Walking holidays in Finland

The beauty of walking in Finland is that you can do it all year round with wilderness trails through pine and spruce forests equally as rewarding when decorated with wild berries and mushrooms during the summer, or a blanket of thick snow in winter. Mid-May to Jun is the best time to go on a walking holiday in Finland for endless sunlight and birdsong. Although warm July is tempting this is not the best month to hike here, as mozzies and holidaying Finns are out in force. Late Aug-Sep is preferable, especially for blueberry and mushroom foragers, with 'Ruska' (autumnal foliage) combined with cosy cabins, saunas and hot tubs. Although snow starts in Nov, especially in the north, it's not until Jan/Feb that you get the best conditions for snow shoeing with Nov-March conjuring up conditions for Northern Lights. Remember, Dec-early Jan will be dark, particularly in the north.

Finland features quite outstanding wilderness areas. Its boardwalks over bird-abundant wetlands, and easy going routes past pristine lakes and lichen-covered spruce, ensure summer strolls are as satisfying as blue skies and blueberry pancakes. Walks don't stop when the snow falls, however, and as this is when snow shoes come into play. This does require a certain element of exercise though, if you were thinking it was going to be all downhill. Finns have thought of everything when it comes to alleviating walking-related aches; from hot tubs and saunas to strong coffee and picnics around open fires, Finland is where enjoying the outdoors in all four seasons really comes into its own.

The Värikallio rock paintings are one of Hossa National Park’s highlights, and there’s a 16km hiking trail and 7km snow shoe equivalent which lead directly to the observation platform over Lake Somerjärvi. Take your time to enjoy coffee and sandwiches next to an open fire in a traditional Finnish kota, surrounded by snow-covered scenery, and scenes of the Stone Age will never be far behind.

There are around 90km of circular and connecting walking trails within Hossa National Park. These take you through pine forests and around lakes as well as over swamps and marshlands via a series of sturdy wooden walkways. Trails are pretty easy going and ideal for those wishing to keep an eye out for swans, cranes and tell-tale signs of wolverines as well as wild blueberries if walking in August.

Set within the taiga forests and wetland areas of eastern Finland, close to the Russian border, Martinselkonen Nature Reserve provides protection for moose, spruce and brown bears as well as walking trails over swamps and marshlands surrounded by old growth forests shrouded in lichen. Follow a 16km trail past the bird-abundant lakes and ponds, en route to a cosy cabin on Arola Farm.

The 80km Karhunkierros trail takes in Oulanka National Park’s most spectacular scenery including a sublime snow shoe trailknown as the Little Bear. This leads over suspension bridges and the banks of the River Kitka before heading up to the Kallioportti viewpoint for pines for as far as the eye can see. This is Finnish Lapland at its best, with walks to lakes and waterfalls often best experienced coated in snow.

Come for more than 40km of hiking trails and stay for the sloping bogs as Riisitunturi National Park, in Finnish Lapland, is blessed with both as well as fantastic hilltop views to make uphill aches all but disappear. Winter walks in Riisitunturi can be so surreal, with giant spruce contorting under heavy white cloaks to create wondrous white monsters either side of snow shoe trails.

A vast expanse of open mires stretch to swathes of spruce and untouched islets, covered in old growth forests, to offer trekkers a 12km trail in quintessential Kainuu country. Hiking with a husky on a harness and a knowledgeable local guide is one of the best ways to experience Teerisuo-Lososuo Mire Reserve. Pristine pines reflected in vast lakes add to a really unique walking experience.