Forest Tales & TrailsFrequently asked questions
The things guests ask most often. If yours isn’t here, send a message — I answer in English, Finnish or French, usually the same day.
How hard is the walking?
Most walks are easy but routes might have bits that vary in difficulty. You are asked to provide information about your group beforehand to be able to find the best route for you. Your guide takes care of the suitable pace for the group along the trip.
The path is rather flat either on a maintained walking path or on a forest path. No steep up or downhills.
There are more roots and stones, and some up and downhill.
Narrow paths with obstacles and cliffs, we go uphill and downhills and/or you need to be fit enough to walk for the whole day.
Some trips offer a choice of locations at different grades — tell us what suits your group and we will pick the route to match.
You will also see combined grades. Easy/Medium means there are easy and medium parts, and Medium/Difficult means there are medium and difficult parts.
Booking & payment
Can I pay with card? Do you take cash?
No, card payment only. After we’ve agreed about the tour I will send you a link to payment provider (Mollie B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands) where you can pay with credit card. For the same day bookings you can pay by card at the meet-up before the tour.
Can you take more than four people?
Tours are planned for small groups so the pace and stories stay personal and we don’t make too much noise which scares birds and animals. Larger groups can be arranged on request.
Have you used AI with the photos?
No. I have not used AI in any of the photographs. The photos on this website have all been taken by a real person, from real destinations. If you wish to purchase a copy or a print please let me know.
On the day
What if I have a food allergy?
Everything is by default lactose free. Please mention any allergies or dietary requirements when booking and we’ll sort everything out.
Can we see aurora borealis in the Welcome Darkness tour?
This is very unlikely in southern Finland. If the sky is clear and the weather is good it is more likely for us to see stars or satellites.
Escape the Airport - what if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Please contact us as soon as you have the information and I will do my best to see if there is anything we can do to adapt to the change or modify the tour. Forest Tales and Trails is only responsible of the time keeping between the agreed meeting time and the return time to the airport. Before booking please check your travel insurance and your airline terms and conditions for delay and cancellation.
What is the cancellation policy?
You have the right to cancel your trip any time. For cancellations booked through us you get a full refund up to seven (7) days before the tour. For bookings via an online platform (currently Get Your Guide) the cancellation time is 24 hours. After that the tour is non-refundable. See our terms and conditions. In a case of severe illness etc please contact us to see if we can change or modify your booking.
What should I bring on a forest adventure?
Comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing and a hat are all you need. I personally prefer long sleeve shirts and long trousers also in the summer but that depends on the weather and the trails.
What if it’s rainy or really cold?
We operate in all weather unless the guide considers the weather conditions to be unsafe.
We have some rain ponchos or winter boots to lend. It’s also possible to purchase more personal gear if necessary, such as warm hats or mittens.
Can we see wild animals?
It is possible but not guaranteed. You never know what turns up once being still and silent for a while. This is why the group sizes are very small. More the merrier but more the noisier as well, which scares animals. Animals are also masters of blending in. Can you spot deer in this spring picture?
Who can come
Can I join other people to share the cost?
The tours are generally private, so you are welcome on your own but I cannot promise to join you to any other private party.
I’m coming on my own. Is that OK?
Absolutely! I organize private walks and it’s my pleasure to welcome solo travelers, especially women to safely explore forests with me.
Can you take children under 7?
Generally the tours are meant for children from 7 years who can walk a bit longer by themselves but don’t hesitate to ask and tell what you have in mind, and I will see how to make the day work for you.
Can people with mobility issues join the tours?
Generally, the group should be able to walk by themselves — the routes can be easy but they are not necessarily accessible. However, if you need an accessible route or special arrangements, kindly do not hesitate to query. I will see what I could do to organize a lovely nature experience for you.
Where we go
Do you take people to national parks like Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi?
If requested, yes. I wish to point out that there is magnificent nature outside the sometimes crowded national parks. One just needs that little bit of local twist to know where to go and when.
Still wondering about something?
Ask me directly — no question is too small, and it’s the quickest way to find out whether a trip suits your group.