ParksandGardens, Mariehamn

The Archipelago National Park is located just 60 kilometres from Turku. Visitors can reach the park via Kimito and Pargas. Nature in the region is fascinating the whole year-round. The region is comprised of a rugged archipelago ecosystem and ancient bedrock, where the juniper and curling pine grow. Thanks to grazing livestock and long-term land management, the region also boasts beautiful, verdant traditional landscapes. Archipelago National Park is one of the most species-rich regions in Finland. Visitors can also experience archipelago life and culture within the park as well as in co-operation areas outside it. The Archipelago National Park is part of the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve, which was established by UNESCO. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/archipelago-national-park_en

The Turku University Botanical Garden operating on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Flourishing in the outdoor garden are rhododendrons, peonies, annuals, economic plants, meadow flowers, exotic trees and shrubs, to name a few. A distinguishing feature of the new landscape is the three ponds containing colourful water lilies and other wetland plants. Here it is possible to hold meetings, training sessions and private events held in the outdoor gardens, greenhouses, seminar hall and cafeteria (which is also available for dining). http://www.visitturku.fi/en/botanical-garden_en

Stadsträdgården is Uppsala’s city park situated beside the Fyris river. The powers that be in Uppsala took the first steps towards creating this city park in the late 19th century. Now in the early 21st century, open-year-round Stadsträdgården is a firm favourite among Uppsala city folk for strolls, lazing around and its various children’s play, picnic and event areas. Visit the wonderfully-named Lycksalighetens ö, or ‘Bliss Island’ in English – a tiny island in the middle of a water-lily pond. Plonk yourself down and bliss out surrounded by greenery. Nearby is a large playground for the kids and other family attractions. The former home of the master gardener, Gula Villan or ‘Yellow House’, is in the middle of the park and is now a café serving coffee and eats during the summer months. It’s an ideal stop-off before visiting the southern end of the park for Parksnäckan for open-air theatre shows and events in the summer months. Being a park, Stadsträdgården is packed with flowerbeds the varieties of which are too many to go into here. One of the highlights though is the rose garden featuring many different types of roses, as well as clematis and perennials. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/uppsala-city-garden/

Who was 18th-century Swedish super-scientist Carl Linnaeus? What did he do that was so important and why should you visit his garden? Linnaeus’ biological naming system (the binomial nomenclature) made sense of the system of naming animals and plants, so that (at least in Latin) scientists had a common reference name, for example for the Polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Otherwise, they wouldn’t know what each other was talking about. Biologists, bird-watchers and gardeners all around the world have much to thank him for. This feat alone makes him a giant among scientists. The reconstructed gardens are here because Carl Linnaeus lived and worked in Uppsala where he was a professor of medicine at Uppsala University. The gardens are a copy of Uppsala University’s botanical garden as it would have looked during Linnaeus’ lifetime and have been restored according to his and Carl Hårleman’s design from 1745. All of some 1,300 species in the garden are known to have been cultivated by the great man himself according to his own system and that makes it very special indeed. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/the-linnaeus-garden/

The Uppsala University Botanical Garden stylishly houses more than 7,500 plant species and is part of the Linnaean Gardens, with the Linnaeus Garden and Linnaeus Hammaby. What you can expect and get here is a botanical and gardening experience par excellence. Visit the baroque garden and the park during spring, summer and autumn for brilliantly coloured summer flowers, charming alpine plants, trees and shrubs from all around the world. Make a pit-stop at charming summertime Café Victoria for coffee and buns before heading for the gorgeous 200-year-old Orangery (Orangeriet) for cacti, Linnaeus’ bay trees, as well as fig and olive trees. End on a sweaty note by taking in Uppsala’s only rain forest at the Tropical Greenhouse and see the coffee bushes, banana plants and orchids. The Botanical Garden is a short walk from the city centre. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/the-botanical-garden/

Beloved by both Stockholmers and visitors, Djurgården is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Stockholm. The island has been in possession of the crown since the 15th century. Like no other place in Stockholm it collects many of the city’s most famous museums and cultural attractions (the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund, the Abba museum and Skansen to name a few) with green nature, parks, and family-friendly activities. Djurgården can be reached by bus, tram or ferry from central Stockholm. Though on a beautiful summer day a walk along Strandvägen, from The Royal Dramatic Theatre to Djurgårdsbron, is highly recommended. https://www.visitstockholm.com/see--do/attractions/djurgarden/

This idyllic island is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and recreation for Stockholmers and visitors alike, but this wasn’t always the case. From the eighteenth century until 1974, Långholmen was a dreaded prison island. https://www.visitstockholm.com/see--do/attractions/langholmen/

