An autumn vacation to Finland is a great idea. Don’t be intimidated by the temperatures: the air is getting crisp but the harsh winter is yet to come. This is the ideal time to spend a stay in Finland’s warm and cozy open-air facilities, equipped for every season. Many campgrounds also rent small, delightful wooden cottages, the typical dwellings with private saunas, and some glamping features chalets with panoramic glass roofs, solutions where luxury meets nature..
Finnish autumn is famous for the “ruska” term for the warm hues of the leaves that transform landscapes into enchanting lookouts. Foliage in these parts is a beloved sight, aided by the countless national forests. In fact, Finns do not give up the “Ruskaretki”, which consists of a hike dedicated to admiring the beautiful colors of autumn.
Some consider it the Nordic version of the Japanese “hanami,” not to mention that “forest bathing,” the Japanese practice for the well-being of body and mind called “Shinrin-Yoku” capable of connecting one’s self with nature, is the order of the day here. Finland has as many as 41 national parks, and among the most beautiful to admire the autumn foliage are Oulanka National Park, and Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Both offer breathtaking views, clean air, and wildlife to spot.
“Ruska” but not only
Even in Scandinavian latitudes, the months of October and November are a revelation for spending time outdoors, not just for indulging in beautiful trekking excursions in the forests and along the paths that border the many lakes that characterize much of Finland’s territory. The forest offers its treasures to all: Finland’s forests are dotted with mushrooms and berries, from blueberries to cranberries, the latter being the latest and found until the first snowfall.
The search for these first fruits is allowed and no permits are needed: a very simple principle known as “Jokamiehen oikeudet”, or “Everyman‘s Right,” which is the right to use the land, also known as the right of public access that allows its use as long as it is done responsibly. This is a law that allows anyone who visits the country, or lives there, the freedom to explore the lands, look for food such as mushrooms and berries, fish with line and rod, and use natural areas for recreational purposes, always with respect for the environment. Nature is considered to be everyone’s property, but the basic rule is to respect it responsibly by taking the utmost care.
Autumn in Finland is also the ideal season for spotting the Northern Lights. Many associate this magnificent phenomenon with winter, but the seasons that give the best shows are autumn and spring because of the Earth’s position relative to the sun, when it maximizes the possibility of solar wind interaction with our planet’s magnetic field.
Camping in Finland
There are more than 200 equipped camping areas in the country, and it is also possible to camp anywhere, a true paradise for travelers who love the open air. This is one of the few European countries where it is also allowed to stay overnight in private areas by always adhering to the land-use right, with the only exception of national parks, where you can stay overnight only in designated areas.
To organize your open-air stay, Camping.fi is the portal where you can choose the right facility for you, in the location of your choice.
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