Tag Archive for: Jonna Saari

Embraced by the March Baltic Sea: Early Spring Beauty at Porkkalanniemi in Kirkkonummi

At the tip of Porkkalanniemi, a peninsula stretching into the Baltic Sea in Kirkkonummi, you’ll find the Porkkalanniemi recreation area maintained by Uuvi (Uudenmaan virkistysalueyhdistys). The area offers several parking areas, marked trails, and rest stops—provided you’re willing (hopefully without motion sickness!) to navigate the winding, narrow road that demands constant attention. Last week, we […]

I Stepped Off the Road and Found the Beauty of Finnish Nature

The winding forest floor, adorned with white-barked birches, beckoned me to step off the path, to wander into nature and see if there were any lingonberries to be found. The evening was already turning dusky, the sun still glowing on the horizon but making it clear that its time to slip away was near. Would […]

Pinkish and gray smooth rocks on a forested seashore, the sea is calm and peaceful, and the sky is gray.

Caring for Mental Health in Nature: A Trip to the Baltic Sea’s Coastal Cliffs in Inkoo

A refreshing coastal hike highlights nature’s mental health benefits, offering peace, connection, and mindful moments by the Baltic Sea.

Put this on Your Bucket List: Aulanko is A Winter Gem in Jean Sibelius’ Hometown, Hämeenlinna

Discover Aulanko in Hämeenlinna, the hometown of Jean Sibelius. Explore snowy trails, majestic landmarks, and serene winter beauty, capped with an ice swimming experience!

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 […]