Today we will be talking about the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Finland.
Finland is often given the title of “Happiest country in the world” and when you take
a look at the scenery that surrounds it, it’s easy to see why.
This Nordic nation sits in the far north of Europe, nestled between its more famed neighbors
Sweden and Russia.
With the Baltic Sea on one side and the frozen Arctic on the other, Finland finds itself
in a unique position on the world stage and is far more than just a snowy tundra that
some might imagine it to be.
Today, we intend to take you through a survey of some of the best natural wonders Finland
has to offer.
And don’t forget we save the best for last, so stay through the whole video to hear about
a not entirely natural wonder that is sure to pique your interest.
One of Finland’s most famous attractions has always been its prime position to view
the Northern Lights.
From fall to spring, many flock to the northern countries of the world for a chance to see
gorgeous greens and fluorescent pinks highlight the sky above.
Scientifically, we know that the lights have to do with the collision of particles and
magnetic fields in the north, but there is just something perfectly magical about them.
Hey, after all, there’s a reason it is frequently cited as one of the many must-see things you
should do before you die.
Cultures have marveled at the lights for centuries and are sure to do so for years to come.
For the best chance at viewing them, try some northern cities like Kemi, Utsjoki, or Rovaniemi.
Another top attraction is Lake Saimaa.
Located on the eastern portion of the country, near the Russian border, Lake Saimaa is one
of many bodies of water in the region, but takes the crown as the largest lake in Finland.
Its perimeter is guarded by a thick forest of conifer trees that almost feels like a
shield from the outside world.
While traveling through the region, you may forget sometimes that humans are meant to
be on dry land, as the water is so plentiful that there is actually more of it than actual
solid ground.
The interconnected waterways seem to curve around oddly narrow islands forming something
akin to side streets in a city.
There are millions of paths and you could spend months exploring it all and still feel
like you know nothing about the grand picture of things.
It is no wonder that Lake Saimaa has frequently been cited as one of the most beautiful lakes
in the world.
Exploring the waterways by day and settling down in a shoreside log cabin at night surely
is an ideal lifestyle for those looking for rest and relaxation.
It has inspired countless artists and Fins throughout its history and is sure to make
an impact on all who visit it.
Just a bit north from Lake Saimaa is Orinoro Gorge.
Led by a small wooden plank path, this trek within Finland’s Savo Region journeys through
what feels like two opposing mountains of rock.
Because of the low level plants that trace along the path you walk and the incredible
heights of the gorge, visitors can sometimes feel like they are early humans wading through
unknown terrain finding exciting new places around every corner.
When the area isn’t busy, you can often feel completely alone within the walls of
sheer rock that surround you.
You can’t help but feel small when dwarfed by it all.
It’s not just walking through the gorge that’s incredible though.
By hiking around the region you are able to find incredible views and wonderful little
hidden gems that feel like your own little slice of Finland.
In the far north, Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the nicest natural landscapes in
the country, and is rumored to be the actual home of Father Christmas.
This diverse environment is allowed to thrive in part due to the Suomujoki River that cuts
the park in half.
In summer it is a hiker’s paradise, with paths that will lead you from spectacle to
spectacle.
During wintertime the landscape is often packed with snow, though that doesn’t stop some
from crossing the park on cross-country skis.
And while the conditions may be harsh, Finland really doesn’t get much better than snow-covered
hills with the fading sun on the horizon.
From one national park to another.
Oulanka National Park is a protected river valley in the east of Finland that is one
of the most popular destinations in the country.
Places like Oulanka Canyon make for easy adventures that can be enjoyed by any nature lover.
As you walk through, the rushing roar of water can be heard, creating the perfect background
sound for your voyage in the wild.
Whether you do this by lingering on wooden suspension bridges or getting up close and
personal by canoeing the upper or lower sections of the rapids.
The scenery is incredibly varied due to the various microclimates of the park and for
certain areas, the changing fall leaves make the post-summer months an especially good
time to visit Oulanka, though the frozen, snow covered trees of winter make a particularly
strong case as well.
Yyteri is a beach on the western coast with beautiful sand dunes and Baltic views that
both natives and tourists love.
With a forest lurking right behind its sandy shores, Yyteri is an interesting contrast
to beaches you may have experienced in the past.
Many spend their time here relaxing by taking in the sun, but those who are more active-minded
will have plenty of options to hike, surf, and golf to their heart’s content.
And unlike many of the other natural wonders on this list, Yyteri, like many beaches, feels
more public than some of the other natural wonders listed.
This is a list about natural wonders, but we are going to make an exception for our
final entry that isn’t entirely natural.
The Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings near Lake Saimaa are a piece of human heritage that
all would benefit from seeing.
Nearly 5,000 years old, these paintings date back to as early as 3,000 BCE and show evidence
of ancient inhabitants in what is modern Finland.
They show both animal and human figures and are believed to have connections with northern
shamanistic traditions of the time.
So while not technically natural, it is something that is found in nature and is still quite
an impressive memento of Finland’s history.
So there it is!
Our list of Finland and its many, many wonders.
Finland is an incredible and sometimes otherworldly place with plenty of beautiful sites to be
appreciated, and there isn’t enough time to list them all.
So, tell us in the comments what we missed!
What is your favorite Finnish natural wonder?
And as always, where to next?