A hiker's colourful paradise
Out in the wide open spaces
The whole of Finland, from the southern tip to the furthest northern corners, is one big adventure playground. The hiking season in the south begins in early May. Lush, dense forests are speckled with countless ponds and lakes, while undulating hills and jagged cliffs add variety. Where nature reaches out to caress you. In fact you can commune with gnarled, virgin forest in a national park barely half an hour from the centre of Helsinki.The further north and east you go, the bigger the forests and higher the hills become. Lakes are plentiful but the landscape becomes bleaker than in the south, whilst vast areas of bogland abound. Spring and early summer bring out the bird watchers, and for the first-timer the incredible concert of the birds can be an overwhelming experience.
In northern Finland you can hit the hiking trails, apart from the very northernmost ones, at the beginning of June. The season climaxes in September in a riot of magnificent autumnal colour. The forests thin out and become easier to traverse as you push further north and the vistas become more open. The treeless uplands are a veritable dream come true for those with the outdoors in their heart. The fabulous panoramas from the fells tell the whole glorious story: here is a land of untouched hiking heaven, stretching as far as the eye can see.
It's best with a guide
You will get much more out of your hiking holiday if you set out with an experienced guide. Certainly, if you are not too experienced in moving about in the countryside you should take one of the ready planned tours led by a guide. There are plenty of options, from trips of a few hours to week-long expeditions in the deep wilds. Package trips include accommodation, meals and guide. Participants usually have to lug their own gear and you usually sleep out in a wilderness cabin or tent. You can, of course take a day out on your own, staying in a high-class hotel at a tourist centre or in a rented chalet. Stoke up on a nourishing breakfast and hit the clearly marked trails. Afterwards you will find the welcoming heat of the hotel sauna waiting and, to crown a marvellous day, you can enjoy dinner in a cosy hotel restaurant.
Good equipment takes you further
Good equipment makes for a good hike. Decent equipment is essential for a successful hike. Remember, many of the trails run through uninhabited wilds where you may not encounter another human soul the whole day. So for your own safety you should always carry a map, compass, some matches and a snack with you. Proper clothing is essential. Stout walking shoes are best for hiking, whilst rubber boots may be necessary off the trail or in early summer and late autumn. You will find causeways across bogs and wetlands along most trails, so you can easily keep your feet dry. In fact, jogging shoes are often sufficient for the easier routes. In the bigger outdoor parks and national parks you can usually sleep in a wilderness cabin, but there are also plenty of shelters with fireplaces available.
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Summary|Birdwatching|Cultural heritage
Finnish way of life|Hiking|The Finns
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