Berry Picking in Liesjärvi National Park — Guided Foraging Tour from Helsinki
Spend a day foraging in Liesjärvi National Park’s mossy Taiga with a local guide. Walk 4.5–5 km, learn to identify blueberries, lingonberries and wild strawberries, and enjoy a campfire lunch beside a lake.
The Experience
Before You Go
Respect Everyman’s Right
You may pick berries for personal use, but avoid commercial harvesting and follow the guide’s rules in protected wetlands.
Bring a reusable container
A stiff-sided basket or ventilated bag keeps berries from crushing and lets you take extras home.
Wear waterproof footwear
Trails include soggy sections and boardwalks—rubber or waterproof hiking boots keep you comfortable.
Protect against insects and sun
Bring insect repellent and a light long-sleeve layer; mornings can be cool and mid-afternoon buggy at lake edges.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Lakeside campfire clearings with good photo angles of granite outcrops
- •Short side loops through old-growth sections where berry bushes cling to higher moraine ridges
Wildlife
- •Moose (elk)
- •Capercaillie
Conservation Note
The tour carries Sustainable Travel Finland certification; follow leave-no-trace practices and pick only what you will consume to protect plant regeneration.
The area’s forests have been used for subsistence berry- and mushroom-gathering for generations; the park’s lakes and ridges reflect glacial sculpting during the Ice Age.
What to Bring
Waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Keep feet dry and provide support on uneven, wet terrain.
Breathable rain jacketEssential
Sudden showers are common—stay dry while remaining ventilated.
Reusable berry container or field bagEssential
Prevents crushing and allows you to carry home your harvest.
Water bottle and snacksEssential
Hydration and light snacks keep energy up during the 4.5–5 km walk and lakeside lunch.
Common Questions
When is the best time for berry picking?
Midsummer (July) is ideal for bilberries; lingonberries ripen later, from August into September. Wild strawberries are usually earliest, in June or early July.
Do I need prior foraging experience?
No—this guided tour is beginner-friendly; the guide will teach safe identification and sustainable harvesting practices.
Can I eat berries in the field?
Yes—fresh berries are safe to sample on the trail, but ask the guide if you’re unsure about any plant before eating.
How do I get to the park from Helsinki?
The tour includes round-trip transport; the drive is about 1 hour 20 minutes each way with a short restroom stop en route.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–7 hours
Location
Tammela, Kanta-Häme
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most adults with basic mobility; expect several short inclines and uneven, sometimes boggy ground
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