Merja Paakkanen
A Finnish outdoor enthusiastic & Adventure by Design Holiday Designer.
Nature always has been a major part of my life, and I have grown up learning to respect it. As a family, we spend a lot of time exploring, playing or just relaxing in nature. For me, it is important to raise my kids in a way that their connection to nature is strong. It is my passion to teach and show people how amazing our country and Nordic nature is. I'm more than happy to help you explore the Nordic outdoor life and nature.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"My specialty is arctic regions in Finland and northern Norway.
My special outdoor activities are hiking and skiing. I love to spend time in the wilderness all year round. As a photographer, my passion is to capture the beauty of nature. I hope I can inspire and teach people to do the same. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I grew up near nature and forests. My first trip to Kilpisjärvi and Norway was when I was 15 years old. The fells and mountains made me fell in love with Lapland and Norway. And I hope I can encourage as many people as possible to go outdoors and find their connection to nature. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Naming just one trip is hard. Every trip is unique and unforgettable. Shorter trips to near are as important to me than longer hikes in the wilderness. Most life-changing experience must be my first ski expedition in Käsivarsi wilderness area. It was really a dream come true. Weather conditions were quite hard every day, and the trip was challenging in many ways. Still, skiing trough the wilderness gave such a feeling of freedom that I didn't have experienced before."
Merja's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
From dog sledding to snowshoeing, this adventure above the Arctic Circle covers all the winter activities the region has to offer. With a private guide behind the wheel, there's...
You could spend a whole year in Norway and barely scratch the surface of its expansive beauty. If you've only got two weeks to try and do so, give one of these itineraries a...
This relaxing weeklong journey starts in the capital city of Oslo before heading west via the steepest train in Norway (Flåm Railway). From here, embrace the slow-paced local...