Taste the Forest
Discover the flavours, traditions and wellbeing of the Finnish forest.
The Finnish forest is a place to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with nature. It nourishes both body and mind, offering peace, wellbeing and a seasonal harvest of wild mushrooms, berries and herbs.
Around Lake Saimaa, these traditions are still alive. For generations, Finns have gathered nature’s gifts, learning to recognise the treasures of the forest and preserve the harvest for the long winter ahead. It is a way of living in harmony with nature – taking only what is needed and respecting the environment that provides so much.
Join with experienced guides on a journey into the Finnish forest. Take part in guided mushroom cruises, foraging excursions and nature experiences where you can learn about wild food, discover the secrets of the forest and experience the calming power of nature.
Taste the flavours of the forest, learn the traditions passed down through generations, and discover why the Finnish forest is at the heart of wellbeing around Lake Saimaa.
Discover Finnish Forest through guided tours
The Finnish Forest – A Way of Life
For centuries, Finnish forests have provided much more than food. They have shaped our culture, our traditions and our way of life. From an early age, children learn to respect nature, recognise edible berries and mushrooms, and understand that the forest should be enjoyed responsibly so that future generations can experience it too.
Around Lake Saimaa, these traditions are still part of everyday life. People head into the forest not only to gather seasonal ingredients but also to find peace, restore their energy and enjoy the simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature. Scientific research has shown that spending time in forests can help reduce stress, lower heart rate and improve overall wellbeing—something Finns have instinctively known for generations.
With every step beneath the trees, you’ll discover why the forest is one of Finland’s greatest treasures. It is a place where nature, wellbeing and tradition come together, inviting you to experience the Finnish way of life through all your senses.
Discover the Flavours of the Forest
Every late summer and autumn, the forests around Lake Saimaa reveal one of nature’s greatest culinary treasures. Hidden beneath the trees is an abundance of wild mushrooms that have inspired Finnish home cooking and fine dining for generations.
Among the most sought-after are the rich and nutty cep (porcini), the golden chanterelle, and the intensely aromatic black trumpet. These are some of Finland’s most celebrated edible mushrooms—and once you know what to look for, they are also among the easiest species for beginners to recognise.
For many Finns, mushroom season is one of the highlights of the year. There’s a special thrill in spotting the first golden chanterelle or discovering a perfect porcini hiding under a spruce tree. Every walk through the forest becomes a treasure hunt, rewarding curious eyes with unforgettable flavours.
From creamy mushroom soups and fresh pasta to traditional Finnish dishes, these wild ingredients bring the pure taste of the forest straight to your plate. They are a delicious reminder that some of the world’s finest flavours grow naturally in the forests of Lake Saimaa.
Nature’s Sweetest Harvest
As summer reaches its peak, the forests around Lake Saimaa become a colourful pantry filled with wild berries. Blueberries, lingonberries and raspberries grow naturally across the landscape, offering a delicious taste of the Nordic summer straight from nature.
For Finns, berry picking is a cherished summer tradition. Families head into the forest together, filling their baskets with nature’s sweetest harvest to enjoy fresh or preserve for the months ahead. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and natural flavour, wild berries have always been an important part of the Finnish diet and a symbol of our close relationship with nature.
One of the greatest joys of berry picking is its simplicity. Wander through the forest, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while discovering handfuls of ripe berries growing beneath your feet. Thanks to Finland’s Everyman’s Rights, everyone can experience this unique tradition and enjoy the forest responsibly.
Whether enjoyed straight from the bush or transformed into jams, desserts and traditional Finnish treats, wild berries capture the true flavour of a Finnish summer—pure, fresh and unforgettable.
Learn to Read the Forest
The Finnish forest is full of edible treasures—but knowing what to gather is part of the experience. Learning to recognise wild mushrooms, berries and herbs is a skill that has been passed down through generations, connecting people with nature in a meaningful and respectful way.
On a guided foraging experience, you’ll discover how to identify some of Finland’s most delicious wild ingredients, where they thrive and when they are at their best. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about local traditions, sustainable harvesting and the important role forests have played in Finnish everyday life for centuries.
You’ll also learn one of the most important principles of Finnish foraging: take only what you need and leave plenty for nature to flourish. Respect for the forest is at the heart of every experience, ensuring that these traditions can be enjoyed for generations to come.
With passionate local guides, you’ll gain the confidence to explore the forest with new eyes and discover the hidden flavours of Lake Saimaa.
From Forest to Table
The journey doesn’t end when your basket is full—it continues around the campfire, at the lakeshore or back at the cottage.
In Finland, some of the most memorable meals are enjoyed outdoors. Freshly picked mushrooms, wild berries and seasonal herbs become simple yet delicious dishes prepared in nature, where the surrounding forest becomes part of the dining experience. There’s something special about sharing a meal beside a crackling fire, with the fresh scent of pine trees and the peaceful sounds of the wilderness all around you.
For generations, Finns have also preserved nature’s seasonal harvest for the long winter ahead. Mushrooms are dried or pickled, berries become jams and juices, and every ingredient is valued. It’s a tradition rooted in sustainability, making the most of what nature generously provides while ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Today, these traditions continue to inspire both home cooks and award-winning chefs across the Lake Saimaa region. Whether you’re cooking over an open fire, enjoying lunch by the lake or tasting locally inspired cuisine in a restaurant, every meal tells the story of the Finnish forest—fresh, seasonal and deeply connected to nature.
Forest is For Rest – Finnish Forest Wellbeing
The greatest gift of the Finnish forest cannot be carried home in a basket.
Beyond the mushrooms, berries and wild herbs lies something even more valuable—a sense of calm. The quiet of the forest, the scent of pine trees, the fresh air and the gentle rhythm of nature invite you to slow down, breathe deeply and simply be present.
For Finns, spending time in nature has always been part of a balanced life. A walk through the forest is an opportunity to clear your mind, restore your energy and reconnect with yourself. It’s no coincidence that forests remain one of the places where Finns feel happiest and most at peace.
Around Lake Saimaa, every guided forest experience is about more than discovering edible treasures. It is an invitation to experience the Finnish way of life—where nature is respected, wellbeing comes naturally and every season offers something to discover.
Come and taste the forest. Discover its traditions, its flavours and the wellbeing that has inspired generations of Finns.
