Text, tips and photos:
Kari Summanen
instagram.com/gerehikes
Nature doesn’t heal everything, but it can give you room to breathe and help you cope with everyday life.
Morning in Repovesi
“A light morning mist floats above the lake. The sun has just risen, and the air is unusually warm for September. I drink my coffee alone, with only nature as my companion. It is quiet — only the wind and the sounds of birds drift through the trees. The sun warms my face. Nature feels like it reaches all the way inside.”
I am in Repovesi National Park in September 2025. Hiking has become an important part of my life, and the calm of Repovesi reminds me why I first started walking these trails.
Nature does not judge. There, you can simply be yourself and move at your own pace, without pressure or performance.
Nature as Support for Mental Health
I live with recurrent depression, social anxiety, and panic disorder. I have tried different medications, which helped to some extent but didn’t remove the problems. Eventually, I discovered hiking, which has given me a new kind of calm and the space to breathe.
First Steps Into Hiking
Hiking didn’t begin with long treks. My first experiences were at the Bjurs camping area in Inkoo, right by the sea. The campsite offered a safe way to spend time outdoors and sleep close to nature.
Later, I discovered Nuuksio National Park, which is easily accessible from the Helsinki region by public transport. Short walks and nights in a tent close to home helped calm my mind and made hiking a natural part of everyday life.
New Trails and Growing Confidence
As my confidence grew, I began doing multi-day hikes around Finland. My destinations included Liesjärvi, Repovesi, Petkeljärvi and Koli National Parks, as well as the Karhunkierros Trail in Oulanka (in a shortened version).
Multi-day trips taught me planning, patience, and how to listen to my own limits. Sometimes I walked shorter distances and rested more — and that is completely okay. Hiking has brought new challenges to my life, along with a sense of accomplishment.
Nature as a Community
On hikes, you often meet other walkers. In the forest, people greet each other and offer help spontaneously. I’ve received advice, assistance, and even a gas canister and food — and in turn, I’ve helped others whenever needed. A sense of community arises naturally, without pressure.
Even in the city, during moments of anxiety, the thought of nature helps. I imagine myself on a hike, surrounded by friendly fellow travelers — and surprisingly, it brings a lot of comfort.
Tips for Beginner Hikers
Start close to home: A short walk or a day trip is enough.
Gear: Good shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are all you need at first. There’s no need to buy expensive equipment right away. Pack good food and plenty of water.
Weather and safety: Check the forecast and tell someone where you’re going. Bring water, fire-starting tools, and a small first aid kit.
Multi-day trips: A backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, power bank, compass, and maps make the journey safe and comfortable.
Maps and apps: Luontoon.fi and retkikartta.fi are excellent tools. Komoot offers good route planning, partially paid. Of course, there are other paid services as well, such as Garmin. I personally use the Maastokartat mobile app, for which I bought a few extra features.
Timing: Choose weather that suits your gear. Hiking in poor weather or outside peak seasons is usually quieter, if you prefer solitude.
In Conclusion
Nature didn’t cure my illnesses, but it has given me something invaluable: space to breathe, the chance to calm down, and moments when the heaviness lifts.
Hiking is not a competition. Every step you take in nature is an achievement.
