Nature, Saunas, and Northern Lights

Finns are a bit wild and untamed, much like the vast forests that surround them. They can be silent, peaceful, and calm like ancient trees, always grounded and connected to their natural surroundings. When you fly to Finland’s capital, Helsinki, you might think you are about to land in the wilderness. The city's central park is actually a major forest area where locals go cross-country skiing and pick mushrooms and blueberries as the seasons change. In fact, Finland has the most forested land in all of Europe, with forests covering approximately 73% of the country. 

Beyond the forests, Finnish nature is incredibly diverse. From the ecologically unique archipelago along the Baltic Sea coast to the arctic scenery of Lapland, Finland offers a wide range of natural landscapes to explore. The Finnish way of life and culture has developed in close connection with nature and the necessity of surviving in it. From the wild shores of the Baltic Sea’s fishing communities to the indigenous Sami way of life in the arctic wilderness of Lapland, nature has always played a central role. Urbanization is a relatively new phenomenon in Finland; as late as the 1950s, the majority of Finns lived in the countryside. This is why even today, most Finns have roots in rural areas, tracing back through their parents or grandparents. 

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

The cold is not an excuse to hibernate like a bear. Finns love winter sports and enjoy a wide range of activities during the colder months. There's even a proverb that fits the occasion: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." For a small nation, Finland boasts a remarkable number of winter sports champions in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and ice hockey. All children in Finnish schools learn to participate in winter sports, and the Finnish fashion industry is internationally known for its functional arctic gear for adults and children. 

Chasing the Northern Lights

If you feel particularly adventurous, you can venture out into the dark night to find the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. These dancing lights are caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. They are more common in winter but can occasionally be seen in other seasons as well. The best place to catch them is above the Arctic Circle, but it's not entirely uncommon to see them in southern Finland either. 

Let me share a personal story about my most unforgettable nature experience in Finland, and perhaps my whole life. There was one night when it was possible to see the northern lights in southern Finland. My friend and I decided to pack some snacks and blankets and go out into the night to a nearby forest hill, hoping to catch a glimpse of the lights. We set up a picnic in a lovely clearing with a splendid view of the nearby lake and the sky. 

As we waited, the lights began to show up, but so did a strong breathing sound. Both of us froze. The breathing felt closer, and we heard steps nearby. Suddenly, something came between my friend and me, and we screamed! The source of the sound turned out to be a curious reindeer that had come to see what was going on. The reindeer, startled by our screams, let out a cry as well. After that breathtaking moment, we all calmed down. The reindeer started to eat our snacks and surprisingly lay down next to us. That is how one of my first times seeing the northern lights became the most unforgettable one. 

Welcome to a Fairytale

Finland's nature experiences four distinct seasons. The winter is long, cold, and dark, and despite its beauty, it can be challenging for many people. On the bright side, the Finnish summer, with its midnight sun, offers a stark contrast. Due to the Earth's tilted axis, the sun doesn’t set at all in the northern parts of Finland during summer, providing continuous daylight. Many Finns say this endless daylight helps them cope with the darkness of winter. 

Being in Finnish nature is an immersive experience; you feel absorbed by the calm and silence it transmits, recharging your energy. It's like being Snow White from the Disney film, surrounded by hundreds of green shades under a perfect blue sky, with all kinds of animals—from bunnies, butterflies, and birds to reindeer, and even the occasional snake—skipping by in harmony. In winter, with all the snow and frozen lakes, a glimpse of the sun makes everything sparkle and shine. 

You can walk through many of the countless paths in the forests and find wilderness cabins and shelters for overnight stays or places to cook on an open fire, provided as part of the services by nature and wildlife officials. Finland has an interesting concept called "everyman's rights," which ensures everyone has the right to roam and enjoy nature everywhere, regardless of who owns the land. Of course, you need to be respectful of people's gardens and yards and not harm the wild nature in any way, but this concept speaks to the deep connection to nature that Finnish people cherish. 

Sauna is Always the Answer

The Finnish sauna is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and offers a near-philosophical insight into the Finnish state of mind. Sauna helps you in all aspects of life; sauna is always the answer. In the nearly 100 degrees Celsius heat, inhibitions melt away faster than ice cream on a summer day. It is a hotbox of relaxation but also a crucial place for social interaction and tradition. Much of Finland’s political history over the past decades has been handled in the sauna. The sauna is a truly equal place where everyone is bare from their titles and status. Going to the sauna is considered a similar human right as going to nature, and the opportunity to go to the sauna is provided everywhere—from prisons to the President’s manor. Sauna is part of the weekly routine in regular homes and is a significant aspect of life celebrations, from Christmas to Midsummer and even weddings. Historically, it has been a place where women give birth to new life and where the dead are prepared for the afterlife with respect. 

From a foreigner’s perspective, this sauna culture might seem like something out of a surreal Finnish fever dream. It is a place where individuals voluntarily expose themselves to temperatures akin to the sun’s surface, all in pursuit of health and well-being. It resembles a unique challenge of endurance, where the ultimate reward is emerging from the sauna feeling completely rejuvenated, like a refreshed and revitalized version of oneself. 

Picture yourself sitting in a wooden sauna, surrounded by naked strangers, engaging in deep conversations about life and love.

But there is more! It is not just about the heat; it is about the whole experience. Picture yourself sitting in a wooden sauna, surrounded by naked strangers (yes, clothing is optional here), engaging in deep conversations about life, love, and the best way to beat the heat. It is like a bizarre social experiment where everyone becomes instant friends, bonded by the shared sweat dripping down their bodies. 

To make the most out of the sauna experience, I recommend trying it out in the winter, with the possibility of swimming in a frozen lake. Alternating the moist heat of the sauna with the icy water is exhilarating. It is invigorating and probably the closest you will ever come to feeling like a Nordic superhero.