Feel the surf and spindrift of the sea, listen to the ripple of the waves and look far to the open sea! Established in 2011, the Bothnian Sea National Park comprises approximately 160 km of the coast of Satakunta and Southwest Finland. The National Park extends from Luvia to Merikarvia in the Pori region, and it is mainly located in the outer archipelago. 98% of the area of the Bothnian Sea National Park is water, so the park offers a magnificent open landscape for even several days’ trips by sail or motorboat. See and experience the rugged and rocky outer archipelago with its sea-buckthorn bushes and blooming shore meadows. You can berth at the park’s islands and camp for short periods. There are resting and campfire places on the islands. There are also several excursion harbours in the National Park area to visit, such as Munakari, Iso-Enskeri and Seliskeri, Säppi in Luvia and Ouraluoto in Merikarvia. The lighthouse on the island of Säppi in Luvia was built in the 19th century. In addition, you can admire the heritage landscape, rare mouflon and migratory birds on the island. https://www.visitpori.fi/en/bothnian-sea-national-park-2854

Hanhipuisto park was originally set up in 1988 on a dredged soil deposit site. Extensive rebuilding work has turned the former sedimentation basins into a park where horizontal dimensions are used to highlight the vegetation on display. The total area of the Hanhipuisto park is around 16 hectares, of which 8.9 hectares comprises built-up parkland. https://www.visityyteri.fi/en/palvelut/hanhipuisto-park/

Fun for kids – educational for adults. Kungsby has both wild and farm animals including cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, sheep, donkeys, moose and wild boar. http://visitvasteras.se/en/actor/kungsbyns-animal-park/

The Puurijärvi and Isosuo National Park, like other national parks, is a very exceptional and important pearl in Finnish nature. There are already 1500-1200 inhabited areas before the start of the time, and village communities around the park were born in the 13th century. https://retkipaikka.fi/vapaa/puurijarven-ja-isosuon-kansallispuisto-suota-lintuja-ja-pohjoismaiden-suurimpiin-kuuluva-lintutorni/

If you enjoy heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping thrills then Kokpunkten is the place to go! http://visitvasteras.se/en/actor/kokpunkten/

Holmberget is a beautiful park in the middle of Torshälla. The park, which is more than 100 years old, is primarily the city gardener and the hometown enthusiast Georg Nyström's work. From the park, you have a beautiful view of the river and old Torshälla. Holmberget, originally a work of the city gardener and the hometown enthusiast Georg Nyström (1861-1944). He spent much of his life making Holmberget a distinguished park facility. During the summer season, entertainment is arranged at Holmberget's outdoor stage. On the mountain is also the restaurant Holmberget. Holmberg Park is also called Torshällas city park. It is provided with winding corridors, statues and beautiful views of old Torshälla. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/holmberget-torshalla

Visit Rothoff Park, a park in the heart of Eskilstuna with a botanical orientation and a fun playground for the younger ones. Here there are flowers, berries, spices and trees to learn more about or simply enjoy. Despite its central position, Rothoffsparken is a quiet and harmonious place, framed by centuries-old oaks. Here you can take it easy or have fun, young and old. In the lush park, you can have a picnic, play football or simply relax. Despite its modern details, the park retains its 17th-century charm and is today a cultural heritage site, as well as one of the city's most famous parks. When you visit the Rothoff Park you are met by trees, shrubs and flowers but also a playground, a pond with arched small bridges and a beekeeper. All plants have small descriptive signs for those who want to learn more. In the pond, you can sometimes see carp swimming around and ducks, quietly floating around on the surface. In the playground, there are swings, a climbing frame, a trampoline and a rocking jeep for the adventurous. In addition to this, there is a large lawn with space for picnics, lunches and games. The main entrance to the park is met by the Rothoffsvillan - a stately building from the late 1800s that has given the park character for many years. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/rothoffsparken#googtrans(sv|en)

Nuuksio National Park – fresh air, nature, tranquillity. Away from the hectic city life but still next door. Nuuksio National Park is only 40 minutes from Helsinki. Within easy reach of Helsinki, you can escape into wild natural settings and experience nature, lovely lakes, green forests and clean air. With its marked trails, cooking shelters and camping sites Nuuksio is ideal for short hiking trips lasting one or two days. Nuuksio National Park forms the western part of the so-called Nuuksio lake uplands, the most extensive and ecologically important continuous backwoods area in the Uusimaa Region. Because it is located in southern Finland and affected by broken bedrock, the park consists of an intricate mosaic of habitats, where dozens of threatened and near-threatened species live. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/nuuksio-national-park/

Let the adventure begin! Enjoy one of Scandinavia’s most exciting experiences! Nestled in the beautiful countryside outside Norrköping, covering 1.5 square kilometres (370 acres), Kolmården Wildlife Park is among the most popular tourist attractions in the Nordic countries. Home to 750 animals from all over the world, Kolmården offers activities for the entire family. In the Dolphin Show “Life”, an international hit, dolphins leap from the water into the hearts of the audience. Board the Safari gondola, the only one of its kind in the world, to quietly glide close above lions and giraffes. Come face to face with big cats in Tiger World, and watch enthralled as raptors swoop overhead in the Birds of Prey Show “Wings”.Here too you can meet Bamse – the world’s strongest bear – and his friends in a magical world of their own. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit your plans. Vildmarkshotellet is an African-themed hotel adjacent to the park, with fabulous sea views. If you really want to experience the animals close up, the Safari Camp tent village is the place to stay. http://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/kolmardens-djurpark

Experience a touch of the Lappish exotic with reindeer in Nuuksio reindeer park which is the southernmost place in Finland where you can see and feed reindeer. You can also enjoy brewed coffee with Lappish cheese bread, grilling sausages or stick bun on an open fire or delicious glow fried salmon or game dishes in an atmospheric wilderness style of tepee restaurant "White Reindeer”. The tepee has a capacity of about 40 persons + outdoor terrace from where you can admire the reindeer at close range. "White Reindeer” Kota restaurant is fully licenced and it is open for groups on a reservation basis. Nuuksio reindeer park also offers nature program services to an additional request such as Guided nature trail from the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia or from Haukkalampi to reindeer park, either on foot, Nordic walking style with poles, skis, snowshoes or kick sledges; transportation by two 8 person minibuses is also possible. https://www.visitespoo.fi/en/service/nuuksio-reindeer-park-and-white-reindeer-kotarestaurant/

Geological formations, woods, flowers, lakes and water streams. This ravine was created as a fracture for 200 million years ago. You can easily, on a small path, follow Getå stream from its start in Bråviken and up through a small and deep ravine. In the lower part of the ravine, you will find lots of broad-leaf trees and in the upper part, there is a beautiful spruce forest. Here you have a great variety of flowers. It is an oasis for all flower lovers. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/getaravinen

In Glottern forest you can wander through the beautiful old-growth forests or swim in lakes Glottern clear waters. If it is cold, you can warm up in the sauna! Here you are treated to a mixture of spruce forests, rock outcrops, twigs bogs and damp depressions. The forest provides a wild impression with mossy boulders and old lowes. The reserve has almost twenty kilometres trailhead. There is also a shelter and a forest hut. An adventure for many tastes! https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/glotternskogen

The Tallinn Zoo is located in the naturally beautiful Veskimetsa park forest that is rich in species. Boasting the most exciting collection of wildlife in Northern Europe, it is home to more than 11,000 specimens belonging to almost 600 species or subspecies from Australia to Alaska. The Zoo has giant elephants and rhinoceros, dangerous predators, simians, polar bears, and many other exotic species. Tallinn Zoo also has the best collection of wild goats and sheep in the world, as well as a remarkable number of eagles and vultures, and an excellent selection of owl and stork species. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/tallinn-zoo-1

Just outside Norrköping you will find the most inspiring gardens! A visit to Billbäcks display gardens is a treat for all your senses. Whether you are looking for some family-fun or just a relaxing day in beautiful surroundings you have found just the place. Billbäcks can offer you ideas to your own piece of garden with different displays in varied settings. They have their own Garden Café embedded in the greenery with fresh produce. Smell the roses, visit the goldfishes in the ponds and get inspired by the art of nature. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/billbacks-visningstradgard

Situated in the heart of Helsinki, the Esplanade Park serves as a promenade for visitors and a place to relax for the locals. The park and the Espa Stage host many popular events, including the Marimekko Fashion Show in June and the Jazz-Espa concert series throughout July. http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en/see-and-experience/sights-and-attractions/esplanade-park

Tammsaare Park is located in the centre of Tallinn, between the Estonia Theatre and Viru Keskus shopping centre. In 1896, one corner of the park became the new site of Tallinn’s market, which was formerly located on Town Hall Square. From 1903–1905, the park was home to a giant wooden ‘Interimstheater’ – a barn-type hall that was a venue for theatre performances and cinema screenings. When this building burnt down, space was landscaped and pathways were constructed. In 1978, a statue of A. H. Tammsaare was erected in the centre of the park to mark the Estonian author’s 100th birthday. Tammsaare Park has modern lighting, white park furniture, and thousands of flower bulbs. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/tammsaare-park

World Heritage Site Suomenlinna is a cultural treasure. Its construction began in the mid-18th century, when Finland was still part of Sweden. The development of tourism began after the wars in the 20th century, and in the 21st century, the Suomenlinna sea fortress is one of the most popular attractions in Finland. Today, the fortress and its museums, restaurants and events are a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Suomenlinna is not only a popular visitor attraction but also a home of 800 residents. The number of visitors to Suomenlinna has continued to grow, and with over 900,000 visitors every year, the sea fortress is one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations. Suomenlinna attracts visitors from both Finland and abroad: it offers an ideal environment for exploring a historical world heritage site, or just spending a day relaxing. Many visitors come to the island during the summer, but the number of wintertime visitors is steadily growing. https://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/

Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are enchanting destinations for outings, next to the Suomenlinna fortress, just 20 minutes by boat from the Market Square in Helsinki. These two islands have served as the home and workplace of hundreds of people and as the place of military service for thousands of soldiers. Fortifications, buildings, and a record-breaking range of species tell a tale of coexistence between humans and wild nature. Just take a trip to these mysterious islands on which time seems to stand still. http://www.nationalparks.fi/Vallisaari

An oasis in the middle of Örebro Stadsparken creates a perfect spot for strolling, jogging, sunbathing, playing a concert, picknicking, playing, inspiring or simply being in. There is also a year-round open-air café. http://www.visitorebro.se/en/gora/aktorer/stadsparken/

Kadriorg Park is the most outstanding palatial and urban park in Estonia, covering around 70 hectares. Its construction began in 1718 on the orders of Russian tsar Peter I. Elements of park design from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries can be seen here. The most popular places for a stroll in the park are the flower beds surrounding the Swan Pond and the promenade leading from there to the president's palace. There are a number of museums in the park, including KUMU (the Estonian Art Museum), Kadriorg Art Museum and the Mikkeli Museum, as well as monuments to such cultural figures as sculptor Amandus Adamson, author F. R. Kreutzwald and artist Jaan Koort. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/kadriorg-park

Soomaa National Park, founded in 1993, is the second largest national park in Estonia. Soomaa, located on the border between Pärnu and Viljandimaa, is one of the pearls of nature in Estonia, with its large, man-made, almost untouched bogs and wild rivers. https://www.visitparnu.com/avasta-parnu/soomaa-rahvuspark

Oravivuori arc point is a part of Struve Geodetic Arc. The Struve Geodetic Arc was accepted into the Unesco World Heritage List in 2005. It represents the cultural heritage of science and technology. The Struve Geodetic Arc was laid out and measured in 1816-1855 with the aim of determining the size and shape of the Earth. The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulation measurements stretching from the Arctic Sea to the Black Sea, through ten countries and over 2,820km. Six stations points are located in Finland. The point of the Struve Arc Puolakka is located at the top of Oravivuori in Korpilahti. It is the most famous of the Finnish Struve Geodetic arc points, because it is located at the top of a hill and there are beautiful views to the lake Päijänne. On this spot a triangulation tower has been erected to commemorate the importance of the Oravivuori (or Puolakka) measuring station to the mapping of Finland. https://visitjyvaskyla.fi/en/palveluhakemisto/6656/oravivuori_triangulation_tower_-_19th_century_research_station

The park in front of the main building of Viljandi Manor is home to a 'world tree' bearing national patterns carved out of the old, dry oak. Both the tree and the large wooden Hiiu zither nearby made a home for themselves in the park in spring 2009, when Viljandi held the title of Forest Capital of Estonia. The park's 'orchestra' obtained new players in 2010: a willow whistle and bellows. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/viljandi-musical-instrument-park#

There is a pedestrian mall in the heart of Viljandi where you will see an amazing array of things - fragments of the medieval town wall; a modern walking track with unique fountains and benches; and examples of drying barn architecture from the olden days. The Garden of Arcadia was inspired by a dance hall and meeting place here that went by the same dreamy name among locals in the early 1930s. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/the-garden-of-arcadia#

Lake Viljandi is in a primeval valley, which is 11 m deep, 450 m wide and 4600 metres long. The lake is well-known in Estonia thanks to the song about the boatman of VIljandi, who day-dreams about the beautiful blue eyes of a girl he once saw when he was young. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/lake-viljandi-2

As far back as the Middle Ages, it was prescribed by law that the Crown had the sole right to make use of the country’s oak trees. Oak wood is excellent for shipbuilding, and to ensure access to oak timber for the Swedish fleet, major plantings of oak took place on Visingsö in the 1830s. Today the oak trees are ready for logging, but since the fleet uses other materials, the timber is used for other things. To ensure access to good timber for the Swedish fleet after the oak forests in Swedish Pomerania were inundated following the Napoleonic Wars, the Crown had several hundred hectares of oak trees planted on Visingsö. Up until the middle of the 19th century, about 300,000 oak trees had been planted, many of which remain today, occupying an area of about 360 hectares. Today the oak forest is administered by Sweden's National Property Board. The oak trees are currently available for shipbuilding, but technological development has long made them more valuable as oak veneers for floors, whisky barrels, furnishing details for boats and many applications requiring the hard and compact oak material. https://jkpg.com/en/visingso/the-oak-forest-on-visingso/