Connecting with nature is one of the main priorities of Finnish people. Finland’s berry picking events are a huge example of this. These events take place every year during the summer and early autumn. They are pretty fun to join for both locals and tourists.
Since there are several berry-picking events taking place in the country, picking the right one can be a little difficult. So, in this article, I am going to discuss some of the best seasonal berry picking events that you can consider joining.
Let’s start.
Why Berry Picking is Special in Finland
Berry picking in Finland is special for a bunch of different reasons. Here are some of the main ones:
The Power of Everyman’s Right
“Everyman’s Right” enables anyone in Finland to access forests, pick wild berries, and enjoy nature respectfully, regardless of whether they own the land or not. This unique freedom, deeply rooted in Finnish culture, allows people of all ages to participate in berry picking.
Nutritional Superfoods from the Forest
Finland’s wild berries, including blueberries (bilberries), lingonberries, cloudberries, and cranberries, are some of the most nutrient-rich in the world. Grown without pesticides in clean northern soil, they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural flavor.
Top Seasonal Berry Picking Events in Finland – 2025
The top seasonal berry picking events in Finland that you should consider visiting are:
1. Lapland Berry Day Experience – Rovaniemi (July to September)
📍 Location: 40 km outside Rovaniemi
🗓️ Season: Late July – Early September
🔗 Visit Official Site
This event takes you deep into Lapland’s forests for an authentic berry-picking experience. Participants harvest blueberries, lingonberries, and, if lucky, cloudberries, a rare golden berry found in marshlands. The day ends with a traditional Finnish campfire lunch and fresh berry dessert.
Event Features:
- Guided transport from Rovaniemi
- Foraging education and safety briefing
- Forest picnic with Finnish delicacies
- Ideal for families and photographers
2. Helsinki National Park Berry Tour – Liesjärvi (July to September)
📍 Location: Liesjärvi National Park (1.5 hours from Helsinki)
🗓️ Season: July – September
🔗 Visit Official Site
This eco-certified, full-day nature tour departs from Helsinki and takes you to Liesjärvi National Park. Visitors enjoy a guided walk through the forest while foraging for bilberries, lingonberries, and wild strawberries. A traditional Finnish lunch is served by an open fire.
Event Highlights:
- Transport from Helsinki included
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Berries picked are yours to take home
- No prior foraging experience needed
3. Wild Berry Hunt in Private Forests – Lapland (Mid July to September)
📍 Location: Rovaniemi area
🗓️ Season: Mid July – September
🔗 Visit Official Site
This premium experience offers private access to beautiful Lapland forests. Guests are guided through secret foraging locations, where they pick cranberries, lingonberries, and even cloudberries, followed by Finnish coffee by a lakeside fire.
Includes:
- Private or small group tours
- Local guide with expert berry knowledge
- Optional mushroom picking if in season
- Organic, untouched berry fields
4. Mushroom & Berry Tour in Nuuksio – Espoo (Mid July to November)
📍 Location: Nuuksio National Park, Espoo
🗓️ Season: August – November
🔗 Visit Official Site
Located just outside Helsinki, Nuuksio offers a rich variety of berries and mushrooms. This guided tour covers identification, safety, and cooking tips. Popular picks include bilberries, lingonberries, and chanterelle mushrooms.
Perfect For:
- Nature lovers staying in Helsinki
- First-time foragers
- Small groups or solo travelers
- Families with children
5. Guided Forest Foraging in Koli – North Karelia (Mid July to October)
📍 Location: Koli National Park
🗓️ Season: Mid July – October
🔗 Visit Official Site
Located in Eastern Finland, this 2-hour foraging walk near Koli Nature Centre Ukko highlights the region’s traditional berry culture. You’ll pick raspberries, blueberries, and later in the season, chanterelles and other mushrooms.
Special Features:
- Views of Lake Pielinen
- Insight into Karelia’s food heritage
- Nature guides from the Finnish Forest Service
- Eco-friendly and low-impact tourism
When Is the Best Time to Pick Berries in Finland?
| Berry Type | Season (Approximate) |
| Bilberries | July – September |
| Lingonberries | August – October |
| Cloudberries | Late July – Early August |
| Cranberries | September – October |
| Wild Strawberries | Late June – Mid July |
Tip: Always wear long sleeves, carry mosquito repellent, and bring a berry basket or bucket.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an adventurous traveler or a wellness seeker, seasonal berry picking events in Finland offer more than just fresh produce; they provide a connection to nature, local traditions, and unforgettable landscapes.
In 2025, Finland’s national parks and guided foraging tours are ready to welcome a new wave of berry lovers into the forest. Don’t just taste Finland, experience it, one berry at a time.
