Exploring the great outdoors and foraging for fresh berries is a delightful way to spend a day in nature. National parks offer the perfect setting for this unique experience, where visitors can wander through lush landscapes and collect an array of wild berries under the guidance of knowledgeable experts. From blueberries and lingonberries to juicy strawberries, the bounty of these natural treasures provides not only a flavorful treat but also a deeper connection to the environment. Complementing the berry picking is a traditional Finnish-style lunch cooked over a campfire, making this outdoor adventure a truly memorable and immersive experience.
Key Points
- Liesjärvi National Park offers a guided berry picking excursion, allowing participants to forage for wild berries like blueberries, lingonberries, and strawberries.
- The full-day tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, providing a personalized nature experience in the Finnish Taiga forest.
- The excursion includes round-trip transportation from central Helsinki, a Finnish-style lunch cooked over a campfire, and amenities to enhance comfort and enjoyment.
- Participants must have good physical condition and mobility to navigate the uneven terrain, as the excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
- The berry picking excursion holds a perfect 5.0-star rating, with positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the overall enjoyable nature experience.
Overview of the Experience
For travelers seeking a hands-on nature experience, the berry picking excursion in Liesjärvi National Park offers an immersive and educational exploration of Finland’s wilderness.
Participants can expect a full-day guided tour with a maximum group size of 8, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The activity is priced from $176.28 and features a convenient meeting point near Helsinki’s city center.
With a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy, this excursion provides excellent value and convenience for adventurous visitors.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking to connect with the outdoors, this berry picking adventure promises a memorable day in the Finnish Taiga forest.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Helsinki.
Itinerary and Activities
The excursion begins with a convenient meeting point at Mannerheiminaukio 1h, 00100 Helsinki, situated just 500 meters from the Helsinki Central Railway station.
Guests then embark on a drive of just over an hour to Liesjärvi National Park.
Once there, the guided nature walk takes travelers through the Taiga forest, where they can forage for an abundance of wild berries, including blueberries, lingonberries, and strawberries.
After berry picking, participants enjoy a Finnish-style lunch cooked over a campfire, immersing them in the local culture.
The excursion provides an intimate experience, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and memorable day in the great outdoors.
Included Amenities
This excursion provides several amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
The trip includes round-trip transportation from central Helsinki in an air-conditioned vehicle. Participants will be provided with a berry picking bag to hold their foraged bounty.
Plus, the tour organizers will supply raincoats in case the weather turns inclement. To stay hydrated, bottled water is included, though travelers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles.
These thoughtful inclusions allow guests to focus on the joy of berry picking and exploring the Taiga forest, without worrying about the logistical details.
Health and Accessibility Information
Accessibility to this excursion is limited, as the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants should also refrain from joining if they’ve heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but they must be noted at the time of booking.
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Participants should be in good physical condition to navigate the Taiga forest trails and engage in berry picking activities.
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The terrain may be uneven, requiring a moderate level of mobility and stamina.
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Guides are trained to provide assistance, but the experience isn’t suitable for those with significant mobility limitations.
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Travelers with any health concerns are advised to consult with their healthcare providers before booking this excursion.
Reviews and Feedback
According to the provided information, the berry picking excursion in Liesjärvi National Park has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a perfect 5.0-star rating from a total of 9 reviews. Common praise from travelers highlights the knowledgeable guides, enjoyable nature experience, and ample berry picking opportunities. Notably, reviewers have shared positive experiences, emphasizing the guides’ expertise and the overall quality of the excursion.
Review Sources | Positive Sentiments | Negative Sentiments |
---|---|---|
Tripadvisor | 5 | 0 |
3 | 0 | |
Expedia | 1 | 0 |
The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests that this berry picking experience in Liesjärvi National Park is likely a well-organized and enjoyable activity for travelers.
Meeting Point and Transportation
The meeting point for this excursion is conveniently located at Mannerheiminaukio 1h, 00100 Helsinki, in front of Kiasma (Museum of Contemporary Art), approximately 500 meters from the Helsinki Central Railway station.
Travelers are transported to the national park via an air-conditioned vehicle with round-trip transfer from central Helsinki. This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free journey to the berry picking location.
The transportation amenities provided include:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Round-trip transfer from central Helsinki
- Convenient pickup location near major landmarks
- Reliable transportation to the remote national park
Guided Nature Walk
Upon arrival at the national park, travelers embark on a guided nature walk through the stunning Taiga forest. The knowledgeable guide leads the group on an immersive exploration of the local flora and fauna. Along the way, they pause to observe unique features of the environment, such as:
Wildlife Sightings | Noteworthy Plant Life | Geological Formations |
---|---|---|
Elk | Lingonberry bushes | Glacial erratic boulders |
Red squirrels | Old-growth pine trees | Eskers |
Willow ptarmigan | Sphagnum moss | Glacial lakes |
This guided walk provides a deeper understanding of the delicate ecosystem and the role of berries within it, setting the stage for the group’s foraging excursion.
Finnish-style Lunch
After the guided nature walk, the group gathers to enjoy a traditional Finnish-style lunch cooked over a campfire.
The meal features local and seasonal ingredients, showcasing the region’s culinary traditions. The menu may include:
- Grilled sausages or fish
- Hearty vegetable stew
- Freshly baked rye bread
- Foraged wild berries for dessert
The campfire setting and the shared experience of preparing the food together create a sense of camaraderie and immersion in the natural surroundings.
This Finnish-style lunch not only nourishes the body but also the soul, providing a memorable culinary adventure in the heart of the Taiga forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prepare for the Berry Picking Activity?
To prepare for the berry picking activity, one should dress appropriately in comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, wear sturdy shoes, bring sun protection, and ensure they have any required medications or personal items. The provided berry picking bag will be useful during the excursion.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the National Park?
The best time to visit Liesjärvi National Park is during the peak berry season, typically in late July and early August. This ensures ample opportunities to forage for a variety of wild berries like blueberries and lingonberries.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks for the Excursion?
The experience allows participants to bring their own food and snacks. However, a Finnish-style lunch cooked over a campfire is included as part of the excursion, providing an authentic culinary experience during the berry picking adventure.
Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware Of?
There are a few safety precautions travelers should be aware of. The trails may be uneven, so good hiking shoes are recommended. Participants should also stay on marked paths and be cautious of wildlife in the national park.
Can I Extend My Stay in the National Park After the Tour?
The excursion’s itinerary is fixed, and participants can’t extend their stay in the national park after the tour ends. However, visitors are free to explore the park on their own before or after the guided experience.
Recap
Berry picking in the national park offers a unique immersive experience. Participants can explore the lush landscapes, collect wild berries, and enjoy a traditional Finnish-style lunch cooked over a campfire, all under the guidance of knowledgeable experts. This hands-on adventure fosters a deeper connection with the environment and provides nature enthusiasts with a memorable outdoor activity.
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