Finland is one of Europe’s last places of true wilderness. The forests and national parks of Finland hide thousands of strange stories and secrets to be revealed by those who love nature hiking and trekking.

There are caves, rocks and gorges shaped in unusual ways by the ice-age and the effects of the long winters. There are secret paths that lead to age-old places of rituals and rites. Some are not-so-easy to find, the others – such as a fascinating rock labyrinth – are only a short way away from the capital Helsinki.

These are places known only by few. Do you dare to explore?

Scroll down to see some of the most odd and unusual nature sites in Finland.

PAHA-KOLI / EVIL KOLI
The high slopes of Koli are the remains of an ancient mountain and one of the most famous landscapes in Finland. Because the place is so unusual in its wild and rugged beauty, it has been worshipped throughout times. Trials were held at the top of Paha-Koli and those convicted were tossed down from the high cliff to their death. If someone survived the fall it was a sign that the gods wanted to save that person.

Koli is situated in North Karelia by the Lake Pielinen. The nearest cities to Koli are Kuopio and Joensuu.

HÖGBERGET’S CAVE
Högberget’s Cave – possibly the most peculiar shaped cave in Finland – was formed during the ice age deglaciation. When the meltwater washed down the rock crevice, its powerful pressure hollowed out a vertical hole onto it. The cave is shaped like an onion and is around two meters high and around one meter wide. Because of the view opening from the mouth of the cave it has been suspected that the place had some kind of significance to fertility rites.

Högberget’s Cave can be found in Kirkkonummi quite close to Helsinki.

KUMMAKIVI / STRANGEROCK
Kummakivi is worthy of its name. It is a huge block swinging on top of a rounded, smaller rock. The rock has attracted curious visitors from all over the world who all keep wondering: how on earth did this massive block end up there and how is it still balancing there after all this time?

Kummakivi is in Ruokolahti in Etelä-Karjala.

THE DEVIL ROCKS IN PAASVESI
The Devil Rocks of island Läpisyöksy in Paasvesi have still been feared and worshipped even in the 1900s. The largest of these rocks is full of special holes that form a giant face. It is said that they were carved by the gnomes. When the strong north wind blows into its holes, this extraordinary rock screams like pipe organs. People used to be so afraid to go on the island that if they did manage it, which was rare, they were sure to make a sacrifice to the rock.

Paasvesi is in Savonranta in Etelä-Savo.

ROCKS LIKE CHEESE
Tafoni are one of the specialty of Finnish nature. From the right angle the rocks with tafoni formations may look like your average boulders but if you look closer, you find that their insides are full of holes resembling Swiss cheese. The holes, so big that even a human could go through them, are quite an incredible sight – becoming ever more so as the holes keep expanding due to humidity, frost and heat as time goes by.

Some of the greatest tafonis can be found at Karhunpesäkivi in Inari and at Pirenpesä in Nokia.

GIANT’S KETTLES AND POTHOLES
Until the 1950’s people thought it was just your ordinary landscape of rocks and boulders. Then a local man happened to wonder in the area, leaning onto a little tree that severed from the ground. Underneath there was a very weird shape in the rock – a sort of a pond. Later on over 20 Giant’s kettles have been found in the area. It is quite a sight, a treat for the imagination one might say. It is no wonder that these holes were worshipped in the olden days.

This magical place can be found in Askola.

VALKULAMMI MOUNTAIN
The Valkulammi mountain is a great example of the thousands of secrets Finnish nature holds. Narrow gorges, caves and huge boulders form their own strange world in which a human is a rare guest. Next to the mountain there is a dark forest that only few dare to enter. You can even come across with a bear. The place is so well hidden that despite its uniqueness, it has been left out of the Isojärvi National park area so close by.

Valkulammi is in Kuhmoinen.

