Helsinki, Finland – [Current Date] – In a remarkable display of dedication to outdoor adventure and a profound connection with Finland’s pristine wilderness, Susanna "Suski" Oksanen, a distinguished touring paddling ambassador for the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation, has achieved a monumental feat: she has successfully visited all 41 of Finland’s national parks. This lifelong quest culminated this summer, with Oksanen primarily utilizing a packraft – a lightweight, inflatable kayak – to navigate the diverse aquatic landscapes that define the Nordic nation’s protected areas. Her journey not only highlights personal endurance but also champions packrafting as an accessible and versatile method for deep immersion in nature.
Oksanen’s extensive travels, meticulously documented through her evocative photography, serve as an inspiring testament to the beauty and accessibility of Finland’s natural treasures. Her preferred mode of transport, the packraft, has allowed her to seamlessly blend traditional hiking and exploration with a unique water-level perspective, opening up routes and vistas often inaccessible by other means.
The Journey: A Lifelong Quest Across Finland’s Protected Lands
Susanna Oksanen’s passion for Finland’s national parks is not a newfound hobby but a deeply ingrained part of her identity, cultivated since childhood. "From a young age, I’ve traversed national parks by foot, on skis, by bike, and by kayak," Oksanen shares, reflecting on her decades-long journey. What began as a series of individual excursions gradually evolved into a singular, ambitious goal: to experience every single one of Finland’s 41 national parks.
This summer marked the triumphant conclusion of that odyssey. While she had explored many parks through conventional means, the packraft emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing her approach to multi-modal expeditions. The ability to carry her vessel on her back while hiking between waterways allowed for unprecedented flexibility, enabling her to reach remote lakes, rivers, and coastal areas with ease. This hybrid approach – a true "hike-and-paddle" philosophy – became the cornerstone of her final push to complete the list, proving especially effective in Finland’s fragmented, water-rich terrain.
Her journey is a chronological narrative of evolving outdoor techniques, culminating in a method that perfectly suits Finland’s unique geography. Each park presented its own set of challenges and rewards, from the rugged, ancient landscapes of the south to the vast, open wilderness of Lapland. The cumulative experience, she notes, has not only deepened her understanding of Finland’s biodiversity and geology but also forged an unbreakable bond with its wild heart.
Packrafting: The Ultimate Wilderness Companion
At the core of Oksanen’s extraordinary achievement lies the packraft – a seemingly simple yet incredibly sophisticated piece of equipment. Far from being a mere inflatable toy, a packraft is a robust, lightweight, and durable inflatable kayak, specifically designed for backcountry travel. Typically weighing between 2 to 4 kilograms, these ingenious vessels can be deflated and packed down to the size of a sleeping bag, easily fitting into a backpack. This portability is its greatest asset, allowing adventurers to carry their boat on trails and deploy it whenever a waterway presents itself.
The accompanying touring paddle, equally designed for portability, breaks down into two to four manageable sections, further minimizing bulk in a backpack. This combination transforms the wilderness into an expansive playground, where hikers can transition effortlessly into paddlers, crossing lakes, floating down rivers, and exploring intricate archipelagos without the need for heavy, cumbersome traditional kayaks or canoes.
Packrafts are built for resilience, often constructed from tough, abrasion-resistant materials that can withstand encounters with rocks, branches, and other obstacles common in wild environments. Their stability and maneuverability make them suitable for a wide range of water conditions, from tranquil lakes and slow-moving rivers to more challenging rapids, depending on the specific model. This versatility is precisely what made the packraft Oksanen’s preferred tool for navigating Finland’s diverse water systems, which range from calm forest lakes to vast inland seas and intricate coastal archipelagos. It allows for a deeper, more intimate connection with the environment, offering perspectives that are simply not possible from land.
Three Finnish Gems: Suski’s Top Packrafting Routes
Among the 41 national parks, Susanna Oksanen cherishes particular memories from several expeditions, highlighting the unique ways packrafting enriched her experience. She invites us to delve into three of her favorites:
Repovesi National Park: Where Cliffs Meet Water
Located in southeastern Finland, Repovesi National Park is renowned for its dramatic, rugged cliffs, ancient forests, and labyrinthine waterways. For Oksanen, it offered the perfect opportunity to seamlessly combine her love for hiking and paddling. "In Repovesi, we wanted to unite two ways of moving in the national park: hiking and paddling," she recounts. The packraft proved ideal for this dual-mode exploration. Carried in her backpack along winding forest trails, the lightweight vessel was deployed upon reaching the park’s numerous lakes and rivers.
