I got to spent three beautiful days and two nights in a lean-to shelter at Teijo National Park at the end of March. Two of my friends have been studying to become wilderness guides and this hike was their school project, to plan and execute a hike for few lucky test customers such as me.
We started our trip by checking and packing all the gear needed, and our guides prepared and packed all water and food for the...
The Kopparnäs-Störsvik recreation area 50 kilometres West of Helsinki is one of the biggest outdoor destinations in the Western Uusimaa region. In addition to 721 hectares on land, the area consists of islands and large water areas as well. Over 15 kilometres of unbuilt shoreline make it a perfect destination for day trips by the sea.
<span aria-label="Continue reading Feel the sea at the Kopparnäs-Störsvik recreation...
If you have been to Finland in the winter, you probably already know many reasons that make this season so special. Here are our top 5 winter highlights in Finland that we think everyone should experience.
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If you are looking for versatile outdoor opportunities in the capital region, but want an alternative to the often crowded Nuuksio area, the Meiko recreation area in Kirkkonummi is something for you. It has three marked routes, but is also very accessible for off-track activities, such as berry picking or even snowshoeing!
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Aulanko was created as a forest park which was later turned into the first national urban park of Finland. This vast yet accessible greenery in Hämeenlinna (about 1h from Helsinki) offers a possibility for enjoying the lake waters, hiking in the forests, skiing down the slopes of steep cliffs, and following in the footsteps of adventurers (and even bears) to see stunning landscapes. In short, it has something for everyone. I've visited Aulanko several times both...
National parks in Finland are attracting millions of visitors every year. There are 40 national parks in Finland, all of them distinct from one another. Which are the most visited national parks in Finland? What are their special characteristics? When was the oldest national park established? Which is the biggest? Read more to find out which national park you should select as your next vacation destination!
The...
Kutuniva in Muonio is the best place to spot swans and other birds in winter as the birds began to stay there over winter within this decade. Swans and dippers are residing in this area because no matter how cold it gets, this stream stays open.
Kutuniva is literally 'a river of spawn'. A beginning of Jerisjoki river flowing from Jerisjärvi lake is a popular spot for common whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) to come at the end of the year to spawn. That is how this place was named....
As our winters have become more unpredictable especially in Southern Finland, one has to make use of every opportunity for winter sports. This winter the ‘real’ winter with snow and subzero temperatures started around Christmas and skiing tracks as well as ice skating rinks have been crowded ever since. I have also enjoyed the wilderness with snow shoes, which seems to be on the rise as a winter hobby.
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Cross-country skiing is a very popular hobby in Finland, and when the snow situation allows, many Finns head outdoors to skiing tracks around the country. For example, Torronsuo bog is good place for the cross-country skiing. It is popular especially on the weekends when the parking lot gets full, but as it has long skiing tracks on the bog, it doesn't usually feel crowded. While Torronsuo provides very flat skiing tracks, my secret skiing spot Keräkankare has hills...
The river Vantaa (Vantaanjoki) runs for 99 kilometres (62 mi) through the capital area, providing excellent fishing, hiking, and general adventure for all ages. One the best places to enjoy the river is by the Vantaankoski rapids where nature meets old Finnish industry.
Rapids rarely freeze even in the coldest of winters even though the water flowing through the rapids may actually be below 0°C (32 °F),...
