We embarked on a soothing mini-journey to the Tetrijärvi lean-to and welcomed the New Year enveloped in the gentle silence of Karelian forests. This rest stop, maintained by Metsähallitus (the Finnish Forest Administration), is conveniently situated quite near the Petkeljärvi National Park and its hiking center, boasting excellent facilities. Tetrijärvi lean-to on a map Parking […]
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 […]
The midday sun in February did its best, dazzling against a cloudless blue sky. Yet, stepping outside, a brisk wind hit our faces, making the air, already nipped with frost, feel particularly biting. The urge for a hike struck us, and we decided that this time it would be Liesjärvi National Park’s turn. Its majestic […]
The Aurora Trail is a just over two-kilometer loop through the nature of Lapland. The trail starts from the new, impressive gateway of Urho Kekkonen National Park in the village of Saariselkä, which is also accessible by bus from the directions of Rovaniemi and Ivalo. The wide path runs along the edge of a fell […]
Leivonmäki National Park is located in the heart of Central Finland, about 50 kilometers from the city of Jyväskylä.
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 […]
Article & photos by Janika Mattila Naantali is best known as the home of the world’s only Moomin World. Beyond its splendid spa and charming old town, Naantali also offers fantastic nature destinations that are definitely worth exploring when visiting the city. Vaarjoki Nature Trail An afternoon walk along the Vaarjoki River in the area […]
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 […]