From the water, Repovesi reveals a different character. The towering granite cliffs, sculpted by millennia of geological activity, rise majestically from the water’s edge. Oksanen particularly remembers encountering ancient rock paintings, their faded ochre figures clinging to vertical rock faces. "The sheer cliffs and rock paintings left a lasting impression, offering a completely unique perspective when viewed from the water," she explains. This low-angle vantage point from the packraft allowed her to appreciate the scale and historical significance of these prehistoric artworks in a way that land-based viewing could not. The park’s iconic new suspension bridge, connecting two parts of the park over a narrow strait, also became a memorable landmark, marking an impressive portage point for packrafters continuing their aquatic journey. Repovesi epitomizes the "hike-and-paddle" ethos, where the packraft unlocks hidden depths of a familiar landscape.
Tiilikkajärvi National Park: The Gentle Wilderness of Sand and Eskers
A stark contrast to Repovesi’s rugged grandeur, Tiilikkajärvi National Park in North Savo presents a landscape of serene beauty, characterized by vast sandy beaches, picturesque eskers, and crystal-clear waters. Oksanen describes the atmosphere as "completely different from Repovesi’s rugged cliffs," evoking a "gentle and summery" feel.
Here, the packraft allowed for unhurried exploration, drifting across the placid lake, discovering secluded coves and pristine sandy shores. "With a packraft, it’s easy to explore the lake at your own pace and stop at a suitable sandy beach," she notes. The park’s distinctive eskers – long, winding ridges of sand and gravel formed by retreating glaciers – create unique islands and peninsulas, best appreciated from the water. The clarity of Tiilikkajärvi’s water reveals the sandy bottom, adding to the park’s tranquil and inviting ambiance. It’s a place for quiet contemplation, gentle paddling, and basking in the subtle beauty of Finland’s glacial heritage, all made more intimate by the low profile of the packraft.
Hossa National Park: Delving into the Depths of Julma-Ölkky
Further north, in the region of Suomussalmi, lies Hossa National Park, a land of ancient rock paintings, clear waters, and dramatic geological formations. Oksanen’s visit included a memorable day trip to Julma-Ölkky, a spectacular canyon lake known for its towering, sheer rock walls.
"In Hossa, we headed for a day trip to Julma-Ölkky, where the rugged cliff walls rise meters high," Oksanen recalls. The experience of navigating the narrow canyon in a packraft offered a profound sense of scale. "From a packraft, you grasp the canyon lake’s true dimensions in a completely different way: at water level, the small boat feels truly tiny amidst the high cliffs." This immersive perspective underscored the immense power of nature, making the paddler feel intimately connected to the ancient geology of the canyon. Hossa also holds significant cultural history, with some of Finland’s oldest rock paintings, adding another layer of depth to the wilderness experience. The packraft, in this context, transformed a simple viewing into a profound journey into the heart of the landscape.
Beyond the Featured Parks: A Nation of Waterways
Susanna Oksanen’s expedition across all 41 national parks underscores the incredible diversity and abundance of water-rich landscapes throughout Finland. Beyond her highlighted favorites, she recommends numerous other national parks perfectly suited for packrafting adventures. These include Oulanka, Patvinsuo, Leivonmäki, Petkeljärvi, Isojärvi, Kolovesi, Linnansaari, and Päijänne.
These parks offer a spectrum of aquatic environments: Oulanka’s wild rivers and canyons, Patvinsuo’s vast mires and tranquil lakes, the interconnected waterways of Kolovesi and Linnansaari (part of the Saimaa lake system), the expansive Päijänne lake, and the serene beauty of smaller forest lakes in Leivonmäki, Petkeljärvi, and Isojärvi. Each provides unique opportunities for exploration, from challenging river trips to peaceful lake paddling, all enhanced by the packraft’s ability to transition between land and water. This vast network of protected areas, coupled with the packraft’s versatility, positions Finland as a premier destination for multi-modal wilderness exploration.
