From Helsinki: Berry Picking Day Trip in a National Park

Escape the bustling city of Helsinki for a day and venture into the serene Liesjärvi National Park. You’ll embark on a captivating berry-picking adventure, foraging for wild blueberries, lingonberries, and strawberries under the guidance of an expert. This immersive experience, designed for small groups, promises a delightful blend of nature, local cuisine, and sustainable practices. But the day holds more than just the thrill of the hunt – you’ll also savor a traditional Finnish lunch cooked over a campfire, providing a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage. With stunning landscapes and a bounty of berries to take home, this day trip offers an unforgettable glimpse into Finland’s natural beauty.

Overview of the Day Trip

Embarking on a captivating berry picking adventure, this day trip provides participants with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and abundant flora of Liesjärvi National Park, located just outside of Helsinki.

The 7-hour excursion, departing from downtown Helsinki, offers a guided tour through the national park where guests can forage for wild berries like blueberries, lingonberries, and wild strawberries.

A traditional Finnish-style lunch cooked over a campfire adds to the immersive experience.

With a maximum group size of 8, the intimate tour ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Sustainable travel practices are at the core, as evidenced by the Sustainable Travel Finland label and Green Activities certificate.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Liesjärvi National Park Exploration

Upon reaching Liesjärvi National Park, the guided tour takes participants on a captivating exploration of the park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Amidst the serene pine forests and shimmering lakes, the guide shares insights into the region’s fascinating ecology and the importance of sustainable foraging practices.

Guests delight in spotting native birds and learning to identify edible berries, such as the sweet blueberries and tart lingonberries that dot the forest floor.

The tranquil hike allows ample time for guests to enjoy the park’s natural beauty and connect with Finland’s rich outdoor heritage.

With every step, the tour cultivates a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this protected ecosystem.

Foraging Wild Berries

Guests eagerly venture into the verdant forest, eyes scanning the ground for the vibrant hues of wild berries.

Guided by their instructor, they learn to identify the distinct shapes and textures of blueberries, lingonberries, and wild strawberries, each offering a unique flavor profile to tantalize the senses.

With careful attention, participants gently pick the berries, mindful not to damage the delicate plants.

The satisfying crunch of a ripe blueberry or the tart burst of a lingonberry ignites their taste buds, as they sample the fresh fruits.

This immersive experience allows guests to connect with nature and appreciate the bounty it provides, fostering a deeper respect for the land and its resources.

Traditional Finnish Lunch

After foraging for wild berries, the group gathers around a roaring campfire to enjoy a traditional Finnish-style lunch, prepared by their knowledgeable guide.

The meal features:

• Hearty stew made with locally sourced ingredients

• Freshly baked rye bread, a staple in Finnish cuisine

• Creamy mashed potatoes, a comforting side dish

• A selection of pickled vegetables, adding a tangy contrast

• A sweet berry compote for dessert, complementing the savory meal

Sipping on hot coffee or tea, the hikers relish the flavors of Finland’s natural bounty, fueling up for the return journey through the picturesque national park.

This homemade, rustic lunch is a quintessential part of the berry picking adventure.

Highlights of the Experience

Participants can expect to enjoy Finland’s natural beauty and wildlife throughout the berry picking day trip in Liesjärvi National Park. They’ll learn about the region’s edible wild foods while foraging for blueberries, lingonberries, and wild strawberries under the guidance of a knowledgeable wilderness expert. The experience culminates with a freshly cooked Finnish-style lunch over a campfire, complete with dessert and hot coffee or tea. Afterwards, visitors can take home extra berries as a sweet souvenir of the day. This sustainable tour carries the Sustainable Travel Finland label and Green Activities certificate, ensuring a responsible and eco-friendly adventure.

Highlight	Description
Forage for Wild Berries	Pick blueberries, lingonberries, and wild strawberries
Enjoy a Finnish Lunch	Savor a traditional, campfire-cooked meal with dessert and drinks
Sustainable Travel	Tour is certified as environmentally-friendly and responsible

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Inclusions and Amenities

The tour includes roundtrip transportation to and from the starting point in Helsinki, as well as a professional wilderness guide to lead the experience.

A traditional Finnish-style lunch with dessert and coffee or tea is provided, cooked over a campfire within the national park. Some basic raingear, such as jackets, is also available for participants if needed.

The tour package also includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Opportunity to take home extra berries

• Sustainable Travel Finland label and Green Activities certification

• Adherence to weather policy, operating rain or shine except in extreme conditions

• Meeting point details and guide instructions provided prior to departure.

Important Considerations

This berry picking day trip in Liesjärvi National Park has some important considerations for prospective participants.

It’s not suitable for children under 7 years old, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle.

Pets, baby strollers, mobility scooters, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

The tour operates rain or shine, except in extreme weather events like thunderstorms.

Participants should meet at the designated bus stop in front of Kiasma (Museum of Contemporary Art) 10 minutes before the departure time.

A guide in a silver van labeled Taiga Times will be there to greet the group.

Meeting Point and Transportation

A guide in a silver van labeled Taiga Times will be waiting at the bus stop in front of Kiasma (Museum of Contemporary Art) 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time to greet the group.

From there, the group will be transported to Liesjärvi National Park, located about an hour’s drive from Helsinki. The roundtrip transportation is included in the tour price, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to reach the park.

Key points about the transportation include:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles

• Pickup and drop-off at a central location in Helsinki

• Experienced, licensed drivers

• Efficient, on-time departures and arrivals

• Environmentally-friendly, low-emission vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Medical Facilities in the National Park?

The national park does not have any dedicated medical facilities on-site. Participants should ensure they bring any necessary personal medications and are prepared to handle minor injuries or health issues while in the remote park environment.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the berry picking trip. However, a traditional Finnish-style lunch with dessert and coffee/tea is provided as part of the excursion package.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 7 years old. Children under 7 are not suitable for this activity. Participants must be able to walk for several hours in the national park.

Do I Need to Have Prior Experience With Berry Picking?

No, participants do not need prior experience with berry picking. The guided tour provides instruction on foraging techniques, so even beginners can successfully pick wild berries. The activity is suitable for those new to this outdoor skill.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the Trip?

Participants can purchase additional berries they pick during the excursion to take home as souvenirs. The tour provides containers for storing extra berries gathered throughout the foraging activities in the national park.

Sum Up

This captivating berry-picking day trip from Helsinki to Liesjärvi National Park offers an immersive experience to forage for wild blueberries, lingonberries, and strawberries under expert guidance.

Enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch cooked over a campfire, marvel at the stunning landscapes, and take home extra berries as a delightful souvenir from your adventure in Finland’s natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: