Nousmadic

19/11/2024

Sunrise At Cape Kolka, Latvia

Cape Kolka is the most pronounced horn on the shores of Latvia, and it is where the waves from two seas clash – the open Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. During the bird migration season, dozens of thousands of birds fly over the cape, and this is the best place to start a visit to Slitere National Park.

Come spring, Cape Kolka is an ideal place to watch migratory birds. In the summer, it is a paradise on earth for those who love vacations on the beach, while in the autumn and winter it is a fine place to witness the greatness of nature.

Cape Kolka is the Northernmost point of the Kurzeme (Courland) peninsula. Its ancient name Domesnes was first mentioned on the Mervalla Rune Stone in Sweden around 1040. The shelf of Cape Kolka stretches into the sea for 6 km and it is bathed by the sea at a depth of 0,5-3 km. The waves of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga meet on its shelf. During storms waves can reach a height of 7 m. This place is also known as a unique bird watching site, for the cape is crossed by the Baltic Sea – the White Sea birds’ migration route.

Cape Kolka is the most pronounced horn on the shores of Latvia, and it is where the waves from two seas clash – the open Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. Dur...

14/11/2024

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Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a charming city that blends mediaeval history with modern innovation.Tallinn's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site,...

11/11/2024

Mazirbe Boat Cemetery, Latvia

Boats overgrown with plants lie abandoned within these woods. In the summer, when the grass grows tallest, they’re difficult to spot. This is the Mazirbe Boat Cemetery in Latvia.

When the ban on individual fishing was introduced to the border regime zone, the boats that weren’t used for building smokehouses, were abandoned in the woods along the coast of Latvia between 1950 and 1970.

Nowadays, this graveyard is the only one of its kind in the area, and its time here appears to be running short. As nature continues reclaiming the site, the wooded graveyard is expected to be lost in about 10 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4F1LMCeUyc

09/11/2024

Järsö Natural Trail - Åland Islands

We've been spending most of our time in Åland outdoors, hiking and reconnecting with nature.
The last hike we did before heading to Sweden was the Järsö Natural Trail, a simple 2 km path that takes you through a wooded meadow where the lush flora is kept in a traditional way.

The terrain is a mix of barren land with small pine trees and more green areas with taller trees. At the far end of the tip, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea and the ferry route between Sweden, Åland and Finland. You can also veer off the marked path to explore the smooth rocks by the water's edge. Alongside a smaller bay, you'll find a variety of bird species.

Despite the rough Baltic Sea and strong winds, trees are still managing to grow among the rocks. We soaked in the beauty of nature, only taking photos and leaving behind nothing but footprints.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, FE 35 f1.4 GM, FE 135 f1.8 GM, PolarPro VND Filter, LEE System (ND + CPL).

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01/11/2024

The crooked trees of Åland Islands, Finland

As the temperature dipped below 0C and our journey northward came to a frosty standstill, we made a bold decision to change our plans and cut across the Baltic Sea to the Åland Islands. While we had never heard of this gem located between Finland and Sweden, fate seemed to be on our side as we had met two amazing locals in the beginning of our journey still back in Poland, who raved about the natural beauty of the islands.

The Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland with Swedish as the only spoken official language, have a turbulent history but now enjoy a unique status as a demilitarised zone with their own citizenship law.

The landscapes here are absolutely incredible, with more than 30 hiking and nature trails around Åland that are available all year round. It's on one of these hiking trails characterised by rugged, rocky terrain, that we have found these fascinating, wonderfully wind shaped crooked trees.
Resisting and, at the same time, giving in to the ever-changing winds, those trees and bushes have developed incredibly peculiar shapes. These foresty patches of twisted birches, pines and junipers give the islands a magical and moody appeal.

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25/10/2024

The most northern point on our journey through Northern Europe - Rauma, Finland

Rauma was the most northern point in our journey around the Baltic Sea. Here, in the North, the summer season ends with the last day of August. After that hardly anything is open. The temperature drops below zero on most nights and the sun is just a faint memory. For VanLifers it means problems. You can’t charge your leisure battery properly, you might get a frozen water tank, if your insulation in the van is not made for arctic conditions, you're gonna suffer a bit. We’ve learned that anything below 5C in our van is a real problem.