HITONHAUTA / DEVIL’S TOMB
In the middle of a plain forest the land all of a sudden tears into a deep gorge. It is the largest one in Middle-Finland, being 30 to 40 meters wide and even 25 meters deep. It is always chilly down there, but a beautiful small pond, a waterfall and many caves are waiting for the traveler brave enough to enter. It was believed that a spirit called Hitto (Devil) lived in the area and this is how the place got its name.

Devil’s Tomb is in Laukaa.

ROCK LABYRINTH CLOSE TO HELSINKI
Less than an hour away from Helsinki you can find one of the most interesting nature sites of Uusimaa. A rock edge shaped by an ancient earthquake is full of caves formed by tens of crevices and boulders. They are believed to have been sources of power for the ancient wise men, who went there to contact the spirits. Some say it isn’t so rare to spot a shaman there nowadays either…

The rock labyrinth is situated in Rokokallio, Vihti.

There are many reasons to fall in love with Finland and the Finns (who are in fact the happiest people in the world). As it would be impossible to list them all we decided to just make a random list of some interesting and fun facts – hope you enjoy it!

THE BEST PLACE TO SPOT – THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Some of world’s best Northern Lights can be spotted in Finnish Lapland.
The Aurora Borealis – as they are also called – can appear more than 200 nights a year. That’s pretty much every winter night.

MORE FOREST AND WATER THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN EUROPE
You may have heard that Finland is the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”. Well, it is also a land of thousands of forests. Over 70 % of Finland is taken over by beautiful forest – more than any other European country and an area larger than UK or Italy!

The 188 000 lakes of Finland, on the other hand, are so vast that Finland has most water in relation to land mass of all the countries in the world. This water is also some of the cleanest.

FREEDOM TO ROAM THE LAND: EVERYMAN’S RIGHT
A Finnish term “Everyman’s right” (Jokamiehen Oikeus) means you can walk freely in the nature, anywhere you want. Forests offer us mushrooms, berries and wonderful fresh air as we take in the smells, sounds and tastes of one of Europe’s last wilderness regions.

THE MOST CREATIVE FOOD SCENE
Did you know Restaurant Day – a day when anyone can set up a restaurant of their choice, anywhere they want – is a Finnish invention? And would you have imagined that Helsinki has one of the most vibrant food scenes in Europe?

THE ONE AND ONLY SANTA CLAUS
Finland is the only place in the world to meet the real Santa Claus. Although originally from Korvatunturi, the man in red now resides in Rovaniemi, Lapland, where he greets visitors all year round.

THE BEST PLACE FOR SKIING
In Finland the skiing season can last way over 6 months – from late October all the way until May. During the darkest winter days the ski slopes are lit and in the spring the sun shines until late at night.

If you fancy going cross-country, there are hundreds and hundreds of kilometres worth of ski tracks in Finnish Lapland. For example, Ylläs’ 330km of tracks are more than any one place has to offer in Europe.

THE CLEANEST AIR
Did you know that Helsinki has some of the cleanest tap water of all big cities in the world and that Kilpisjärvi in Lapland has the cleanest air in Europe?

3+ MILLION SAUNAS – MOST PER CAPITA
This is a category where Finland truly sets itself apart from the rest of the world. Finns are the unquestioned champions of sauna – we have over 3 million of them, which is more than one sauna for every other citizen. Add the hundreds of thousands of small lakeside cottages and cabins to this – peace and quiet guaranteed.

THE SAFEST PLACE IN THE WORLD
Finland is one of the few countries in the world where lost wallets and mobile phones get returned to their rightful owner*. People feel safe walking alone in city parks or use public transport regardless of the hour.

*11 out of 12 wallets deliberately left abandoned around Helsinki were returned according to a Reader’s Digest global test on honesty.

MOST COFFEE LOVERS
Perhaps it has something to do with the coldness of winters – the Finns just LOVE their coffee. Finnish people consume more coffee per person than does any other nation in the world. This obviously means that there are quite many amazing coffee shops and cafes around the country!

