A Journey Into the Forests of Saaristo

Discover the magical forests of Saaristo, the Archipelago of Finland — rich in folklore, wildlife, and natural beauty.

Saaristo, the archipelago of Finland, is known for its island shorelines, molded by the Ice Age.

Beyond the rocky shores and islets, the Saaristo landscape also features dry meadows, swampland, moorland – and forests.

Life in Saaristo has always revolved around the sea, but the forests have also played a crucial role. They’ve provided for hunting and gathering, they are sacred to the locals – acting as places for connecting with nature and oneself.

Close up of a spruce — "The forest answers in the same way one shouts into it."

For the Finns, the forest is more than just trees — it’s a source of wisdom. As the Finnish saying goes:

"The forest answers in the same way one shouts into it."

This reflects the deep-rooted belief that how you treat others, and the world around you, is how you will be treated in return. The saying could also be translated as "You reap what you sow."

The forest holds a sacred place in Finnish culture. In olden times, it was believed that every plant, tree, mossy rock, and element had its spirit, known as a haltija, which sometimes revealed itself to wanderers. Locals would offer gifts to these spirits to stay on good terms with them.

According to folklore, the forest was also home to metsänväki, the forest folk. These mythical beings could be either benevolent or malevolent, depending on how they were treated. Careful stewardship of the forest was essential to avoid upsetting these spirits.

In Finnish mythology, Tapio, the god of the forest, was believed to bring good luck in hunting.

Hunters often prayed to Tapio before setting out, referring to the woods as Tapiola, the home of Tapio.

"I want to be a son of the forest,
A hero of the rugged spruce woods,
In Tapiola's meadows,
I wrestle with the bear,
And let the world fall into oblivion."

– Aleksis Kivi, A Hunter's Poem

Listen to the forest

Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are hidden treasures in the forest, waiting to be discovered by those who know where to look.

Mushroom in the forest — Mushrooms, including various boletes, are a common sight in late summer and autumn.

The Finnish archipelago’s forests are a wildlife sanctuary. You might spot a moose (Alces alces) or a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

Birdlife is abundant, with species like the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), European robin (Erithacus rubecula), cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), and many others.

a leaf — The forests of Saaristo are teeming with life. Each corner has its diverse microcosm, ready to be explored. As you move in nature, remember to respect this rich environment – just as locals have done, living in harmony with the forest and its creatures for millennia.