Official Recognition and Support for Outdoor Adventure
Susanna Oksanen’s achievement is not merely a personal triumph but also a significant highlight for the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation, which actively promotes diverse paddling activities. As a touring paddling ambassador, Oksanen embodies the federation’s mission to inspire and educate others about the joys and benefits of water-based recreation.
"Susanna’s incredible journey across all our national parks is a shining example of what passionate engagement with nature looks like," states a representative from the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation. "Her use of the packraft beautifully illustrates the innovative ways people are connecting with Finland’s waterways. Our ambassadors play a crucial role in sharing these experiences and fostering a culture of safe, responsible, and adventurous paddling."
Furthermore, Metsähallitus (Parks & Wildlife Finland), the governmental body responsible for managing Finland’s national parks, recognizes the growing trend of activities like packrafting. "Finland’s national parks are designed to offer diverse experiences, and packrafting is an excellent way to access and appreciate the unique aquatic environments within them," comments a Metsähallitus spokesperson. "We encourage visitors to explore responsibly, adhering to ‘Everyman’s Rights’ while respecting park regulations and leaving no trace." Oksanen’s journey implicitly supports the ongoing efforts to make Finland’s wilderness accessible and enjoyable for all, while also highlighting the need for sustainable practices.
The Broader Impact: Inspiring a New Generation of Explorers
Susanna Oksanen’s epic journey holds far-reaching implications beyond her personal achievement. It serves as a powerful inspiration for a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, demonstrating that deep, immersive wilderness experiences are within reach, often with surprisingly simple and versatile equipment.
Firstly, her expedition promotes environmental awareness and responsible travel. By showcasing the pristine beauty of Finland’s national parks, Oksanen implicitly advocates for their preservation. Her emphasis on lightweight, low-impact travel methods like packrafting aligns perfectly with "leave no trace" principles, encouraging others to explore sustainably.
Secondly, her story highlights the immense health and well-being benefits of engaging with nature. Regular physical activity combined with the mental solace of wilderness environments is increasingly recognized as vital for holistic health. Oksanen’s dedication underscores how outdoor pursuits can be a lifelong source of vitality and joy.
Thirdly, her high-profile accomplishment can significantly boost nature-based tourism in Finland. By illustrating the unique possibilities of packrafting in Finland’s water-rich landscapes, she provides a compelling narrative that can attract both domestic and international visitors seeking authentic outdoor adventures. Her detailed accounts and stunning photography, shared on platforms like Instagram (@suski.photography) and her website (suski.pictures.fi), serve as a rich resource for aspiring explorers.
Finally, Oksanen’s embrace of packrafting contributes to the democratization of wilderness access. The relatively low cost and high portability of packrafts, compared to traditional canoes or sea kayaks, make exploring remote waterways more feasible for a broader audience. This accessibility can empower more individuals to venture into Finland’s vast and beautiful backcountry, fostering a deeper national appreciation for its natural heritage.
Embracing the Packrafting Lifestyle
Susanna "Suski" Oksanen’s extraordinary journey across all of Finland’s national parks stands as a testament to the spirit of adventure and the transformative power of connecting with nature. Her chosen companion, the packraft, has proven to be an indispensable tool, unlocking new perspectives and enabling unparalleled freedom in exploring Finland’s diverse landscapes.
Whether it’s navigating rapids, paddling along serene coastlines, or gliding across tranquil lakes, packrafting offers a unique blend of adventure and accessibility. For those inspired by Suski’s feat and keen to embark on their own packrafting expeditions, a wealth of options awaits. Different packraft models cater to various terrains and adventures, from whitewater excursions to multi-day touring.
"If you’re interested in acquiring your own packraft, explore the selection at Melomo to find an option suitable for your adventures," Oksanen advises, pointing to resources like Melomo.fi. Her story is a vibrant invitation to step outside, embrace the call of the wild, and discover the boundless beauty of Finland’s national parks, one paddle stroke at a time.
Text and Photos: Susanna "Suski" Oksanen
About the Author: Susanna "Suski" Oksanen is a Helsinki-based freelance photographer with a deep passion for the outdoors, which she enjoys year-round. Her camera is a constant companion on all her expeditions, capturing the raw beauty of the landscapes she traverses. In addition to paddling, Suski is an accomplished rower, having competed extensively and achieved the esteemed title of "Soutuneuvos" (Rowing Advisor). Follow her adventures on Instagram: @suski.photography and explore her portfolio at: suski.pictures.fi.
