Hiking from Siuntio to Inkoo

Guided hiking through a seaside landscape. We set out from Störsvik in Siuntio, stop for coffee on the way and end up at Kopparnäs in Inkoo. The shoreline and seaside scenery are marvellous - plants, animals and the sounds of nature. A delicious buffet meal will be waiting for you in Kestikievari at Kopparnäs.

Ecotrekking through the Karnainen backwoods

Karnainen is an area of forest at least a century old located near the town of Lohja, about a 45-minute drive from Helsinki. Karnainen is also special because Finland’s longest tunnel runs under the forest floor. After taking a bus to Lohja, our trek begins with a leisurely walk through the forest discovering local plants, animals and birds. At the Sorvalampi lean-to, you make a fire in one of the open fireplaces, brew coffee and cook some Finnish sausage with your guides providing instructions where necessary. The wildlife in Karnainen is fascinating. Forest residents include black woodpecker, wood grouse and black grouse, Siberian flying squirrels, deer, moose and many other species. We leave behind us nothing but our footprints. All the equipment you will need during this trek is provided. Please make sure you dress according to the prevailing weather conditions and that you are wearing comfortable shoes suitable for forest trekking.

River canoeing along the Siuntio River

Did you know that the world has two Amazons? As you surely know, one is in Brazil but the other is found in Finland. Called the Siuntio River and only a fraction of the size of the real Amazon, it is also called the “jungle river”. Deep and gently flowing, it is a verdant canoeing paradise. You paddle with guides upstream at a leisurely pace, learning about the river’s natural environment and its fascinating flora and fauna. Grey heron, white-tailed eagle, different species of hawk and even kingfisher, deer, badger and otter can all be spotted. In addition to its wild inhabitants, there is military history here as well. Following World War II, an area called the Porkkala Parenthesis was leased by the Soviet Union and used as a naval base from 1945 to 1956. Local paddling guides instruct you in paddling techniques and safety issues and all the equipment you need is provided. Please dress according to the prevailing weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes.

The Elf Forest

Why not see if you and your family can find elfs in the dark spruce forest? Kind and curious, they have always lived in the forests around Purnus and keen to see what we humans are up to. Hiking about one kilometre along the banks of the Siuntio River, we meet at least one elf who has something to say. Other elfs going about their daily chores may also be spotted. After building shelters for the fairies who live in the forest we end up in a big tepee to enjoy some tasty snacks. Finally, we play some troll games around the tepee. Please dress according to the prevailing weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes.  

Finnish nature and silence 

Have you ever simply listened to the wind playing with your hair or how silence really sounds? This is more than possible in Finland. Unspoilt coniferous forests are exactly the right place to experience this unique feeling of peace and tranquillity. And you don’t have to be far from Finland’s capital city. After travelling by bus to Purnus Jokilaakso in Siuntio, insights into the life of a rural tourism entrepreneur in Finland are provided by the resident of Purnus. After some short hikes through the trees and along the Siuntio River, observing the wildlife and listening to the sounds of the forest, walk up to a cliff terrace where coffee, tea and a traditional tasty Karelian pastry are served. The view from the terrace includes a beautiful river valley and typical rural scenery. After a short break, hike back down to the river valley, listening and relaxing. Please dress according to the prevailing weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes.

Exploring the Finnish lifestyle on a bicycle

Travel by bus to Sjundby Manor by the Siuntio River, then ride through beautiful rural scenery on a traditional bicycle, enjoying being outdoors and a moment without stress. Your guide provides information about Finland, everyday life and how it is to be a Finn. Arriving at one of Siuntio’s 6000 homes, you sample coffee, tea and traditional Finnish tastes while your host describes life from a Finnish-Swedish perspective. After coffee, cycle back to Purnus Jokilaakso where your bus is waiting for you. Please dress according to the prevailing weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes.