Tag Archive for: animals

Stomp the Ground to Stay Safe – Let Finland’s Only Venomous Snake Know You’re Coming

Learn how to avoid Finland’s only venomous snake—the adder. Simple tips for safe hiking and outdoor adventures in Finnish nature.

A Forest stroll with Miniature Donkeys in Finland

Are they fairy-tale creatures or real animals? Discover the calming presence of miniature donkeys. Location: SatuAasin talli, Loppi, Southern Finland A Donkey Walk in Finnish Forests Miniature donkeys are a rare sight in Finland—but some of them live right on the edge of beautiful sandy forests in Loppi, where visitors can join them for a […]

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, […]

Oh how I wish to see a Saimaa Ringed Seal! Tips for seal-friendly holidays near Linnansaari National Park

In commercial collaboration with Kanava Resort and SaimaaHoliday Oravi One of the best places to see the cute and endangered saimaa ringed seal, native to Finland only!, is Linnansaari National Park situated in South Savo. The national park consists of hundreds of islands, so you’ll need to get on the water or at least be […]

The best time to spot the most Finnish creature, the Saimaa Ringed Seal, is just around the corner!

Eagerly, I scurry towards the shore where a charming boat awaits at the dock. The evening in May is breathtakingly beautiful and bright, filled with the sheer joy of a boat trip, but the excitement is heightened by the anticipation of possibly spotting my first Saimaa ringed seals! We depart from the shore of Puumala […]

Looking for Petra, the wild Finnish forest reindeer

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 […]

How to Act When Encountering Reindeer? Read This Checklist to Know

Few travelers in Northern Finland return from their journey without pictures of reindeer – for many, the first encounter with a reindeer is a memorable milestone. Reindeer are a common sight in the reindeer herding area of Northern Finland, and they bring joy to many travelers. Iida Melamies is a reindeer herder in Sattasniemi reindeer […]

What happens in a reindeer round-up?

Reindeer wander freely in the nature of Northern Finland. However, they are semi-domesticated animals: every reindeer has an owner. But how do the owners know where their reindeer are, how many of them may have disappeared and how many new fawns have been born? That’s why regular reindeer round-ups are needed. There are special kinds […]

Every man’s best friend, Siberian Jay – Meeting the soul-bird in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

When you walk through the nature in northern parts of Finland, especially in Lapland, you will most likely end up meeting a new friend during your lunch or coffee break. Siberian Jays are known for being fearless and tame, and they will often land close to you immediately when you pause and dig up your […]