Nature is not just a small part of life in Finland; it is part of Finnish identity and lifestyle. I’m born and raised in Finland so growing up in this land of forests and lakes I’ve come to see how much connected we Finns are to the nature. It effects to our everyday lives.
In Finland, nature is everywhere and the nature shapes our daily lives, whether it’s a morning walk in a forest or a park, dip in the lake, a hike in the woods, weekend at a summer cottage or enjoying the beauty of the four seasons from our windows everyday. Nature offers us Finns peace, inspiration, and a some sense of belonging to community.
For Finns living in the countryside or in the city, the forest is like a second home. Here in Finland is a concept of “jokamiehenoikeus” (Everyman’s Right) that allows everyone to spend time in the nature without land owner’s permission. This is not just about access to berry-picking or camping but also respecting the nature by not throwing trash or destroying something that belongs to everybody. It is about respecting the nature that everyone has access to. Nature is a place where we can calm down in fast-paced world.
Finnish lifestyle is known of the saunas that are also tied to nature. Often you can find these in the woods or by the lake. A traditional sauna experience is completed when you have a chance to swim in a lake or a roll in the snow after sauna. The sauna is a place to relax and spend time with friends or alone.
In a world that becomes more urban and digital every day, our relationship with nature stays and plays a big role in our Finnish identity and lifestyle. No matter where we go or live in Finland the opportunity to spend time in nature is always possible.
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