THE ONE AND ONLY MIDNIGHT SUN FILM FESTIVAL
When the sun stays up for over two consecutive months in the northernmost parts of the country it is time to be festive. Perhaps the most iconic of summer events is the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankylä, Lapland. 2015 marked the event’s 30th anniversary, inviting tens of thousands of international movie buffs to watch films under the never-setting sun.

THE ANGRIEST BIRDS
You didn’t know the Angry Birds were a Finnish invention, did you now? Clash of Clans also comes from Finland, as do most of the greatest mobile phone games ever invented. In fact, per capita, Finland has produced more successful games than any other country in the world.

THE HOME OF THE MOOMINS
As if Santa Claus wasn’t enough, Finland is also home to the mysterious little creatures called the Moomins. Created by the talented Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson, the Moomins’ presence can be felt and seen – both metaphorically in the surrounding nature and for “real” in places such as the Naantali Moomin World or the Tampere Moomin Museum.

THE BOLDEST DESIGN
Finland is a true design nation. Some of the world’s most imitated and admired designers and architects come from Finland. From Eero Aarnio’s Ball Chair as James Bond’s favorite seat to Marimekko Poppies worn by Jackie O, Finland has been setting trends for decades.

THE GREATEST HEAVY METAL BANDS
Apocalyptica, HIM, Nightwish, Amorphis…these are just some of the names that will get those metal-loving hearts racing all around the world. Finland’s heavy metal bands are in a league of their own – there is nothing to rival them. See for yourself in the great Tuska open air metal festival in June!

THE CRAZIEST EVENTS
Ever heard of the Wife Carrying, Air Guitar Playing or Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships? Finns are a bit crazy when it comes to contests and events. Whether an event “makes sense” or not, does not matter. What’s important is that you let yourself go and have fun!

THE BEST PLACE TO BE A MOTHER – OR A CHILD
Did you know that many Finnish newborns sleep in cardboard boxes? Since 1938 Finnish state has provided all expectant mothers with a beautiful, durable box with clothes, sheets, nappies, toys and a mattress – making it an excellent bed for a tiny newcomer.

All mothers get to stay at home with their baby for almost a year with full salary or excellent benefits. When a parent with a child in a buggy uses public transport, they travel free of charge in most cities.

When the children grow older, their luck continues – Finland has held first place in OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) for several years, ranking our education system as one of the world’s best.

This means that the Finnish school – also free of charge – is a good place for a child and that they are happy.

THE LARGEST ARCHIPELAGO
Finland’s coast boasts the world’s largest archipelago. It is difficult to get an exact number, but there are at least 70,000 islands, with over 20,000 of those being large enough for a small cabin or summer house. On some, you can also find beautiful old lighthouses, converted into tiny hotels.

THE RAREST SEAL IN THE WORLD
Cute, huh? The Saimaa ringed seal is one of the few living freshwater seals in the world. This endangered seal has a total population of only about 310 individuals and they can only be found in Lake Saimaa – the largest lake in Finland.

THE WEIRDEST LANGUAGE
Doubt it? Try pronouncing Äkäslompolo and you’ll soon see. The longest word is: “epäjärjestelmällistyttämättömyydelläänsäkäänköhän” – quite a tongue twister for some – but not us Finns!

*Any Finnish noun can have over 200 different forms

HAPPIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
Fans of Northern Lights, sauna and Santa Claus won’t be surprised to hear Finland has been named the happiest place to live. This year Finland topped the World Happiness Report, in which 156 countries were ranked by happiness levels, based on factors such as life expectancy, social support and corruption.

AND OF COURSE – THE WORLD’S MOST MODEST PEOPLE
After such a list of “facts”, don’t you agree?
Pst! Finns love to take things to the extreme – like swimming in icy water (pictured) or racing in the world’s toughest competitions (think of Kimi Räikkönen and Formula 1), just to point out two.

Why not experience it all yourself?

