10 Tours in Central Finland That You Shouldn't Miss

Finland is one of the best places in the world for foraging wild foods. As spring transitions into summer, the forest flourishes new vegetation and the aroma of fresh berries fills the air. Whether you are here to experience the Finnish culture of berry picking or simply taste these natural and organic berries, you will treasure this intimate experience in Finland's wilderness. Highlights: • Forage and learn about the wild foods of Finland • Experience an off the beaten path national park • Enjoy a fresh Finnish-style lunch cooked over a fire • Take home your extra berries and snack on your bounty On this guided tour from Helsinki, we will explore the serene mossy forests of Liesjärvi National Park. While looking for berries, we may fill our baskets with Finnish superfoods such as blueberries, lingonberries and, with some extra luck, some sweet wild strawberries. These superfoods are rich in vitamins and nutrients and sweeter than any berry you could buy from the stores!

Inclusions: Berry picking bag, Air-conditioned vehicle, Raincoat, Finnish-style coffee over the campfire., Finnish-style lunch over the campfire., WiFi on board

Exclusions: As we are sustainable company we don't provide plastic bottles for guests, but we highly recommend you to take your own water bottle with you.

This guided foraging tour from Helsinki immerses us into the forest and the magical world of fungi. Bright oranges, golden yellows, and deep reds decorate the forest floor. We are in search of Finland's most delicious and prized edible mushrooms, the chanterelle. It is also a personal favourite here at Taiga Times. However, as the name suggests, it is a hunt! We will not always find what we are looking for, and although most of the mushrooms are harmless, there are many poisonous ones too. But not to worry, for your guide will able to show you which are edible and is always available to explain about the different fungi you have found. Highlights: • Forage with a professional guide in a national park • Learn how to identify specific edible mushrooms • Help prepare and cook your wild fungi finds • Enjoy a Finnish-style lunch and coffee by the campfire

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Finnish-style lunch over the campfire, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Raincoat

Exclusions: As a sustainable company we don't provide plastic bottles and we highly recommend you to take a reusable water bottle with you.

Exploring a national park is a must when visiting Finland! This full day in a national park is a relaxing hike and outstanding nature experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life! Highlights: • Experience pristine nature in an uncrowded national park • Learn about local plants and wildlife from a professional guide • Test your senses and feel the benefits of nature • Finnish-style dining experience in the forest Not only will our professional wilderness guide teach you about Finnish nature and culture but they will also be cooking an impressive Finnish-style meal over a fire. Every season offers new and curious opportunities to learn about our environment. Spring with its crisp blue skies and icy lakes, Summer's juicy blueberries and lush green forests, and our favourite time, Autumn! Wild mushrooms and earthly hues of yellows, oranges, and reds shroud the forest.

Inclusions: Finnish-style lunch over the campfire., Authentic Finnish-style campfire coffee, or as we like to call it "nokipannukahvi"., Air-conditioned vehicle, Raincoat, WiFi on board

Exclusions: As we are sustainable company we don't offer plastic bottles, please bring your own water bottle with you.

This day trip from Helsinki takes you to one of Finland’s oldest national parks, Liesjärvi. Our trips are exclusive since they never exceed 8 persons. Highlights: • Experience genuine silence only found in a winter forest • Very few visitors during the winter season • Traditional Finnish-style lunch inside Winter Kota (traditional Finnish hut) • Feel the calming effect of the forest in the winter Winter allows us to witness the forest in its mystic grandeur. Snow gently falls and blankets the entire forest, embracing the trees and creating a peaceful silence throughout the woods. It would seem as though the forest is asleep during these frigid months, but with care, you are able to see tracks of the animals such as the red fox, mountain hare, and moose. Our winter wonderland hike is perfect for those who want to escape the city. We will take you for an adventure into the forests of Finland, providing a high-quality guided experience.

Inclusions: Finnish-style lunch over a campfire, Coffee and/or Tea, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: As a sustainable company we don't provide plastic bottles and we recommend you to take a reusable water bottle with you.

Exploring an off the beaten path destination is now more important than ever! Join us on this full-day private excursion to Liesjärvi National Park and walk a path very few international visitors will ever have the chance to experience. Our walk starts upon the parks main attraction, a winding and ancient esker trail which lays between two pristine freshwater lakes. From the other side of the esker trail, we will enter into a forest that can only be described as enchanting. The taiga forest is full of surprises, many of which we can see for ourselves during each and every season. Our lunches in the national park will always be made from fresh Finnish ingredients and inspired by local twists and traditional recipes. Most often, we will be cooking with fresh smoked salmon but are completely adaptable to dietary restrictions and food preferences. This will be a truly unique and high-quality experience for you and it will be our pleasure in showing you the Finnish ways of the forest!

Inclusions: Finnish-style lunch with dessert, Coffee and/or Tea, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Raincoat in case of rain

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The exclusive tour only in the Christmas period! This special times brings magic Jyvaskyla. Elias Lönnrot, the compiler of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, gave the city the nickname "Athens of Finland". This nickname refers to the major role of Jyväskylä as an educational centre. Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most beautifully decorated places. You will feel spellbound with the charming atmosphere in the streets which you can feel only this time of the year! What is the story of the Christmas tree? Who was the first to decorate it in the world? What magical things can happen during the Christm as period? Have you heard about Christmas spells? You will hear miraculous Christmas legends about Jyvaskyla. You will visit the old-fashioned Christmas Market in the city. What makes it so popular? What local products is must taste at Christmas? Fill your heart with the joy and experience magic Jyvaskyla.

Inclusions: Experienced guide

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Spend two nights camping in the wilderness of Central Finland. This relatively unknown national park has many wonders within. Beavers have made their presence known around every corner and atop every hill lies a humbling view. We at Taiga Times will take care of all the food, routes, and safety planning so that you can focus on getting comfortable in the outdoors. Small groups size only. The complete route will be approximately 20 kilometers total. Our first-day hiking is about 6 kilometers and will take us through a range of beautiful areas with many ups and downs and a pond where we have the opportunity to see beavers. The second day will be 10.6 kilometers and will offer us a view of the crystal clear waters of Lake isojärvi and towering green caverns under the old-growth forest. As with every good camping trip, there must be time to relax and enjoy nature. Every evening we will have the chance to sit by the fire and even go for a swim if the weather is right.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Tent (fits up to 2), Sleeping gear (a sleeping mat, a sleeping bag, a liner) , Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional wilderness guide

Exclusions: a water bottle

An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Romantic wall murals all over the city centre like “Keep me” will constantly warm your heart and make you smile. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. A romantic and charming Jyvaskylan harbour will remind you of fascinating sailor love stories. How many goodbye kisses has the harbour seen? This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

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Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends.Did you know that Jyvaskyla is the leader of urban lighting for over 20 years? No wonder why the walks at night in this city are extremely spectacular. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Jyvaskyla. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

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Enjoy a Finnish winter evening and feel genuine Finnish culture and atmosphere all in same package: traditional smoke sauna, ice-swimming in the lake, hot outdoor jacuzzi and finally dinner in the hut by the open fire.

Inclusions: Dinner

Exclusions: Still water is included in the dinner and available in sauna. Other drinks can be ordered on site.