National Park Hike & Finnish Smoke Sauna Experience with Campfire Lunch

I was planning different trip trying to avoid sauna (was not my favorite thing to do in my younger days), but it was only available option for my last day in Helsinki, and I like hiking, so I signed up. It was one of the best and memorable daytrips I've been on lately. Weather cooperated that day and from the beginning there were only positives. My random company was lovely; the guide was very knowledgeable about nature and the park; the walk was easy but lengthy enough to see various things. Picnic food was simple but very delicious and the grand finale of sauna time was amazing. We tried different saunas (hotter vs cooler, smoke vs regular) and dipping in the lake was surprisingly pleasant. I recommend this trip to anyone especially if you are already in a group.

Great insight into Finnish outdoor life and particularly the sauna culture. Smoke sauna a must do experience. Alex gave great information about all aspects of what we experienced and much more.

My son and I had a fantastic day out visiting the National Park just 30 minutes outside Helsinki. Our very charming and knowledgeable tour guide, Jeff, led us through the forest on a two hour hike that included a campfire lunch. On our return from the hike we indulged ourselves in two of the hottest saunas I have ever experienced as well as two very quick dips in the adjacent lake. All up, a very different but thoroughly enjoyable day.

It’s fun. The hike was lovely and not difficult But most of all, this is your opportunity to experience a real smoke sauna; actually, four of them of increasing heat; it’s very different than the electric sauna. You will learn a lot about how the sauna experience really works. Annetka was great as a guide. Best to bring your own bathing suit, though you can rent them at the sauna office.

The experience was great with Taiga Tmes, the guide Jeff is very knowledgeable regarding the nature and Finnish culture. He is very friendly and helpful. Since I am by myself, he also make sure I am not left out. The other participants are also very friendly and nice, we have a great time. Kiia, although she was not there, also respond to questions I have via whatsapp and offer help out of the trip if I needed. The lunch, although a very simple meal but taste delicous. It is a great experience to cook on wood fire. I would recommend Taiga Times to anyone who is interested in Finland nature.

I enjoyed the rich nature. They also answered small questions about plants carefully. The smiles of the staff are also lovely! I was also relieved to have staff who were fluent in Japanese. The authentic sauna was very exciting and healed my heart. The experience of jumping into a lake is amazing!

A great traditional experience. Beautiful hike in the woods with information about Flora and Fauna. And the sauna experience was unforgettable. Our guide was great!

If you like walking in the woods and want the experience of a true Finnish sauna, this is definitely the tour to take! Annetta was an excellent guide and took us through all the different temperature saunas and lake swims with much care as to what people in the group could handle. The hike was easy enough but still enjoyable and a good way to start. She cooked lunch while we were able to take time to explore by ourselves. But the saunas... wow! What an experience! I wish we had more time to do other tours that she was leading as she was a great guide!

Fabulous trip with Taiga times arnetta our guide was great very knowledgeable friendly and a great cook ! Meal was lovely Sauna experience fabulous ! Definitely a great trip to do while in Helsinki

We had a great time walking in the National Park by our guide, Annette, who was relaxed, knowledgeable and fun.. and who made the sauna and lake dips very easy to do! The wood saunas were amazing and the lunch (cooked over an open fire) was great! Thanks again and highly recommended for anyone who comes to Finland.