Most places were closed, the streets were empty, the overall feeling was not encouraging.

We were lucky enough to find a spot for two nights at the campsite that was just about to close for the winter. The very last two days of the season!!! And finally we experienced the real Finnish sauna there.

The Rauma Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the Gulf of Bothnia, Rauma is one of the oldest harbours in Finland. Built around a Franciscan monastery, where the mid-15th-century Holy Cross Church still stands, it is an outstanding example of an old Nordic city constructed in wood.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, FE 35 f1.4 GM, PolarPro VND Filter, LEE System (ND + CPL).

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23/10/2024

Impressions Of Naantali, Finland

Naantali is a charming seaside town located in southwest Finland, known for its picturesque old town with colourful wooden houses and cobbled streets. The town has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, evident in its well-preserved mediaeval stone church and historic landmarks such as the Naantali Spa and the Kultaranta Presidential Residence.

The town is also home to the Moomin World theme park, based on the beloved children's book characters created by Finnish author Tove Jansson, making it a delightful destination for families and fans of the iconic stories.

In the mid September the place is literally almost deserted. The streets are empty, most of the hotels and cafes are closed. In Finland the last day of August marks the end of the season. After that it's rather difficult to find any sign of life in that part of Europe. We've learned that lesson the hard way.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, FE 35 f1.4 GM, PolarPro VND Filter, LEE System (ND + CPL)

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11/10/2024

Impressions Of Turku, Finland

Turku is the oldest town of Finland. The earliest records of the city date back to the 13th century. Turku is also the home of the first university in Finland, the Royal Academy of Turku. It was the only university that was founded when Finland was still a part of Sweden.

For us Turku was special, because we met completely by chance one of the best selling authors of Finland, Tommi Kinnunen. He invited us to his house and even gave us a gift, two of his books. What an amazing encounter!

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, FE 35 f1.4 GM, PolarPro VND Filter, LEE System (ND + CPL)

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08/10/2024

Welcome To Själö - Bring Your Coffin With You

Part of the Finnish archipelago - Själö, is a beautiful island with a very dark history. In the 1600 and 1700, it served as a l***r colony for the city of Turku.

Later it became a hospital for mentally ill women, however it was mainly an excuse to relocate “chronic women”. There were some women suffering from actual mental disorders, but mostly women who were called “menstrual crazy” or who just didn’t fit into the society. In some cases women ended up there, because the husbands simply wanted to get rid of them.

One of the most horrific things about Själö, was that the journey there essentially was a one-way trip. Legend has it that you needed to bring wood and nails for your own coffin when you arrived. Once taken there, there was no leaving the island.

The island of Seili operated as a mental hospital all the way to 1960. Since 1964, its former asylum buildings have housed a biological research institute attached to the University of Turku.

Nowadays Själö is a much brighter place and one of the main tourist attractions in Nagu with more than 10000 people annually visiting the small island.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, FE 35 f1.4 GM, PolarPro VND Filter, LEE System (ND + CPL)

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05/10/2024

Well-being from Nature

The concept of getting your daily dose of nature is something that the Finns have understood and promoted for a long time.
They know that spending time outdoors is not just enjoyable, but also crucial for our well-being.

The benefits of connecting with nature on a regular basis are numerous, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and overall mental health.

No matter the season, getting outside and engaging in various outdoor activities is always a good idea. Whether it's hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, or simply taking a walk in the park, being in nature has a way of rejuvenating our spirits and grounding us in the present moment.

It's a simple but powerful way to recharge and destress from the hustle of everyday life.

We found these boats in the picture along the 5.5km trail around Lake Matildanjärvi.

Boats, kayaks, SUPs are often available for rent in Nature Parks along lakes, rivers and the Baltic Sea in Finland as part of the outdoor activities encouragement.

This is a reminder to myself: next time I feel overwhelmed or stuck in a rut, I need to remember the wisdom of the Finns and make it a point to get outside and soak up some nature!

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 35 f1.4 GM, PolarPro VND Filter

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04/10/2024

Into the Wild: Discovering the Enchanting Forests of Finland

The forests of Finland are known for being some of the most pristine and untouched in Europe. With vast expanses of pine, spruce, and birch trees, Finland's forests are teeming with diverse wildlife and offer a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

In recent years, Finland has made efforts to promote sustainable forestry practices to preserve its unique forest ecosystems for future generations. With strict regulations in place, the forests of Finland continue to be a vital part of the country's identity and economy.

