The stark contrasts between the four seasons are the main characteristics of the annual natural cycle in Finland. For a great part of the year the land is covered in frost and snow but there is a certain kind of mystique in the air when the seasons eventually change.
Whether it is the ice melting, revealing the green, growing grass in the spring or the leaves changing color in the forests and fells when the autumn arrives, Finns find themselves feeling united with the nature. And during those never-ending, long-awaited, white summer nights who wouldn’t?
SUMMER
The summer isn’t endless in Finland, but there are almost endless summer days. On a fine summer day, Finns have an overwhelming urge to go outside and get out of town.
AUTUMN
Summer ends with an explosion of color in the forests. This is the season known as ‘ruska’, when the autumnal reds, browns and yellows are especially beautiful on the fells of Lapland.
WINTER
The snow season in northern Finland begins in November and lasts at least until May. In the inland regions of southern and central Finland, the first snow falls at the beginning of December and melts during late March and April.
SPRING
Summer is short in Finland and spring is even shorter. In southern Finland there is often snow on the ground at the beginning of April, with a few crocuses poking their heads through the bare patches.