In the middle of November, we Finns usually moan after the lushness and the sun in the middle of the rainy, stormy and grey weather. However, when turning the thinking the other way around – there is a lot of nice things to enjoy.
Darkness: A Stage For Nature’s Beauty
Modern life is full of noise and light pollution. Escaping city lights and heading into nature reconnects you with something primal. Darkness isn’t just the absence of light, it’s a stage for wonders.
Here in Finland, darkness spreads and delights, enchanting us during and after autumn. It offers peace and quiet, which nature and also we humans need. The darkness tells our bodies and minds to slow down. There is calmness in the air. And the nature reveals its beauty.
Quiet And Dark Is Beautiful
Many of us want to escape the noise and light pollution. Leave the city lights behind us and head out into nature to explore and admire the darkness.
Enjoying star bathing or ‘spa-gazing’ – stargazing from hot tubs and heated pools. The starry season starts as early as September. Here in the North, you can see the northern lights on a clear night. They dance across the northern sky like a living work of art.
The darkness makes room for the wonders of light – the bright starry sky, the moonlight, and nature’s own light show.
Activity Hunting
As you move through the dark forest with a headlamp, you feel the tranquility and silence around you. Walking, jogging, cycling, skiing, and just wandering around in the forest are great ways to enjoy the darkness.
When evening falls, take a trip to a campfire site and enjoy a small meal there. A night hike or a quiet moment in the dark forest offers a unique connection with nature.
Why not paddle your kayak away from light pollution into the darkness for a whole new experience.
The journey allows time for solo reflection too, so that you can really absorb and immerse yourself in the spectacle.
Imagination Activation
There is also something mystical about moving around in the dark; it is exciting and stimulates the imagination. In the dark, your senses of hearing, smell, and touch are heightened, which can also make the experience of nature more intense.
Photographers and artists find inspiration in the darkness. Light painting, moonlit landscapes, and the northern lights offer unique opportunities for creative expression.
Experiencing darkness does not require significant resources, it is an ecological, quiet, and deeply personal way to travel. It invites you to slow down and take care.
Travel Tips:
1. Go Stargazing Like Never Before
- When: The starry season begins in September and lasts through winter.
- Where: Find a spot far from city lights—national parks and lakeshores are perfect.
- Pro Tip: Try “star bathing” from a hot tub or heated pool for a magical experience.
2. Chase the Northern Lights
- Best Time: Clear nights from autumn to early spring.
- Tip: Use apps like Aurora Forecast to track activity and head north for the best views.
3. Explore the Forest at Night
- Activities: Night hikes, jogging, skiing, or simply wandering with a headlamp.
- Bonus: Pack a small meal and enjoy it by a campfire under the stars.
4. Paddle into the Darkness
- Why: Kayaking away from light pollution offers a whole new perspective.
- Tip: Choose calm waters and bring a waterproof headlamp for safety.
5. Heighten Your Senses
- In the dark, hearing, smell, and touch become sharper. Let the forest sounds guide you and notice details you’d miss in daylight.
6. Capture the Magic
- For Creatives: Darkness is a playground for photographers and artists. Try light painting, moonlit landscapes, or northern lights photography.
Why It’s Worth It
Experiencing darkness doesn’t require big budgets or fancy gear. It’s ecological, quiet, and deeply personal mindful way to travel that helps you slow down and reconnect with nature.
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