First-timer’s guide: what to expect, what to bring, and how to avoid the most common mistakes on one of Finland’s most beautiful lakeshore trails. Iso-Melkutin is the kind of lake that stops you mid-step. The water is exceptionally clear: the sort of clarity that makes you want to stop, stare, and eventually wade in with […]
Earlier this week we told you about the wonderful summer town of Hanko, located at the tip of the Hanko Peninsula far out in the embrace of the Baltic Sea, about a two-hour drive or train ride from Helsinki. When you travel to Hanko, make sure you set aside time to stop for a good […]
Hanko is a remarkably exotic city: grand old ornate villas, long beautiful sandy beaches with changing cabins, and the scent and breeze of the Baltic sea coming from almost every direction are all hallmarks of this southernmost corner of mainland Finland, which stretches far out into the sea in western Uusimaa. Many Finns cherish Hanko […]
One of those spring Sundays that remind you why you bother going outside. Sun out, a gentle breeze in the trees, and Lake Iso-Valkee looking exactly as good as ever: clear water, forest all around, not a building in sight. Iso-Valkee trail info It was one of the first properly warm spring days when I […]
The April wind was biting, and a late-season cold snap was on its way, but deep within the forest, the world seemed to stand still, as it always does. This past Sunday, we headed to Somero, into the rural peace of Southwest Finland, to explore the Metsäkoivula Trail. If you’re looking for a destination where […]
As spring arrives and nature begins to awaken from its winter slumber, many hikers yearn for wide-open landscapes. One of the stunning natural gems in the Päijät-Häme region is closer to the city than you might think: Linnaistensuo mire in Lahti. Only about a 15-minute drive from the city center, this nature reserve offers an […]
It was a cold, dry morning in Lauhanvuori national park without the same dusting of snow that coated the forest on the previous morning. While tucking into my porridge, cheerful birdsong tingled my ears. What bird is entertaining me so sweetly? Not long after I finish my porridge, I see the singer in a small […]
A friend invited me on a winter trek for Valentine’s Day weekend. Since she didn’t have much experience with winter camping yet, she was looking for a more seasoned companion to join her. I loved the idea immediately—of course we’re going! Article by Jonna Viitaniemi The forecast for the weekend promised biting cold, with temperatures […]
On a chilly afternoon in early May, when spring sunshine competed with passing clouds for dominance, I arrived at Kivajata carpark in Lauhanvuori national park. Through the trees, I could see a mass of stones and boulders. I lifted my camera rucksack on to my back and strolled to find the start of the trail. […]
Located right next to Sipoonkorpi National Park, you’ll find a unique lakeside environment perfect for a quick nature fix or a more intimate day at the beach. Despite the modest size of the lake itself, the Lake Kuusijärvi outdoor recreation area holds the title of Vantaa’s largest beach and is a popular recreational site owned […]
