The Lakeland region of Finland, consisting of shimmering lakes, dense forests, and quiet horizons, offers a unique encounter with nature that is both intimate and expansive. To take a single step into a forest here is to enter a world shaped by centuries of natural processes and human coexistence with the land. The Finnish concept of Everyone’s Right, which we call the freedom to roam and experience nature, further emphasises the accessibility and cultural importance of these landscapes.
More than 75 % of Finland’s land area is covered by forest. Here in Lakeland, they form an intricate tapestry of pine, spruce, and birch. These ecosystems are not only visually striking but also ecologically vital, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The silence of the forest, broken only by the rustling of leaves or the distant call of a bird, creates a sensory experience that contrasts sharply with urban environments. It is within this setting that visitors and locals alike find opportunities for reflection, recreation, and a deeper connection to nature.
Seasonal Rhythms
A forest in Lakeland is never the same twice, changing dramatically with the seasons. In summer, it is vibrant and full of life, with long daylight hours and abundant growth. Autumn brings a burst of color and a sense of harvest, while winter transforms the forest into a quiet, snow-covered landscape of stillness and light. Spring, in turn, awakens the forest gradually, as melting snow reveals the ground beneath and life begins again.
Traditions of foraging herbs, berries and plants
In Lakeland Finland, gathering herbs, berries, and plants from the forests and lakes has long been part of everyday life and traditional healing. People collected wild herbs like yarrow, juniper, meadowsweet, pine resin, and birch leaves for remedies, sauna infusions, and protective charms. Nature was seen as alive with spirits, so collecting was often done with quiet respect—asking permission from the forest, leaving small offerings, or choosing the right time of day or season. These practices connected families to the rhythms of the land, blending practical herbal knowledge with old beliefs about balance, luck, and wellbeing.
Berries and Everyone’s Right
One of the simplest pleasures of stepping into a Finnish forest is discovering its abundance of wild berries, freely available to all under Everyone’s Right (jokaisenoikeus). From sweet blueberry and tart lingonberry to the golden, rare cloudberry, these natural treasures grow across Lakeland’s forests without fences or fees. Berry picking is not just a seasonal activity, but also a cultural tradition that connects people to the land, encouraging slow movement, observation, and appreciation of nature’s rhythms.
Forest Bathing
Forest bathing means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest. It is easy. Start with walking slowly, breathing deeply, and engaging your senses with intention. Unlike hiking or exercise, forest bathing isn’t about covering a long distance; it’s about being present. Studies show that spending mindful time among trees and in forests can lower stress, steady the heart rate, support immunity, and improve mood. The idea is that nature’s sights, scents, sounds, and textures gently calm the nervous system. Whether done in deep wilderness or a quiet grove, forest bathing is a way to reconnect with the natural world and give the mind space to rest.
Health and Wellbeing in the Forest
Spending time in the forest offers a natural way to support both mental and physical wellbeing. The calm atmosphere, fresh air, and gentle sounds of nature help reduce stress and improve mood. Walking among trees also encourages light physical activity, improving fitness while remaining accessible and restorative. Beyond this, the forest invites mindfulness — drawing attention to the present moment and creating a sense of balance that carries beyond the woods.
Green Gold Culture Road
The Green Gold Culture Road is an official 250 km tourist route in Southern Savo and runs from Mäntyharju to Punkaharju through Ristiina, Puumala, Sulkava and Savonlinna. The route winds through exceptionally beautiful landscapes and allows visitors to admire the area’s rich cultural heritage, which has been strongly linked to the forest throughout history.
How will you experience the forest?
In Lakeland, forests can be experienced in many ways throughout the year. Well-marked hiking trails invite you to explore on foot, while cycling routes take you deeper into the landscape. In late summer and autumn, forests become places for foraging, with berries and mushrooms ready to be picked. In winter, the same paths transform into quiet routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Whether you choose to move actively or simply pause along the way, the forest offers space to experience nature in your own way.
Forest Experiences
We welcome you to Lakeland Finland
Are you ready for your adventure here at Lakeland Finland?
We hope to see you soon.
