For many Finns, relationship to nature is a vital part of their identity. Nature is everywhere in this country, which is why outdoor activities are an essential part of tourism in Finland. But how to choose a suitable destination from a number of good options for your next holiday in Finland? Here's our top 5 list of nature destinations that are not only impressive but also easy to travel to. 5. Kurjenrahka A visit to Kurjenrahka National Park is a great option if you are planning a holiday in Turku, as the national park is only a 45-minute bus ride from the centre of Turku. The area has hiking routes totalling more than 300 kilometres, starting from routes just a couple kilometres long. In snowy winters, you can also go skiing along Kurjenrahka's marsh landscape. There are plenty of lean-tos and campfire-making sites, so you can enjoy some snacks regardless of which route you choose. Kurjenrahka is a popular family destination, so especially on weekends the shortest routes and nearby campfire sites may get a bit crowded. If you are looking for some personal space, choose one of the longer routes or head to the national park on weekdays when the trails are usually quieter. 4. Nuuksio This 100-square-kilometre forest and lake area is the easiest choice if you are to stay close to Helsinki. The capital’s regional buses offer a cheap and fast way to get to Nuuksio, and you can hop on from several different stops. In addition to hiking and camping, you can rent SUP boards, fatbikes, open canoes and rowing boats from Natura Viva in Nuuksio. When the day is done, it’s nice to enjoy some warmth in one of the rental saunas in the area. If you are looking for even more comfort, try a Hawkhill log cabin with your own fireplace and sauna. It all depends on your budget, the length of your trip and whether spending a night in a tent gives you chills of horror or excitement! 3. Pallas-Yllästunturi Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is promoted as having the purest air in the world. The first Lapland destination on our list deserves its place not only because of the stunning scenery, but also because of its versatility. Winter is long and snowy in Lapland, which makes it possible to explore the national park with skis or snowshoes on. There are as many as 500 kilometres of ski trails and about 100 kilometres of managed winter hiking trails. The mighty slopes of Ylläs are perhaps the best setting in Finland for downhill skiing.In summer, you can cycle on marked trails in the national park in varying terrain. Geocaching is also a popular activity in the summer and autumn. The easiest way to access Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is by hopping on the OnniBus and travelling to Muonio, where you can take another bus to the National Park Nature Centre only half-hour away. 2. Punkaharju Our journey continues to the east, the home of one of Finland's national landscapes, Punkaharju. The seven-kilometre-long ridge landscape was formed during the last ice age and became a tourist destination already in the 19th century. In those days, Punkaharju was known for the oldest state hotel in Finland, called Punkaharjun Valtionhotelli. Today in its place you will find Hotel Punkaharju, one of the accommodation options in the area. There are also cottages of different sizes if the plan is to stay for a few days. However, Punkaharju is also worth a visit just for a day trip. Hiking is a natural choice to move around the area but renting a bike might also be a good idea for covering ground a bit faster. If you are travelling in the summer with children, the Aquapark Kesämaa offers unforgettable experiences as part of the Punkaharju holiday. How to get there? Just book your OnniBus tickets to Savonlinna, where you can take a local bus to Punkaharju. The trip from Savonlinna city centre is just 40 minutes. 1. Kilpisjärvi Finland's best nature destination is far away but definitely worth all the time and effort. Kilpisjärvi, located on the arm of the Maiden of Finland, is a mountain village on the border of three states with approximately 100 permanent residents. This tiny destination is a real gem if you are planning a holiday full of different outdoor activities. In winter, you can explore the environment the old-fashioned way using skis or snowshoes. If you are looking for a faster ride, there are snowmobiles and husky rides available – both are popular activities in these latitudes. In summer, Kilpisjärvi is especially popular with hikers, fishermen and mountain bikers. Just compare various options at the Kilpisjärvi visitor centre, which is also a convenient choice for accommodation. No matter what the rest of your itinerary looks like, it is worth scheduling some time to climb to the top of mountain Saana. It's not every day you get the chance to climb on top of a mountain over a thousand metres high! For all these reasons, Kilpisjärvi deserves the number one position on our list, but there is also one extra treat. Kilpisjärvi is one of OnniBus.com's stops, so you can get there comfortably onboard our red buses. Book your tickets and start planning your next nature trip today!
