Tag Archive for: Jonna Saari

A rainy and gray spruce forest with the ground covered in lush green moss. A person stands in the forest, looking up.

A Rainy Forest Stroll? Definitely! Tips for Enjoying It

Winters in Southern Finland are often rainy these days. See how you can enjoy the forest in rainy weather – it’s surprisingly wonderful.

An ice swimming moment relaxes the body and refreshes the mind.

What Does Ice Swimming Feel Like?

Although it might sound extreme, plunging into an icy lake is more than a thrill—it’s a way to unwind and reset. In the icy embrace of winter waters, daily worries fade, and inner peace emerges. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what this unique experience feels like. 1. A Warm Start in the Dressing Room The […]

Winter Magic at Vantaankoski rapids: A Quick Escape to Nature near Helsinki

The Vantaankoski Nature Trail is a one-kilometer loop trail that runs along paths, boardwalks, stairs, and bridges by the shores of Vantaanjoki river. The destination is easily accessible via direct bus connections from Helsinki and is beautiful even in winter. I walked the trail myself on a January morning when the sun rose magnificently behind […]

From Scorching Heat to Ice-Cold Water – Why Finns Do This and How You Can Experience Ice Swimming Too

Finns have a strong connection to nature, and winter swimming – known in Finnish as avanto or avantouinti – is a prime example of it. This pastime combines the wintry outdoors, fresh air, and Finland’s deep-rooted sauna culture, which for many Finns is an essential part of everyday life. In principle, winter swimming can suit […]

A Metalhead’s Travel Guide to Finland

Header Image: Suotana/Toni Pallari Are you a fan of metal music and traveling in Finland? Perfect, this article is for you! We’ve put together a list of travel and hiking destinations in Finland related to metal music. These include locations from music videos, hometowns of bands, and places mentioned in lyrics. We’re constantly updating the […]

Finland’s Midwinter and Midsummer: How They Differ Between Lapland and Southern Finland

Finland offers a striking contrast between light and darkness across its seasons. Midwinter and midsummer represent two extremes, and the experience of these seasons varies greatly depending on whether you’re in southern Finland, Lapland, or somewhere in between. Read this article to learn what to expect when visiting Finland in midwinter or midsummer. Artcile by […]

This Is Not Ordinary Snow – what you see here is Crown Snow-Load

Even if you live in a warm country, you’ve likely seen snowfall at least in movies or documentaries. During snowfall, snow drifts from the sky to the ground, and if it’s cold enough, it begins to accumulate into an increasingly thick layer on the ground and, for example, on tree branches. But there is something […]

The Soothing Silence of the Woods – Forest Bathing in a Finnish Spruce Forest

Silence. It’s a concept that has become increasingly rare in our daily lives. In a noisy world, I often find myself longing for places where the clamor of human activity is blissfully absent, replaced by the tranquil soundscape of nature, sometimes even absolute silence. Fortunately, in Finland, there are still many places where you can […]

A Hidden Forest Oasis in Hämeenlinna – Discover Ahvenisto nature reserve & lake

Advert: Visit Hämeenlinna We have barely left the center of Hämeenlinna when we are already climbing up a forest road with rugged terrain. The road descends to an inviting sandy beach of a forest pond, where turquoise waves splash, flanked on both sides by whispering dark forests. We step onto a path, and within seconds, […]

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, […]