Why Finland's Summer Activities Are Perfect For Nature Lovers

Sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers are travelling to Finland in droves during the summer months to take part in the country’s wide range of summer activities; everything from mushroom-picking to rock-climbing. These activities do more than just satisfy the urge for adventure. They also appeal to those who are looking for complete immersion in nature or spectacular views. These are just a few reasons why.

Clean environment

Finland has some of the cleanest natural environments in the world. Eighty percent of Finland’s numerous lakes are rated ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ for water quality and the World Health Organisation recently labelled Finland’s air quality as the best in the world. This means you can swim in Finland’s lakes or eat freshly caught lake fish without any fears of illness from pollution.

Clean air and water in Naantali, Finland

Going off the grid

Right to roam

Finland’s everyman’s rights laws mean that you are free to hike, camp or pick wild berries or mushrooms anywhere in the country, even on privately owned land. If a road is blocked by a barrier then you are still free to cross it on foot or by bike. The only conditions are to respect the land, avoid people’s gardens or fields growing crops and to stay out of restricted areas that hold rare species or nesting birds. If you are brave enough, you are even free to go skinny-dipping in any form of water.

Everyman’s rights mean you are free to pick wild berries anywhere in Finland

Nature close to cities

A remarkable thing about Finland is that even the largest cities have a lot of greenery and you are never too far away from the countryside even when you are in the middle of a city. Nuuksio National Park is only an hour away from Helsinki with regular coach services to the park, while the idyllic islands on the archipelago can be reached with a ferry connection from the south harbour next to the city centre. The city itself even has a large Central Park covering 1,000 hectares full of wildlife, nature trails and an ancient primeval forest.

Mountainbiking in Helsinki’s Central Park

Endless exploration

Each of these national parks, nature trails and lakes offers a nearly endless amount of terrain to explore, ranging in everything from pine forests to swampland. There is a real sense of freedom while sailing, hiking or even just going for a stroll in the Finnish countryside and seeing where the trails will take you and what you will discover.

Discovering wild moose while exploring the Finnish countryside

Amazing views

The natural, largely unspoiled sights are another large draw to Finland and provide an amazing backdrop to any summer activity. At the same time, while you are enjoying your chosen sport, you can take in green forests, clear lakes and towering mountains. Some of the best views in Finland can be reached by hiking at Koli National Park, kayaking across the Archipelago Sea or braving the steep rock faces at Repovesi National Park. At the end of the day, you can relax while taking in incredible sunsets or the unique beauty of the Midnight Sun.

Getting a view of Neulamäki while exercising

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.