5 summer outdoor activities in Southern Finland

1. Hiking in Punkaharju

Punkaharju is a place where nature is still pure. This beautiful hilly landscape is located in the Savonlinna region and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Southern Finland. At the end of the ice age, the glaciers left impressive landscapes in this area, which is still a popular place among tourists and locals today . After guide Mona has handed out Nordic walking sticks, we walk with the group to the start of our route. Mona shows us the different routes on the map and then we start our hike. The accessible route takes us past beautiful viewpoints and through narrow paths in the green.

2. Canoeing in Linnansaari 

From land to water, because a water-rich country like Finland can be perfectly discovered from the water. Together with guide Marie Louise we go out on the water to spot the rocky, uninhabited islands from the water. After a few minutes of getting used to the paddles, it is really enjoyable. Typical colored Finnish houses show off on the waterfront and the special birds make themselves heard. With a filled picnic basket, mooring at a jetty is a party, after which we paddle further over the water full of energy.

3. Mountain biking through the national parks

The aforementioned Punkaharju nature reserve can also be explored on two wheels. Get on a mountain bike or fat bike and see a lot in a short time. Guide Markus explains the e-mountain bikes to us and then climb meters for a beautiful view between the tall trees. The Finns have mapped out the best routes for travelers, so that you can admire the best of the best. Follow the path through the Linnansaari National Park or opt for a combination of nature and city with a city route through Savonlinna. In short: enough variation during your summer in Southern Finland.

4. Sunset Seal Safari 

The idyllic village of Oravi is located at Linnansaari National Park, the starting point for a Sunset Seal Safari . The waters of this National Park are teeming with islands, a total of three hundred. This area is home to unique Saimar seals, which can be recognized by the rings on their fur. When the sun goes down, seals show themselves. A great opportunity to go out on the lake by boat with a Sunset Seal Safari. You will be given an unforgettable sunset as a gift.

5. Birdhouse tour Savonnlina 

In addition to all the activities, you can also explore Southern Finland in a more relaxed way. We do this during a Birdhouse Tour through Savonlinna with Merja, a woman who talks passionately about birdhouses and birds. A true local, Marko, has made and hung 140 houses in the Finnish city. They symbolize buildings that used to be on these places. Merja likes to show them. Every time we spot a new house with a new story. While Marko says ''It is just an ordinary birdhouse, yes, it is just an ordinary birdhouse,'' we are surprised again and again by the colorful birdhouses.

This blog was created on the basis of a press trip in collaboration with Voigt Travel . Curious about more adventures in Southern Finland? Then also read the blogs ' Spotting seals on the Finnish waters ' and ' Southern Finland in the summer: a paradise of lakes and outdoor activities ' or be surprised on our Finland collection page .