Forest Tales & TrailsReal forest silence with Forest Tales & Trails
Private, customisable day trips into the forests with Finnish mythology. Active or mindful, quiet or chatty, at a pace that’s yours. In Helsinki region, Finland. Led by me, Anski — a First Aid–certified local guide, in English, Finnish or French.
What makes us different
Step into Finland’s living folklore and walk the forests Finns still forage today
No crowds, just a relaxed day exploring nature, foraging a bit and hearing tales of the bear, the once-worshipped beast of the north, and of the Kalevala, the epic that inspired even J.R.R. Tolkien.
First Aid certified guide and professional team lead
15 years of leading teams and a lifetime of days outdoors, with additional training from Suomen Latu — the Outdoor Association of Finland — for leading hiking day trips. For you to relax and enjoy.
What we carry into the forest, we carry out of it
I hold an M.Sc. in Creative Sustainability from Aalto University. Expect fun trails, true stories and care for the forest. I’m working towards the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Being outdoors and interacting with nature reduces stress and improves health
Science backs what Finns have always known: nature is good for us. Hear why kids who crawl in moss and mud may build stronger immunity, how stress gets relieved and how we use data to find silence.
Pick your trip
All excursions combine a walk outdoors, nature knowledge with folklore and Finnish culture. Each one is shaped around you —let your imagination wander among bears and magical forest spirits… or lean towards forest relaxation… or make it an active day on the trails.
Taste of the wild
A true forest experience in the heart of Helsinki, the way locals relax. Step from city streets into the forest, where the noise fades almost at once. A gentle walk of conversation and quiet, with stories of Finnish forest spirits and the bear, plus a break for juice and korvapuusti cinnamon rolls.
Echoes of the ice age
The land the glaciers carved, and the stories we told about them. How did 200-ton boulders — once frozen in glaciers — come to rest in the forests, as if placed by giants or “Hiisi” (the devil)? Two trails: stunning Kallahti in east Helsinki, or Hanikka in Espoo for more challenge.
Treecreeper’s day trip
With a background in service design and project management, I’ll turn your vision into an unforgettable trip. Share your interests — nature, history or Finnish folklore — your time and where you’re staying, and I’ll plan a seasonal route at your pace, from one forest day to a multi-day hike.
I’m a Finnish business designer and engineer. I grew up playing outdoors, living in different countries and now I want to share the quiet magic of the Finnish woods with international visitors, one group at a time. There are no strangers, just friendly adventurers who have not met yet…
What a lovely hike at Hanikka Nature Trail! I came away with a great feeling and noticed so many things in the nature that I probably would have missed on my own. I highly recommend it!
This was no ordinary walk in the woods, but a nature experience tailored especially for us! Our destination was a stunning hidden gem. Along the way, we heard fascinating stories, which made the trip even more memorable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for something a little more special than your average forest walk!
What if it’s rainy or really cold?
We operate in all weather unless I consider it to be unsafe. In winter, warm layers and warm shoes matter most — just ask if you’re unsure what to wear. We can lend rain ponchos, and we always have some hats and mittens to borrow or buy.
Can we see wild animals?
It’s possible but never guaranteed — small group sizes and quiet, still moments give the best chance of a sighting.
Do you take people to national parks like Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi?
Yes if requested, though there’s often better, quieter nature to explore just outside the well-known national parks.
Can you take more than four people?
Yes, upon request - please contact me and we’ll see how to make a great day for your group.
Ready to experience something different?
Trips run year-round, all weather and darkness included. Send me a message to check the dates — I reply in English, Finnish or French.