The most beautiful natural sites to discover Finland

This 1,020 ^km2 national park was established in 2005. It covers several municipalities from Kolari (Akaslompolo, Yllasjarvi) in the south to Enontekio in the north. The landscape is very hilly, and made up of fells, the bare hills typical of Lapland. Ideal for wandering from pass to pass and watching the Northern Lights in winter, it's also a veritable paradise in summer. There's nothing better than watching the midnight sun from the top of a tunturi!

Created, extended in 1992 in 1996, it allows to protect a region with a rich heritage. The natural appearance is predominant here with a rare and protected vegetation. The human aspect is also essential from the region was successively place of worship and ancestral sacrificial, subject to the privileged painters of the 19th century and finally holiday resort for over a century. The park also contains the rural nature and activities, including denshering on agriculture. Hiking trails and cross-country skiing in winter, fishing, canoeing, etc.

Among the marked routes, the magnificent hiking or skiing in the heart of the Pallas National Park, the third park of Finland by its area of 510 km ². Between Pallas and Enontekiö, or the opposite, you cross a plateau of mountains, including the respective summits, the Outakka (Ounastunturi) and the Taivaskero (Pallastunturi), peak at 723 m and 807 m. A half-way, conifers give way to stunted birch, whose red filled flames nature during ruska, the autumn Sami. Côté fauna, elk, bear, lynx and gloutons elected home in the area. In summer, many migratory birds are also in the park. Plan for 2 days of minimum walking (authorized camping) in September because, during summer, mosquitoes are legion and rather voracious.

Reservation required for the three golf courses (€ 10 per night). Information from the Pallastunturi or Enontekiö information centres, which will provide you with the keys and all the useful information.

This national park is located on the Russian border. It is especially known for the Karhunkierros Trail, which is one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland. Here you can observe all the surrounding nature from the park's hilltops, through pine forests and along rivers. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Maps and all information for camping sites in the park can be found at the Hautajärvi Visitors' Centre in Hautajärvi. An accessible and resourcing place in the wilderness!

This natural reserve covers 544 km ² and includes a good number of coastal islands. Since the withdrawal of the glaciers 10 000 years ago, the rise of the east coast is 285 m, which corresponds to the most important rebound ever observed and has earned the reserve to be inscribed in World heritage by UNESCO. The result is an exceptional coastal landscape of 5 600 islands and flush islets. New islands emerge continuously. The archipelago has a few major lighthouses (Ritgrund, Valsörarna, Norrskär and Strömmingsbada), reflecting the route of the boats. The reserve has the usual logistics (forest houses and huts), to be travelled on foot or in canoe, between the islands of Björköby and Replot.

For 30 years, guests have been able to discover fifty Arctic and northern wild species here, in nature in a park where the majority are in semi-liberty. The zoo has three polar bears (and recently a bear la ligera called Ranzo!). Also see the wolves, gloutons them, lynx and other carnivorous. Plan 2:00 for a full tour. At the time of Christmas, the zoo offers the opportunity to take a ride to dogs, reindeer or snowmobile at reasonable prices.

With its 110 km², it is one of the country's largest hiking sites located in the Suomussalmi region near the Russian border, northeast of Kajaani. For lovers of fishing and hiking: marked trails, rock paintings, mills... You can also rent canoes and kayaks, bicycles, fishing equipment... You can even dive in the clear waters up to 40 m deep. Go to the visitors' centre to get all the necessary information (maps, rentals, activities, events...)

Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland (1,043 km²) and the second deepest (92 m). It is studded with a myriad of islands (over 3,000). In good weather, the boat takes you to the sacred island of the Sami: Ukonsaari (a sanctuary for nearly a thousand years). In case of bad weather, you simply sail around the island. Remains of sacrificed reindeer antlers evoke the divinatory and votive rites practiced by these ancient nomadic peoples. A short 20-minute stop allows you to climb to the top.

Aavasaksa Hill has several points of interest. The most important is the Emperor's House (Imperial Lodge). Built in 1882 as a hunting cabin for Tsar Alexander II, this chalet, a little unusual in its decoration and function, has been restored and now serves as a museum. The second site to be seen on this hill is the Observation Tower, built in 1969, in red bricks. You can also take a walk through the open-air theatre and the Aavasaksan Paviljonki restaurant, a renovated 1927 pavilion with a pretty terrace. Several trails criss-cross the hill.

The archipelago offers pleasant walks, you can practice some activities such as paddle or windsurfing. You can also opt for a day by boat to discover the islands of the Espoo archipelago. Departure from Otaranta to Otaniemi, from Kivenlahti or Suomenoja, for a trip from island to island around Espoo including Iso Vasikkasaari, Stora Herrö, Rövaren and Gåsgrundet. The choice is yours: classic boat, catamaran or speed boat for thrill-seekers. Summer and winter activities are available. A very pleasant nature excursion.

Sandy beaches, a seaside restaurant that serves smoked fish, family and relaxed atmosphere. Petit Deauville swimming huts with its colourful changed. Ideal for swimming in summer, opposite the large ferries to the neighbouring countries. You can also walk along the cliff and collect bays or mushrooms in the forests of the island.

This oasis has been around for over a hundred years and is popular with families! It's a lovely setting for a picnic on sunny days, amidst flowers, the beach and farm animals. Viksu the friendly mascot is in charge of the animations. On site, there are many games for children to keep them busy, entertained and amused. The park is especially famous for hosting the popular Pori Jazz Festival which takes place every year in July.

Sipoonkorpi, which has recently become a national park, is an ode to nature, with 80 protected species living there. To the north of the park, a trail runs through the green forests of the Byabäcken River Valley. Many lakes dot the park and the area is beautiful every season. The many outdoor activities on offer still attract a large number of enthusiasts and you can also admire the traditional rural landscapes of southern Finland.

Between 1944 and 1956 the Porkkala Peninsula is annexed by Russia. It has become the paradise of ornithologists and nature lovers, with its extraordinary landscapes and soothing silence.

Near Nuuksio National Park, this other green space, a stone's throw from the capital, is less well known to tourists but is very popular with locals. It is an ideal place for hiking, with marked trails for all levels and some beaches by the lake for sunny days. The old mansion is now a café, a pleasant place to rest after the walk, and where it is also possible to book the sauna. For amateurs, recreational fishing is allowed on the estate.

Just a stone's throw from Suomenlinna, Lonna is a pretty little island just reopened to the public, a former Russian mine-reserve area, then a mine-clearing area. There is already a small café and a summer restaurant there, but the idea is to create a new urban space where events and other initiatives can take place. A nice getaway on the way to the fortress island. It is easy to get around on foot, the island is very small. It is also a nice place for a picnic break on a sunny summer day with friends or family.

The narrow passage (at the pretty nickname of pike boyau) between the Tullisaari islands and Koppen was used as a shelter in the th century. It was a large natural port, where the vessels were coming to shelter during the storms and were harvesting drinking water. Sailors gravèrent their names on the rocks with their knives and even small stories: there are more than 640.

The national park is halfway between Forssa (22 km) and Karkkila (24 km). Pine forests beside omnipresent lakes.

Close to the town centre. Ideal place to rest your legs and offer a breath of fresh air on nearly 300 km of hiking trails.