Nature is central to Finnish life and culture. Over 70% of Finland is covered by forests, and about 10% by water bodies. Often referred to as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, Finland actually boasts nearly 190,000 lakes! The environment remains largely unpolluted, and nature conservation has deep roots in the country. In Northern Finland, many forests are state-owned and managed by Metsähallitus, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Conversely, in the South, forests are predominantly privately owned and managed for timber production.

Thanks to Finland’s generous public access laws, everyone has the right to explore these forests, regardless of ownership. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to respect both nature and other visitors. Finland also hosts nearly 40 national parks, which protect biodiversity and offer the public incredible opportunities to engage with the natural world. These parks feature marked hiking trails, nature paths, and campfire sites. For those wishing to extend their visit, special camping sites, shelters, or huts are available for overnight stays.

One notable destination is Nuuksio National Park, located less than an hour from central Helsinki. Here, visitors can explore the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, a gateway to Finland's natural heritage.