Wandering in Finland

The Archipelago Sea National Park, located in southwestern Finland, encompasses over 2,000 islands and is known for its diverse marine nature and rich cultural heritage. Established in 1983, it offers various recreational activities and stunning landscapes for visitors to explore.  It features a diverse range of ecosystems, including rocky islets and forested islands.  Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and exploring archipelago villages.

It is rich in wildlife, featuring diverse species such as seals, various seabirds, and numerous mammals. Notable inhabitants include the gray seal and the Baltic ringed seal, along with migratory birds like the great cormorant.

Known for its breathtaking scenery, including rocky hills and vast forests, Koli National Park in eastern Finland is a well-known location for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Mountain hare and red foxes are the more commonly spotted animals.

The woodland descends into Lake Pielinen in a single, expansive length from Ukko-Koli Hill.

Koli National Park has short, steep hikes and an accessible route close to the summit of Ukko-Koli Hill for awesome views. (pictured above)

The Summit Trail offers expansive lake views, forest summits, and a glimpse of Finland’s prehistoric landscape.

Nuuksio National Park, located near Helsinki in Finland, is known for its stunning natural landscapes featuring deep forests, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Established in 1994, it serves as a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and nature exploration.

The park features numerous activities including hiking, camping, and birdwatching, catering to nature enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can find amenities such as campfire sites, cooking shelters, and rental huts throughout the park.

One of Finland’s top national parks, Oulanka National Park features beautiful paths and waterways perfect for camping. This national park is one of those places where the rivers flow crystal pure, and you can observe reindeer meandering through the valleys. It is particularly lovely in autumn when the woodlands illuminate in shades of orange, yellow, and red. There are huts along the route for shelter.

Every step you take on the Small Bear Trail passes by waterfalls, old woods, and rapids.

Among the highlights is the Kiutaköngäs Rapids.

Situated in Western Lapland, Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park is the third largest national park in Finland. Recreation in the park includes hiking, mountain biking, paddling, skiing, and snowshoeing.

The landscape of Pallastunturi Fells has been chosen as one of the country’s national landscapes.

The park has coniferous forests and many wetland plants. There are lakes, ponds, and streams.

Among the large mammals living here are reindeer and elk. Others include mountain hare, red foxes, weasels, Norway lemmings, red squirrels, Eurasian brown bears, and Northern lynx.

Bird species include rock ptarmigans, willow grouse, and Eurasian dotterel. In the lush spruce forests are common blackbirds and wood warblers.

Among the popular hiking trails is the 55 km Hetta-Pallas Trail with endless falls, from which you can see the Northern Lights on clear winter nights.

One of Finland’s top national parks, Riisitunturi National Park boasts breathtaking natural beauty and distinctive landscapes. The slopes are covered in colorful bogs, and from the summit, you can see expansive views of Posio’s woodlands and Lake Kitkajarvi.

Tykky, or thick snow, covers the trees in winter. A heavy layer of collected frost covers the slopes, forming a picturesque white forest. Hikers in the summer and snowshoe trekkers in the winter are welcomed by appealing pathways.

Sipoonkorpi National Park, established in 2011, is located in the Helsinki metropolitan area, covering parts of Sipoo, Vantaa, and Helsinki. The park features diverse landscapes, including dense forests, mires, and cultural areas, making it a unique natural reserve near an urban center.  The park spans the municipalities of Sipoo, Vantaa, and Helsinki, just 30 minutes from downtown Helsinki.

The park features a mix of spruce forests, swamps, and cultural landscapes, with the Byabäcken River flowing through it.  Visitors can enjoy activities like mushroom and berry picking, hiking, and birdwatching in its serene environment.

 It is home to various species, including the capercaillie, lynx, and eagle-owl, which thrive in its unspoiled woodlands.