Pyrintö director Elisa Hakanen has visited 16 of Finland’s 41 national parks

Since spring 2020 Elisa Hakanen, executive director of Tampereen Pyrintö, has visited 16 of the country’s 41 national parks. She took to park trips as a pastime and a way to counterbalance hectic work life during the pandemic’s first wave, Tamperelainen reported.

Hakanen traces her interest in nature to childhood days in Teisko and visits near her mother’s home in Kuru, where Seitseminen became a particular favourite. Longer trips with a friend from Utsjoki opened her to Lapland’s wilder parks, and Urho Kekkonen, Lemmenjoki and Pallas–Yllästunturi left a strong impression, prompting plans for more distant journeys.

Many parks are within a two-hour drive of Tampere, and Hakanen typically picks routes with varied scenery, such as lakeshores, boardwalks and some climbs, though she avoids the most demanding trails. National parks are an accessible way to get outdoors, meet fellow hikers and recharge without the pressure of intense exercise.