Greenest in summer, whitest in winter, Finland is a marvelous land in symbiosis with its natural environment:70 percent is covered with forests among which meander rivers and space many freshwater reservoirs. A country with the beauty of 41 national parks, and again, thousands of islands and islets such as the beautiful Åland Archipelago to the west of the country, in the arm of the sea that separates Finland from Sweden, realities that enliven summer life, including boat rides and refreshing dips.
During the warm season, Finland offers the opportunity to totally immerse yourself in nature by riding numerous bicycle routes, or following the many trekking trails that wind throughout the country, even within a short distance of Helsinki, the dynamic, small capital city, where you can discover all the charm of Scandinavian design and the latest trends. A journey of outdoor sports and activities, on land or water, from kayaking, sup, bike water to floating.
What to see to dive into nature
The lesser known but equally beautiful part is the eastern region of the Finnish Lakeland , and in particular of South Karelia , known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” It is rather easy to understand its significance: this pristine territory is intertwined with waterways and dotted with lakes. Here lies the lake system of the Saimaa , which takes its name from the lake of the same name, the largest in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe. There are as many as 13,000 islands and islets in this blue mirror, pristine habitats surrounded by dense fir and birch forests.
Another beautiful region is Jyväskylä , located in central Finland where four national parks range. Nature but also culture: here you will also find Tampere , Finland’s second-largest center by population, an important reference for year-round activities and events, especially in summer. The city is also known for the famous architectural works of Alvar Aalto , the most famous Finnish architect of the 20th century who was a master of fine design that does not betray the Scandinavian style in the world. Jyväskylä will also win you over for another very important local tradition that is also popular with tourists: you are in the World Sauna Region. This ancient practice is a ritual for Finns, a true wellness custom to try.
Not to be missed is the northernmost part of the country, known for the legends and Christmas stories that captivate us from childhood: Finnish Lapland. Here lush forests give way to tundra, where in summer the sun never sets, in autumn and spring the light is centered, and in winter night falls even during the day, but the sky lights up with thenorthern lights. Arctic land of the Sámi people, known as Sápmi, and Santa Claus, not surprisingly, downtown Rovaniemi is known for its home just outside the city. Lapland is rich in tradition and charm, but it is also one of the most active settings for summer and winter outdoor sports. During warm weather, it is possible to kayak or raft the rapids, or set off on a mountain bike or trek to explore the region’s national parks. In this northern land it is easy to meet even the most famous protagonists, the reindeer! There are numerous farms that offer educational tours to understand, learn about and respect these sweet and proud animals.
Camping in Finland
Finland is the perfect destination to spend a camping vacation surrounded by nature. 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 theopen 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. The locals call it “Jokamiehen oikeudet,” or “Everyman’s Right,” the law allows anyone who visits the country, or lives there, the freedom to explore the territories, forage for food such as mushrooms and berries, fish with rod and line, and use natural areas for recreational purposes, always respecting the environment. Nature is considered to be everyone’s property, but the basic rule is to respect it responsibly by taking the utmost care.
On the other hand, for those who wish to stay in equipped camping facilities, they will be spoiled for choice. Hundreds of facilities await you, and the cost of a tent site is around 15 euros per night (varies depending on season and location). Many campgrounds also rent small wooden cottages, the typical Finnish dwelling, even with a private sauna, and some glamping sites have chalets with panoramic glass roofs, solutions where luxury meets nature.
Despite the extensive network of camping facilities throughout the country, the advice is to view the availability of individual facilities, especially during the summer period. The hcamping.fi is ideal for planning a safe and beautiful vacation, in a word, unforgettable.
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