Located in Paimio, in southwestern Finland, the Paimio Sanatorium is one of the most iconic examples of modernist architecture. Designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto and completed in 1933, it is a place that harmoniously…
Category: Western Finland
Fascinating Rekottila Bronze Age ruins and rock paintings
Nestled in the countryside of Paimio, Southwest Finland, lies a site steeped in history and mystery: Rekottila. It is home to ancient rock paintings, the remnants of a possible castle, and burial cairns dating back…
Piiskoomänty whipping pine is a remnant of historical punishments
Standing next to an old building is a large pine tree which looks deceptively benign to the uninformed visitor. I was visiting Kuortane in the Southern Ostrobothnia region and had read of an old whipping…
Someron Koirametsä dog forest: Where dogs and nature meet
Someron Koirametsä, also known as Somero Dog Forest, is a recently opened gem that offers a delightful forest retreat for dogs and their owners. Located in the small town of Somero, in Proper Finland, between…
Lappajärvi, the great crater lake
I had heard of Lappajärvi, the great crater lake, from some friends many times. So, when I got the chance to visit that part of Southern Ostrobothnia, I jumped at the chance. Lappajärvi is one…
Discovering the sorrows of Kyynelten Kallio in Taivassalo
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Taivassalo, Finland, Kyynelten kallio stands as a testament to love and cruelty. This captivating site, known as the Rock of tears in English, invites visitors to explore its tragic…
Finland’s medieval trading hub Rikalanmäki hides its secrets
Rikalanmäki was one of the most remarkable medieval trading hubs in Finland. The Rikalanmäki ancient trail in Salo, Finland, invites visitors on a captivating journey through time. This short trail winds through the Rikala mansion…
Penimäki heap tombs in Paimio date back to Bronze Age
Penimäki heap tombs, Penimäen röykkiöt, says a small sign by Käräjätie road in Paimio. A small trail seems to be leading into the forest. I park the car on a small parking lot and head…
Celebrating Finnish Nature Day in a sauna cottage meetup
Our nature bloggers' Finnish Nature Day meetup in a sauna cottage was a testament to the power of nature and the bonds it can create. Finnish Nature Day, also known as Suomen luonnon päivä in…
Ristinpolku in Toholampi is a hauntingly beautiful memorial trail
Ristinpolku in Toholampi is a memorial trail for two young girls who got lost while foraging cranberries in 1906. Toholampi is a small municipality located in the region of Central Ostrobothnia in Finland. It is…