How To Summer In Finland

Amid startling natural beauty, you fish, forage, swim and sauna. And do it all like a true-blue finn

- Lubna Amir

I look down from my airplane window to see Finland swathed in myriad shades of green. It seemed like I was destined to see the country in one shade: when I last visited in winter, the land sparkled white. This summer, I was back, and couldn’t wait to see what the happiest country had in store. I was headed to Finland’s under-explored Lakeland. Home to Lake Saimaa, the country’s largest lake, Lakeland also cradles Imatra and Lappeenranta, two cities just kilometres away from the Russian border that my group of Indian writers was to visit. On my two-hour drive from Helsinki to Imatra, I sit with my face glued to the window—craning my neck to see the dramatic clouds, but it is really the land that holds my attention. As we drive on the national highway, I gaze out at velvety pine forests, their emerald standing out amid the fluorescent green of fresh grass splashed with the pink, purple, yellow, white of wildflowers. Wildflowers abound, and I itch to stop the bus for a closer look. Over the next few days, I learn the names of these flowers, and with it, how to ‘summer’ like a Finn.

FOOD? BERRY GOOD

Scandinavian summer calls for lighter eating: less red meat and root vegetables, more fish, fresh greens and summer potatoes. Oh, and berries—strawberries, raspberries, lingonberries, blueberries, all kinds of berries. Finland follows Everyman’s Rights—anyone can go foraging and fishing on public land. This includes the 13,000-plus islands scattered around Lake Saimaa. Any Finn worth their salt will spend at least part of their summer sailing, foraging, fishing, and generally returning to their roots. Rent a boat—the waters of Lake Saimaa teem with fish, and no prior permits are needed for rod fishing. Build a wood-fire or carry your barbecue along so you can cook your fish on site. Maybe forage for mushrooms and herbs on the side.