The Japanese term ‘hanami’ is often associated with admiring cherry blossoms, but the word refers more broadly to the appreciation and enjoyment of flowers in general. In Finland, too, there are cherry trees and cherry groves here and there, whose blossoming is a magnificent sight — though a fleeting one. A somewhat longer window for […]
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 […]
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 […]
The sun peeks out from behind the bay, and the crisp morning air is filled with the intense raucous calls of a black-headed gull colony. Up in the bird tower, a couple of spotting scopes are already visible with birders in tow – the crack of dawn is the best time for birdwatching. The photos […]
Finland has once again, for the ninth consecutive year, claimed the top spot in the World Happiness Report. While there are many contributing factors—such as high life expectancy, a profound sense of freedom, safety, and low levels of corruption—could one explanation lie in our country’s vast and abundant waters? The continental ice sheet left Finns […]
Late winter in Finland is perhaps the most mysterious of all seasons. As the sun finally begins to warm, yet the ground remains covered in snow and ice, nature seems to hold its breath. We wanted to make the most of this exact atmosphere when we headed to Latokartanonkoski trail in Salo. I was accompanied […]
Our small ironworks tour around Raseborg over the weekend had already taken us through Antskog, Fiskars and Billnäs when we finally arrived in Mustio (Svartå) for the grand finale. As in the previous destinations, it was quiet here as well – apart from a duck drifting on the rippling water, we were completely alone. The […]
The Raseborg area in western Uusimaa is rich in fascinating history and historical sites. In my view, one of the most picturesque features of the region is its old ironworks villages, whose varied buildings look postcard-perfect to modern Finnish eyes. Perhaps the most famous of these is Fiskars Village, which buzzes with tourists in summer […]
One of the most quintessentially Finnish ways to spend time outdoors is to brew coffee over an open fire. Unhurriedness is an essential part of the moment: a good fire takes time to catch properly, and good coffee takes time to become just right. Calmness and deliberate movements also belong to the experience, as does […]
Although Haukkalampi is the most popular gateway to Nuuksio National Park, it is still possible to experience peace and quiet there – as long as you time your visit right. If you have the chance to head to Nuuksio on a winter weekday outside the holiday season, it’s well worth taking. About a week ago, […]
