Nature - thisisFINLAND

Natural attraction: Finland’s national parks draw people to popular peaks and hidden gems

The dozens of national parks spread across Finland receive about 3.5 million visitors annually, but the numbers are unevenly distributed. While the quieter parks are farther off the beaten track, that only increases their charm.

Life & society Winter

Icy resolve: Creating the world’s widest ice carousel on a Finnish lake

Janne Käpylehto’s newest project – making the largest ice carousel in the world – amounts to a masterclass in sisu, the untranslatable Finnish word that signifies courage and endurance. And we’ve got it on video.

Life & society Nature

A breath of fresh Finnish air

The archipelago in the Baltic Sea just off the shore of Helsinki offers everything from vigorous exercise to mindful meditation.

13%

of Finnish forests are protected

Source: Discovering Finland

Life & society Nature

Treasure hunting in the Finnish forest

It’s late September, and we’re breathing the fresh, earthy fragrances of autumn in a forest just west of the Finnish capital. We’re tagging along with a mushroom picker who compares her hobby to searching for treasure in the woods.

Life & society Sustainability

Self-sufficient organic Finnish farm grows its own fuel and a greener future

An award-winning farm has teamed up with Helsinki University to create a symbiotic food production system that is self-sufficient in energy and nutrients. It’s a trailblazer in sustainable agriculture.

200

Number of nights the Northern Lights are visible in Finnish Lapland in a typical year

Life & society Travel

In the northern Finnish wilderness, home is where the hut is

While exploring Finland’s outback, hikers, cyclists, skiers and snowshoers can find shelter in a remarkable network of basic trailside accommodations, a tradition that stretches back centuries.

Life & society Nature

North of the Arctic Circle, Finland’s 41st national park helps preserve wilderness and natural splendour

With a vast landscape of peaks, lakes, forests, ridges and gorges, Salla National Park offers visitors summer and winter activities ranging from hiking and biking to skiing and snowshoeing. It’s also easy to find peace and quiet.

Life & society Environment

Weathering winter in Finnish waters: Wildlife copes with changing Baltic Sea

Climate change is affecting average water temperatures and amounts of ice cover in the Baltic Sea. That influences the lifecycle and survival of fish and other wildlife, but not always the way you might think.

500,400

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland