At the heart of Finland, the city of Tampere unveils itself as a true living painting, where nature and culture meet harmoniously. Escaping into this setting, a transformative experience awaits you, oscillating between lush forests, sparkling lakes, and deeply rooted traditions. Discover how this immersive adventure plunges you into breathtaking landscapes while fostering a respectful relationship with the environment.
A guided walk in the Kauppi forest #
It is in the Kauppi forest that our adventure begins. After a short drive from the center of Tampere, we are welcomed by our dynamic guide, Karolina, whose effervescence recalls that of a true wood nymph. As we plunge under the canopy, she invites us to breathe deeply the fresh air, to touch the majestic trees, and to savor the raindrops accumulating on the needles of the pines. This direct contact with nature frees our minds from daily worries, allowing us to appreciate every moment.
Strange forest interactions #
As we progress along our path, the peaceful rhythm of walking allows us to avoid the twisting roots that line our route. Around a bright spot, Karolina transforms the scene into a true dancing studio in the open air. She encourages us to interact with the air around us, to shape it with our movements, and to give ourselves up to rhythms that make our souls vibrate. Some of us float in this bubble of magic, while others, filled with restraint, prefer to contemplate. The simple joys of nature can sometimes seem distant, but each step in this forest resonates as an invitation to let go.
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Communion with nature #
After savoring a moment of connection with the forest, it is time to gather around a cup of herbal tea, carefully prepared from the supplies pulled from Karolina’s backpack. From there, a beautiful surprise awaits us: a path of lush moss emerges before us. Although the idea of walking barefoot raises some apprehensions, our guide leaves no room for doubts. We take off our shoes and discover that the carpet of nature beneath our feet is astonishingly soft. Walking on this soft carpet quickly becomes a soothing experience, bringing us a little closer to the earth that surrounds us.
Meeting local gastronomy #
The exploration concludes on the shores of Näsijärvi, where an unexpected feast awaits us. Chef Heikki, with his expertise in nature, prepares a delicious meal with local products. Seated around a campfire, we savor the fish soup and roasted lamb, accompanied by fresh asparagus. This moment embodies the essence of the natural experience, linking gastronomy and landscape under a bright sky. The simplicity of the fire and the authenticity of the ingredients enrich this immersion with every bite, paying tribute to the richness of the Finnish terroir.
The sauna culture and its virtues #
In Tampere, the culture of sauna is a true institution, an illustrious witness to the deep relationship between Finns and their environment. With a reputation as the “World Capital of Sauna”, the city offers an ideal setting to discover this age-old tradition. Meeting a sauna guide like Alexander enriches our understanding of the different types of sauna, from the classic to the smoky sauna. Each experience is an opportunity to recharge through a refreshing plunge into the Tammerkoski river, a striking contrast to the sauna’s heat, for a true awakening of the senses.
Omnipresent nature for all #
Tampere is much more than just a city; it serves as a starting point to explore the majestic nature that surrounds it. The beauty of the lakes and forests, along with the simplicity of practices such as camping outdoors, allow both residents and visitors to reconnect with nature. Finland, renowned for its love of the outdoors, easily offers activities that celebrate the richness of its natural environments, enabling everyone to find their own path to an authentic connection with the outside.