Far up North, there is a place simply so magical that it just makes you fall in love. With it’s pastel skies, snow covered trees, cozy hideouts and adorable furry friends Finnish Lapland invites you to explore the more remote “Do Not Disturb” location.

With its breathtaking scenery and world-class accommodations, this “Jewel of the North” reimagines the spirit of romance in truly unique ways. Check out our tips below for a romantic getaway in Finnish Lapland.

EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMMODATION
Special occasion requires a special accommodation. A night in a glass igloo or in a tree house, under the blazing northern lights, is for sure one to remember.

NORTHERN LIGHTS
These days, many people believe auroras have a beneficial effect on fertility. This belief has probably been influenced by the undeniable fact that spending a night under the Northern Lights is by far the most romantic way to spend your holiday.

HUSKY SAFARI
Tour the Arctic like never before. You and your loved one can experience traveling off the beaten path with a tailored safari complete with tour guide and eight wagging tales. For the particularly adventurous sort, step up to the chance to be a musher and control your own team of dogs across the Lappish countryside.

REINDEER RIDE
Gliding through a snowy forest in a wooden sleigh together – what could be more romantic? Rides usually last from 10 minutes to a few hours. Speeds stay moderate, which makes them suitable for all ages.

SAUNA
The most important thing is to relax, socialise, have a couple of drinks and enjoy the blissful post-sauna feeling of having cleaned both your body and your mind.

ICE SWIMMING
It might sound shocking but take the plunge together. Quite simply, the secret of dipping into icy water lies in the feeling that surges through your body once you get out of the water. As soon as you’re back on dry land your circulation kicks in and your body starts to warm up.

RELAX
After running around in the snow all day long, you can cozy back indoors. There is nothing like sitting by the fireplace together with a cup of hot chocolate, enjoying the magical winter scenery.

NATIONAL PARKS
For many Finnish couples, escaping to nature is the perfect way to relax and celebrate their new life together. Snowshoeing is a great way to experience Finland’s wintry wildernesses, enjoy the fresh and clean air and get some exercise. Join a guided hike in one of our national parks or do a little adventure on your own, just the two of you.

SNOWMOBILE
Driving through a silvery forest on a beast of a machine gives a rush that gets people hooked. The best way to get into snowmobiling is to take a guided tour. If heading out unguided, make sure you’re familiar with the route and can properly handle your vehicle.

LAPLAND
The northern most part of Finland, Lapland, is the magical arctic region full of contrasts. In fact, contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days filled with Northern Lights.

Every season in Finnish Lapland is uniquely different from each other. The inhabitants of the region say that Lapland actually has 8 seasons instead of 4. In the wintertime, Lapland is as close as reality gets to those who dream of a winter wonderland. Spring brings along light that follows the long season of ‘kaamos’ (arctic night in Finnish). During the spring time, the snow covered hills and fells offer exciting experiences for all winter outdoors enthusiasts from skiiers to snowshoe walkers.

Summer in Lapland is a season like no other – there are endless white nights and peaceful arctic nature as far as the eye can see. Summer’s glow is followed by the majestic season of fall when Lapland gets its truly iconic ‘ruska’ colors. This is the best season to go for a hike in one of Lapland’s many national parks. It is meditation and mindfullness all wrapped in one in one of the world’s most unique and breath-taking sceneries. And don’t forget the best and purest air and water this planet has to offer.

After you have recharged in nature, Lapland also offers other interesting places to visit. Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, try one (or two!) of Lapland’s great restaurants, visit a reindeer or a husky farm, venture out to a quirky festival or go look for gold.

Finnish Lapland is all this and more.

LAKELAND
Finland has over 188,000 lakes and around 180,000 islands, many located in the Lakeland district, the largest in Europe. Finnish Lakeland is a blue labyrinth of lakes, islands, rivers and canals, interspersed with forests and ridges, stretching for hundreds of kilometres in a placid and staggeringly beautiful expanse.

