A Guide for Nature Enthusiasts: 10+1 Must-Try Experiences for Exploring Finnish Nature

Finland’s breathtaking natural beauty comes to life in the autumn season. If you’re a nature lover and eager to experience the Finnish wilderness while adhering to everyone’s rights, here’s a list of must-do activities and sights to behold.

Hiking and Walking Trails

Explore the extensive network of hiking trails that wind through Finland’s forests, national parks, and coastal areas. Enjoy the vibrant foliage, crisp air, and serene atmosphere as you wander through the colorful landscape.

In Finland, there are 41 national parks, and you can find them everywhere: on land and at sea, in the east and west, around the capital region and in Lapland. A great place to start is the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, located near Nuuksio National Park in Espoo. It’s easily accessible by both public transport and car. From Haltia, you can easily embark on your very first journey into the Finnish nature and even enjoy some lingonberries from the surroundings of Nuuksio’s trails!

Berry and Mushroom Picking

Take advantage of the season’s bounty by foraging for berries and mushrooms. Lingonberries and blueberries are some of the delicious berries you might find. Remember to educate yourself on edible species and respect nature by leaving no trace.

When visiting a local café – no matter where in Finland – we highly recommend choosing blueberry or lingonberry pie from the menu!

Lakeside Retreats

Experience the tranquility of Finland’s countless lakeshores. Pitch a tent or rent a lakeside cabin, and witness breathtaking sunsets over mirror-like waters. Swimming in the cool, clean lakes is also a must-try experience.

You can stay, for instance, in a Tentsile tree tent in the vicinity of Haltia, by the shores of Lake Pitkäjärvi in Nuuksio. It’s right in the heart of the most beautiful Finnish forest!

Campfires and Picnics

Utilize the right to make campfires responsibly. Enjoy a cozy meal by the fire while surrounded by the beauty of Finnish nature. Just ensure to follow fire safety guidelines and leave the area as you found it.

A campfire can only be made at an official, maintained campfire site. First, you need to ensure that there’s no forest fire warning in effect, as making an open fire is prohibited during that time. When you arrive at the national park, you can contact the nearest visitor center for advice. The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia also provides guidance regarding hiking all around Finland.

Wildlife Spotting

Autumn is a great time for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for migratory birds passing through, such as swans and geese. With a bit of luck, you might even spot badgers, foxes, or elusive moose in their natural habitat.

Nordic Saunas

Immerse yourself in Finnish culture by experiencing a traditional sauna. After a day of outdoor adventures, relax in the soothing heat and then cool off by taking a dip in a nearby lake. MyHelsinki.fi lists all the public saunas in Helsinki city. You can also rent a sauna shift for 1–12 persons in the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia.

National Parks

Finland boasts numerous national parks, each with its own unique features. Nuuksio, Lemmenjoki, and Oulanka National Parks offer diverse landscapes, from dense forests to rugged fjells and meandering rivers.

In all Finnish national parks, you’ll find various marked trails, some of which are short and easy, while others are longer and more challenging. Many national parks also have their own visitor centers where you can get tips for hiking in the area.

In national parks, you’re also allowed to pick mushrooms and berries.

Coastal Beauty

Explore the stunning Finnish archipelago or enjoy the Baltic Sea coastline. Witness the dramatic interplay between sea and land, and if you’re lucky, catch the Northern Lights dancing in the clear night sky. In the Finnish archipelago, light pollution is minimal, so even if there are no Northern Lights, you can still observe the magnificent Milky Way stretching across the clear evening and night sky.

Fall Photography

Capture the essence of Finnish autumn with your camera. The vibrant foliage, misty mornings, and golden hour light provide endless opportunities for breathtaking photographs.

Astronomy Delights

As the nights grow longer, take advantage of the clear skies to observe celestial wonders. The absence of light pollution in many areas makes it an ideal setting for stargazing and perhaps catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

How about a wine tasting in the lap of Finnish nature?

In Nuuksio, just a stone’s throw from Helsinki, you can experience something really special in the wings of the Finnish forest. We organise atmospheric Wine in the Dark Woods evenings, where our guide and sommelier will introduce you to the world of wine and the surrounding nature. You can join the group alone or with a friend and experience how European, carefully selected quality wines and Nuuksio’s nature combine to create a perfect and memorable experience. It gets dark during the tasting, but there is nothing to fear, as our guides and sommelier will take care of everything and you can just relax, enjoy the forest, the wines and the good company.

Remember to respect everyone’s rights by not causing harm to the environment or wildlife. Leave no trace, avoid damaging vegetation, and follow local regulations. Read more about Everyone’s rights in Finland and learn what is ok and what’s not.

With its captivating landscapes and diverse offerings, Finland’s autumn is an ideal time for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the magic of the outdoors. So pack your bags, don your hiking boots, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Finland’s stunning fall scenery.