This picture has been taken while hiking Matildanjärvi Trail, a beautiful path around the lake.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, PolarPro VND Filter

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01/10/2024

A bunch of semi-naked guys in the middle of Helsinki, Finland

Saunas are an integral part of the way of life in Finland and no wonder we found them almost everywhere in our wandering through the country. Even on a hiking path, in the middle of a forest, just like this one, hidden between the trees on the shore of lake Matildanjärvi. (Pic.1)

Finns have used the sauna to live in, eat, address matters of hygiene, warm up for at least a short period of time in such a cold climate, and, most importantly, give birth in an almost sterile environment.

It is considered an essential part of their national identity, with many taking a sauna at least once a week, typically on Saturdays.

And it was a Saturday, during a stroll through Helsinki with our cameras ready, that we came across to this unusual view for a “non-Finnish” person: a fairly big group of almost naked men were sitting on chairs by one of the main street, sipping cold beers and talking, cooling down outside one of the oldest public sauna of the capital city. (Slide 2)

In the sauna, it is a faux pas to wear clothing in the hot room, although it is acceptable to sit on a small towel or pefletti, a disposable tissue designed to endure heat and humidity.
For a typical Finn the sauna is, with few exceptions, a strictly non-sexual place; nudity is completely normal, devoid of any sexual connotations.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 16-35 f2.8 GM, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, PolarPro VND Filter

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28/09/2024

Clouds in the Water, Ekenäs, Finland

The combination of dark clouds and vastness of water give the landscape a timeless feeling, as if the land has seen countless generations come and go. The sight is both haunting and beautiful, inviting contemplation and introspection.

The horizon seems to stretch on forever, merging seamlessly with the sea in the distance. The air is crisp and cold, further enhancing the atmosphere of isolation and introspection.

In this bleak yet captivating setting, one can't help but be drawn to the raw beauty of the Finnish landscape. It's a place where nature speaks louder than words, where the elements seem to be in constant dialogue with each other. It's a place of contrasts and contradictions, of darkness and light, where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 16-35 f2.8 GM, PolarPro VND Filter

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27/09/2024

Autumn in Finland

It was here, in Ekenäs, that we've seen the first signs of Autumn, especially that here it arrives earlier than in the more southern parts of Europe. The red leaves were visible almost everywhere.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 135 f1.8 GM, PolarPro VND Filter

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26/09/2024

Wood and Water, Ekenäs, Finland

Ekenäs is an idyllic seaside town in Raseborg that has charming wooden houses, the oldest pedestrian street in Finland and an active guest harbour.

The view of a wooden jetty and the calm waters of the Baltic Sea will remain forever in our memories as the classic Finnish landscape.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 135 f1.8 GM, PolarPro VND Filter

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24/09/2024

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, Helsinki

The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum was founded in 1909 by Professor Axel Olai Heikel.

The Museum consists of buildings from the different provinces of Finland. Relocated to Seurasaari Island, they give an overall view of life in the Finnish countryside from the 18th to the 20th. At present, there are 87 separate buildings at Seurasaari.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM

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23/09/2024

A Shed on a Jetty at Töölö Bay, Helsinki

Walking around Helsinki can also bring you to a view like that. It looks like a lake, but in fact it's a part of the Baltic Sea, like all the water around the capital of Finland.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, FE 35 f1.4 GM

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22/09/2024

Aulis Junes' Villa in Linnunlaulu, Helsinki

The villa of Aulis Junes, has received publicity for the fact that the city has approached the owner of the villa with periodic penalty payments and has demanded that the villa be taken better care of. There's a flea market in his villa every day, according to the report.

In 2007 Aulis Junes won the battle for his villa. Helsinki District Court decided that te owner has the right to choose traditional construction as his working method. He wants the right to renovate his old villa at his own pace, which he believes is in the villa's best interest.

Years later, Aulis was still facing the same legal battles.

Outside we met a person, a friend of him, who told us that the owner is now in hospital.

Aulis Junes has died October 2023 at the age of 85.

Shot on Sony A7R3, FE 70-200 f2.8 GM, FE 35 f1.4 GM

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