Forests are an important part of the Finnish mental landscape and our most important natural resource. In other words, by exploring forest you can learn a lot about this society.

During our full-day trip to Rajavuori outdoor area in Laihia, we will focus on exploring and trying out forests’ well-being benefits, discuss food & foraging in different cultures, and find our more about the role and meaning of sauna in the Finnish culture.

We’ll be also sharing and enjoying some food together, while watching the darkness landing over the forest. We’ll set up some candles, or sit around the fire, and experience the early autumn forest preparing for the approaching darkness.

If you are interested, you have the opportunity to test sauna. We are asking your interest in the registration form, so kindly remember to tick the box in case you wish to join the sauna group!

Kindly note, that you can only register on the trip in case you have participated also in the Forest Talk meeting.

• Register by 25th of October by filling in the form

Practicalities:

• We’ll use the Rajavuori outdoor area’s buildings as our base for the day. The buildings are equipped with kitchen and toilets, and in case of rain, we’ll have a roof on top of our heads.

• We’ll provide some tea, coffee & snacks, but kindly bring some dish of your liking to shared table.

• We’ll provide the return transport from Vaasa city center. We’ll meet at 15:00 in front of Funkkis (old Opistotalo) in Vaasa, and return to this same location at 20:30.

• Remember to dress according to weather, and be prepared for changes of weather during the day. It’s good to have shoes that fit walking on nature trails as well as lighter and warmer clothing along.

• If you wish to test sauna, kindly bring along your swimwear and a towel. It’s good to note that women will go to sauna as one group and men as their own group, and all are encouraged to wear their swimsuits to keep it more comfortable to all who wish to try. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to organize a completely private sauna experience for each person in the location.

My Place in Finland is a learning journey designed for adult migrants who wish to understand the society and its people better. The two-part Forest Place is one of the five places we are exploring during this journey.