There is no scenery more Finnish than a summer cottage by the lake surrounded by emerald green forest. In fact, over 90% of Finland is covered in either forest or water. But it’s about much more than just an iconic view. Nature is a huge part our identity, and a significant source of wellbeing for millions of Finns. It is also something we treasure: Finland has the cleanest water in the world.

The best way to experience Lakeland and to slow down is to try the iconic Finnish triad of cottage, sauna and water. Swim, hop on a steam boat, try a SUP board and simply admire the view. Relaxation is guaranteed.

HELSINKI REGION
Helsinki, the sustainable capital of Finland, is a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green urban areas. Helsinki marches to a wonderful and unique beat of its own with dynamic food, design, architecture – and sauna! – scenes. Helsinki and its Nordic culture are made by the locals.

Helsinki is the largest city in Finland and the metropolitan area is the home of 1.4 million people. When you look at a map, Helsinki is in the northernmost corner of the Europe but it is an easy hub to reach with fast flight connections from East to West. No flight? No problem. Helsinki can be reached from St. Petersburg, Estonia and Sweden via the Baltic Sea. In fact, the sea is one of the most characterizing elements of the city. The Helsinki Archipelago consists of over 300 mesmerizing islands.

The rhythm of Helsinki is laid-back and the city is easily approachable, literally. The public transportation system is one of the best in the world – with that one beautiful metro line – and it is also easy to walk and bike everywhere.

In addition to Helsinki, the capital region is made of a hub of other interesting cities and sights to visit. These include the neighboring cities of Espoo and Vantaa, the historical town of Porvoo, Järvenpää-Tuusula area – famous for its artistic heritage – as well as the ironwork villages west of Helsinki. There are 6 national parks less than 2 hours away from Helsinki and countless other nature sites to visit.

Venture out to the forest, enjoy a concert, flow to a festival, enjoy a Nordic dinner or try one of those iconic public saunas – it’s all here.

COAST AND ARCHIPELAGO
Finland’s coast boasts the world’s largest archipelago. Old wooden towns, lighthouses, historical manors and stone churches, large national parks stretching over land and sea – this sums up coastal Finland in a nutshell.

The laid-back islander lifestyle and a strong maritime culture are key characteristics of this fascinating area. Finland’s capital, Helsinki, has also held onto its maritime charm. Beaches, handicraft markets, small town events, cafés and village shops – Finnish coastal towns are especially lively in the summer months. Finland has seven Unesco World Heritage sites, of which three can be experienced in the coastal area.

SUMMER
Because of the long, cold winter Finns celebrate their summer very passionately. Some go to music festivals, offering a choice of jazz, blues, rock, opera and chamber music. Others are sailing among the coastal islands or enjoying slow life at their summer cottages – swimming, fishing and cooking dinner on the grill. For three brief – but oh, so sweet! – months, the temperatures soar high and the sun does not set at all.

AUTUMN
Summer ends with an explosion of colour in the forests. This is the season known as ‘ruska’, when the autumnal reds, browns and yellows are especially beautiful on the fells of Lapland. September is also a popular time for trekking in northern Finland.

WINTER
During January and February, there is almost always snow in northern and eastern Finland. Even if there’s little snow in Helsinki, there’s often up to a metre or more on the skiing slopes of Lapland. The snow season in northern Finland begins in November and lasts at least until May. In the inland regions of southern and central Finland, the first snow falls at the beginning of December and melts during late March and April.

SPRING
Summer is short in Finland and spring is even shorter. In southern Finland there is often snow on the ground at the beginning of April, with a few crocuses poking their heads through the bare patches. Of all the seasons, spring is definitely the most versatile depending which part of Finland you are visiting. In the North it is still possible to go skiing where as South is getting warmer and warmer.

Culture in Finland
Cool, calm and unique – discover Finnish culture

Despite of our cool climate, Finnish people are warm, open and honest – even though they might tell you the exact opposite. Dry humor is in our nature.

