The Finnish summer time brings a marvelous experience with its long days with clear skies. Summer in Finland typically spans from late May in the southern area and lasts until mid-September. Summer in Lapland starts about one month later and ends a month earlier than the south coast. 

In this new season, Finns expect a season of warmth, extended daylight, and vibrant natural beauty during this time. For nurses and caregivers working in Finland, this also means taking some days off to explore outdoor activities and relaxation.  That said, here are four activities you can partake in during this rejuvenating season: 

The Finnish Archipelago, especially around Turku, is one of the largest in the world. It offers stunning landscapes where islands can be accessed by boat, bike, or kayak. Visitors during summer can enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, and visiting charming villages.

Moreover, the Archipelago Trail attracts an international crowd and has been a favorite for cyclists and bikers alike for over 20 years. It is accessible by car, bus, bike or foot – and can be traveled from one end to the other from mid-May to the beginning of September each year. 

Embarking the remarkable tour of the archipelago requires multiple ferries and bridges to reach its end. The entire tour is about 250 km and usually takes between 2-5 days to complete, depending on means of transportation. There are several restaurants and farm shops along the route. 

Aside from the trail, fishing in the coast and archipelago is another exciting activity to do in the summer. One of the best locations for fishing is Kvarken, the narrow region of the Gulf of Bothnia separating Bothnian Bay from the Bothnian Sea that looks out to Sweden.  

According to Visit in Finland, Kvarken, often referred to as “pike paradise”, is also home to the Kvarken Archipelago, Finland’s only UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. Fishing tours are widely offered in the area. For more, please see Kvarken Fishing.

Summer is one of the best seasons to experience the magic of the midnight sun. It is a spectacular time of the year. For those who venture north of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set at all from May to August, while further south the sun can be visible for nearly around the clock during June and July.

The Finnish midnight sun, with its long daylight hours and golden sunlight, is a welcome change after the long, harsh winter. During this time, public spaces come to life and nature looks especially beautiful. Lakes glow with golden light, making a nighttime swim and sauna under the midnight sun a must. You may also try a floating lake experience as a summer pastime. 

Finland’s summer forests are rich with wild berries and mushrooms, making foraging for blueberries, lingonberries, and chanterelles a popular and enjoyable outdoor activity.

From June to September, Finland’s forests and meadows are filled with seasonal produce, including wild mushrooms and aromatic herbs. Summer is the prime berry-picking season, with up to 50 varieties like blueberries, raspberries, bearberries, and lingonberries, which are staples in Finnish cuisine.

Foraging is free in Finland, thanks to the ‘everyman’s rights’ (Jokamiehen Oikeudet) law, allowing public access to land for picking wild plants, vegetables, and fruits. Just remember to respect nature and leave no trace.

The clear light of long summer days gives Finns and other visitors ample time to explore “the land of a thousand lakes”.

Most Finns travel to the countryside for a road trip during summer in Finland. On hot days, there is an option to wild swimming and fishing in the pristine waters of the lakes, or enjoy water toys, white water rafting and even midnight kayaking. 

One can also head to Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake, to spot the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal and many species of birds. Lake Pielinen adjacent to Koli National Park, is Finland’s fourth largest lake surrounded by majestic hills and lush pine forests. Here, summer activities include canoeing, swimming, sport fishing and boating. 

If you love pristine wilderness and active adventures, try our Land of 1000 Lakes Fly-Drive. This tour covers three regions of Finland’s Lakeland area: Lahti, Jyväskylä, and Tampere. With a fly-drive, you can explore at your own pace and stop at landmarks whenever you want.

Nurses and caregivers can take time to visit the archipelago and pristine lakes, go fishing and kayaking, and experience the midnight sun. It’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in Finnish culture, forge connections, and revel in the vibrant atmosphere.

If you are interested in relocating or planning to start your journey in Finland, stay tuned and follow Silk Road’s website and social media updates to get the latest updates.