Tag Archive for: trail

The last push of the week: Pirunkurun ponnistus trail – Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Pirunkurun ponnistus When I arrive in Äkäslompolo, a beautiful summer day that started sunny, but windy, turns rainy. The rain continues when I park my car in the carpark of Kesänkijärvi. So, I decide to eat my lunch in the car, while staring at the raindrops running down the windscreen.  While enjoying a tasty baguette, […]

Pyssykulju Loop in Puolanka: A Family-Friendly Hike Through Classic Kainuu Scenery

In commercial cooperation with Visit Puolanka, Municipality of Puolanka, Paljakka, UVM project, co-funded by the European Union The Pyssykulju loop (4 km) is an easy outing even with younger children. The trail starts and ends at a lean-to shelter on the shore of a small lake, and the scenery shifts constantly along the way. Adults […]

A kingdom of ancient spruces: Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve in Puolanka, Kainuu

In commercial collaboration with Visit Puolanka, Puolanka municipality, Paljakka, UVM project, co-funded by the European Union Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve in Puolanka, Kainuu, protects one of the largest contiguous old-growth forests in the southern half of Finland. A peaceful loop trail winds through the reserve, introducing visitors to the extraordinary world of spruce giants up […]

Iso-Melkutin is a Crystal-Clear Lake Worth Doing Right

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 […]

A stroll on the terraces: Terassikierros trail in Lauhanvuori National Park

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 devilishly good trail: Pirunkierros Trail in Lauhanvuori National Park

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. […]

Watch the Northern Lights in Salla, Lapland

Located in Eastern Lapland, Salla is home to Finland’s newest national park, Salla National Park. The park offers a variety of excellent walking trails, and the area also features relatively easy-to-access weather shelters built especially for those wishing to watch the Northern Lights. The grey weather and snow-covered ground painted the landscape in their own […]

Old-Growth Forests and Frozen Shores: A Christmas Walk in Liesjärvi National Park

The Christmas holidays, a grey sky, the lack of snow, and daylight lasting only a few short hours had wrapped Liesjärvi National Park in complete stillness when we arrived at the courtyard of the Korteniemi heritage farm on Christmas Day. The drive from Helsinki takes only about an hour and a half. We first walked […]

On the Road to Lapland? Don’t miss Ii by the Sea – Here Are the Best Nature Destinations in Ii

In commercial collaboration with Visit Ii

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 […]