I’d Rather Be in the Forest – How Finns Connect with Nature

There’s a well-known Finnish saying: "Metsä vastaa niin kuin sinne huudetaan", which roughly translates to “The forest responds the way you call into it.” It’s an old proverb, but it perfectly captures the deep relationship Finns have with nature. In Finland, the forest isn’t just a place—it’s a state of mind. It’s where people go to relax, recharge, and find peace away from the busyness of modern life.

The Finnish Love for the Forest

With 75% of Finland covered in forests, it’s no surprise that nature plays a major role in daily life. For many Finns, a walk in the woods isn’t just a leisure activity—it’s an essential part of well-being. Studies show that even a short time spent in nature can lower stress levels, improve mood, and boost creativity.

Unlike in many other countries, Finns don’t see forests as something separate from their everyday lives. Instead, they are deeply woven into culture and traditions. Whether it’s picking berries and mushrooms, hiking, skiing, or simply sitting on a rock and listening to birdsong, the forest is a second home.

Everyman’s Right – Freedom to Roam

One of the most cherished aspects of Finnish nature is jokamiehenoikeus, or Everyman’s Right. This law allows everyone—locals and visitors alike—to freely roam the countryside, pick wild berries and mushrooms, camp, and enjoy nature, as long as they respect it.

In a world where access to untouched nature is becoming rarer, Finland remains a paradise for those who seek solitude and connection with the wild. You don’t need to own land to experience the magic of the forest; you just need to step outside.

Nature as a Place of Healing

For Finns, nature isn’t just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a source of healing. Many people escape to their summer cottages (mökki) to enjoy the silence, the scent of pine trees, and the rhythm of the seasons. The idea of "forest bathing" (metsäkylpy), which has gained popularity worldwide, is something Finns have been practicing for centuries without needing a name for it.

In Finland, being in nature isn’t an event or an excursion—it’s simply part of life. Children grow up playing in the woods, schools take students on nature excursions, and even city dwellers have easy access to green spaces. Nature is always near, and it provides a quiet refuge in a world that never stops moving.

I’d Rather Be in the Forest

It’s easy to understand why, when asked about their favorite place to be, many Finns would simply say: “Mieluummin olisin metsässä”—I’d rather be in the forest. There’s something timeless and grounding about walking among the trees, feeling the soft moss underfoot, and knowing that no matter what happens in the outside world, the forest will always be there, waiting.

For those seeking peace, simplicity, and a connection to something greater, Finland offers the perfect escape. After all, who wouldn’t rather be in Finland—perhaps deep in the woods, surrounded by the quiet embrace of nature?