Finnish people are most characterized by their love and close relationship to nature. It has traditionally been the source of livelihood but most importantly is it the place where we retreat to from the hussle and bustle of the modern world. Nature makes us happy, one of the happiest nations in the world. It has also been the source of inspiration for artists for centuries. Iconic landscapes, like Koli in Lakeland and Lake Tuusula near Helsinki, have given us some of the most meaningful pieces of art in Finnish history. Modern art and design also derive inspiration from nature, like some of the most iconic new architecture in Finland. Made of wood – naturally.

Sauna is also another unique feature of Finnish culture. Plain and simple: Finns love sauna. And you will find a sauna in every corner of the country, even in libraries and museums.

The best way to experience Finnish culture is to become a part of it. Here, you won’t just stand and watch – you’re invited to join in!

OUTDOORS & SPORTS
Wild, spacious and free – discover the outdoors in Finland
To be truly free, all you need is the untouched wilderness and a touch of madness in your blood.

Finland, with tons of space and the cleanest air in the world, offers a wide range of outdoor activities for all tastes year round. Being a country of opposites and contrasts, you can truly enjoy your stay with all senses.

Our unique national parks are gate to the Finnish nature and each of them showcase the natural characteristics of the area they are located in. Archipelago dotted by islands and islets, virgin forests reaching quietly to the sky, lakes glimmering in a thousand shades of blue, and the wilderness of the Lapland fells. The national parks – some right next to biggest Finnish cities – provide great opportunities for training and recreational sports as well.

Finland is a natural choice when looking for active leisure holidays for families with children, exciting sports events, or school and student camps with sports activities. There is quite literally something for everybody – whether you’d like to walk in the wilderness along age old tracks, go for a mountain bike ride or just wonder around picking berries in the fall.

FOOD
Cool, clean and creative – discover Finland’s food culture
Finns appreciate simplicity and honesty in all things. Food included.

Finnish cuisine is not yet a household name but along its Scandinavian counterparts, it’s making a splash. Everything starts with pure ingredients from nature, and less is usually more. When it comes to ingredients and recipes, each Finnish region has its own delicious character and deep-rooted traditions. Finland is where east meets west – in the north.

We as Finns are passionate about our food and are keen to celebrate it. We are fiercely loyal to our culinary roots and proud of our local traditions. Best of all, we have started to appreciate local produce and traditions more and more. Finnish modesty has taken a back seat while a healthy pride for our cuisine has emerged.

From Michelin-awarded restaurants and local breweries to cozy home cooking – let’s take a gastronomic journey through Finland.

LUXURY IN FINLAND
Pure and simple – luxury in Finland
In Finland we interpret the word “luxury” a bit differently than you may be used to. Instead of lavishness and glitter we offer a chance to slow down, to breathe and to connect with one another. It’s affordable but at the same time something money can’t buy.

Above all, Finns appreciate high quality and unforgettable experiences. You can easily find them all over the country year-round.

Finland is perhaps most well-known for extraordinary accommodation, and the sense of calm is the essence in all Finnish luxury getaways. For those looking for unique travel experiences, all-around high quality service combined with great comfort, as well as the choice between solitude and urban encounters, Finland is an excellent option for a luxurious get-away.

For most visitors to our land of a thousand lakes, however, the pure Finnish air, and the unspoiled nature represent the greatest luxury of all.

WELLBEING IN FINLAND
Peace and calm – discover Finnish wellbeing and travel slow
Sauna, a walk in a forest, and pure, clean food from Finland’s arctic nature are all you need to unwind from the stress of modern life. Is there a better reason to go on a holiday than to improve wellbeing?

With just a few tasty ingredients gathered from the pristine Finnish nature, you can transform yourself into a new person during your stay. The recipe? A pinch of Finnish sauna, a spoonful of traditional treatments, wild food for serving and light activities to taste.

Finland is your retreat and this is Finnish wellbeing – slow travel in its purest form.