Do you know how to tell chanterelle and false chanterelle apart? It is quite easy if you compare them side by side, but it's important to identify them also when you are foraging mushrooms and…
How to tell chanterelle and false chanterelle apart
Hear the devil preach at thrilling Devil’s church of Puolanka
Devil's church of Puolanka and its protected forest are located next to Paljakka Nature Reserve in Kainuu region of Finland. The Devil's church is a unique nature sight and rock formation worth visiting if you are…
Kastelli Giant’s Church in Raahe is the largest of its kind
A rock formation called Kastelli Giant's Church in Pattijoki in Raahe is the largest of its kind in Finland. What is it? And why is it worth visiting if you are in Raahe or driving…
Overlooked crowberry is actually spectacular superfood from Lapland
Crowberry, Empetrum nigrum, has been overlooked in many countries and sometimes even believed to be unedible. In Finnish, the crowberry can be called variksenmarja, harakanmarja, sianmustikka, or kaarnikka. In south of the country, I grew…
Ylimaa battle memorial and trail in Ranua speak about Lapland War
Ylimaa battle memorial and trail in Ranua highlight the history of the area. The biggest delaying battle of the Lapland War, the Battle of Ylimaa, took place here in 1944. Palovaara rest stop next to…
DIY butterfly feeder and other ways to attract butterflies
DIY butterfly feeder has been my biggest joy this summer as I have been testing ways to attract butterflies into my garden. In Finnish, this kind of butterfly feeder is called perhosbaari, a butterfly bar,…
Näkkälä’s Seita is a famous old sacred site in Enontekiö
Näkkälä's Seita in Enontekiö has been used as sacrificial site by both fishermen and reindeer herders. It's a 2.5 meters high rock, which is particularly well known as reindeer seida as once two male reindeer…
Vilkaharju nature trail part 2 – A stunning view over Saimaa
The best part of being a fairly new cottage owner is, to be able to explore all the new surroundings and finding beautiful places. Today we decided to walk the second part of the Vilkaharju…
Vilkaharju nature trail part 1 – Historical Salpa line in Sulkava
Vilkaharju nature trail located 5 km from the centre of Sulkava is a two-part trail that showcases the historical Salpa line. Part one is about 3.1 km and part two is about 3.6 km, both of…
A local’s guide to hiking in Finland
Are you planning to do some hiking in Finland? Finland is known for forests and lakes, and the country provides amazing nature destinations to visit all year round. Finland is one of the safest countries…