The Happy Saaristo Finn goes Hiking - Join me for the Campfire and Picnic in the Forest!

For Finns, forest is the base of living. It has not only given them their livelihood in terms of hunting ground and later as forestry, but it also offers them a place to be alone in silence to think -or to enjoy company of your friends. We escape to forest to make big decisions, to get healed–or just to pick some berries for the breakfast!

Before Christianity, the Finns made no difference between the humans and the nature. They believed in their nature gods –strongest of which was the God of Forest, Tapio. Still today, many of the „small gods“are thought to be living in the forest –and they can be seen if you believe in them!

During this day hike, we will hike slowly through a typical archipelago forest landscape. We will have a close look at the pines that grow slowly on the smooth granite bed. We will study the steep gorges and the small caves that were formed by the last Ice Age. And who knows –if we are quiet enough –we can have a glimpse of „maahinen“, a gnome who lives in the dwelling. 

After a couple of kilometers hike with some steeper parts, we will arrive at a lean-to above a steep gorge, where we will have a picnic at a campfire. The skill of making a fire and preparing food on it, has meant life or death in the Finnish wilderness. Today, your guide will enhance your survival skills by leading you through the steps on fire making. Then she will show how to grill your own meal. 

On out way back, we will admire the sea view from a watch tower. On a good weather you could –in addition to rich birdlife –spot Turku’s old castle and Cathedral. We will then stroll down the 218 steps of Vaarniemi stairs to head back to the starting point.