Finland has a national epic poem, The Kalevala, written by Elias Lönnrot and published in 1835. It was inspired by his travels in the far north of Finland in this spectacular terrain that has become known as the Wild Taiga. Extending along the Russian border in the east, its thick forests, lakes and rivers – habitat for bears, deer, wolves and moose – certainly make for epic experiences. Stretching from Kuhmo to Suomussalmi it dominates Finland’s Kainuu region.
The Wild Taiga is right up on the Russia border. But forget any notion of Cold War. This is crisp, crunchy, cold peace.
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Don’t be overawed by the word epic however, as you can break it all down into sublime stanzas, be it canoeing across remote lakes, experiencing ancient and contemporary culture, staying up all night to watch bears emerge from their ancient habitats, snow shoeing through perfectly snow laden forests, hiking with huskies or seeing the Northern Lights. Put Sibelius’ Karelia Suite on your MP3 player for this one, also inspired by these far out landscapes for the perfect epic soundtrack.
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