the park, so you need […]
About a 20-minute drive from Mariehamn lies the charming ruins of Lemböte Chapel, beautifully situated by the sea in a peaceful forest setting. The medieval chapel has been stylishly restored, and even today summer services and other events are still held there. Visitors can explore the site independently, and although the chapel itself is usually […]
Looking for an easy way to immerse yourself in Finland’s forests and lakes without travelling far from Helsinki? Choose Nuuksio National Park and, at its heart, the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia. Haltia is the ideal gateway to the park: you can arrive by public transport, get personalised advice at the information desk, rent outdoor gear, […]
The shores of the Baltic Sea are, in my opinion, among the loveliest places in Finland to visit in autumn—and even in winter. Winter is a long, dark season here in the north, and when everyday life keeps spinning, the mind now and then starts to crave a brisk refresh. Any nearby forest happily works […]
Many are surprised to learn that Finland’s coast offers interesting opportunities for snorkeling. Although the Baltic Sea is relatively shallow and low in salinity, its underwater world is diverse and easy to explore even without diving equipment. Snorkeling gives visitors a new perspective on this northern sea and makes a seaside holiday in Finland even […]
In Teijo National Park in Salo, the autumn colors glow beautifully each fall. The area offers an easy and enjoyable autumn foliage destination in Southwest Finland, even for less experienced hikers, with trails around Lakes Matildanjärvi and Puolakkajärvi. A special feature of Teijo National Park is its charming neighboring ironworks villages, such as Mathildedal, where […]
In Punkaharju, one of Finland’s official national landscapes, there is a spot where smooth rock slopes gently and evenly into the clear waters of Lake Puruvesi. Higher up on the wooded bank stands a lean-to shelter, accessible also by wheelchair or with a stroller. This place is called Karjalankallio, “The Rock of Karelia,” a beautiful […]
Punkaharju is one of Finland’s 27 designated national landscapes. The area offers accommodation such as a hotel, and Punkaharju is easily accessible by train. The scenic ridge meandering along the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Puruvesi is an excellent hiking destination. It offers several circular trails as well as the more branching Harju Trail Network, […]
Article: Mari and Mika Leijo The municipality of Vöyri and its surrounding areas offer a wonderfully diverse region for nature lovers. We only managed to scratch the surface of what the area has to offer, even though we spent an entire week there from June 7 to 14, 2025. But during the week, we did […]
