Epic spring photos from Finland

After enduring the long, frosty embrace of winter’s darkness, the arrival of spring emerges as one of the most eagerly anticipated seasons in Finland. Despite being brief, this season is packed with exciting changes as nature wakes up from its winter hibernation, slowly introducing breathtaking colours, sounds, and smells into the air.

Each day unveils new transformations as plants, animals, and people shake off their winter blues and come back to life as snow and ice slowly melt away. However, it’s wise to stay vigilant, as sometimes the infamous Finnish takatalvi – an unexpected cold spell – might still make a surprising appearance. But fear not, longer and warmer days are ahead, and the long-awaited summer will soon be around the corner.

In this article, we invite you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Finland's spring through a collection of stunning photographs captured by our online community. Dive in and enjoy!

Finland's spring season usually kicks off around late March and stretches well until May. Yet, due to its geographical length of over 1,160 kilometres from north to south, Finland's climate varies quite strongly in different regions during this time.

In April and May, the weather in Finnish Lapland might still be pretty chilly, often staying well below zero degrees Celsius. Ski enthusiasts can still hit the slopes at many ski resorts, enjoying pristine conditions amidst the snow-capped landscapes. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a final glimpse of the magical northern lights before they disappear for the season.

Down south, especially in the Coast and Archipelago or Helsinki region, the weather typically warms up a bit quicker. Between March and May, temperatures usually already bounce between 0 and 10 degrees, sometimes even hitting close to 20 degrees Celsius. As the snow and ice gradually melt away, trees and flowers start to bloom, bringing some much-needed colour back to the stunning landscapes.

With hundreds of thousands of birds migrating back to the Arctic, springtime in Finland is a fascinating time, especially for bird enthusiasts and photographers alike. The types of birds you can see vary depending on where you are in the country and the time of year. It has been currently estimated that Finland is home to around 490 bird species, including some that are hard to find in other parts of Europe.

One of the best places to watch and photograph birds is Finland’s 41 national parks, with their untouched natural settings and landscapes. But please keep your distance from birds and their nests when birdwatching, and stay out of areas in the parks that might be restricted during migration and nesting season.

As temperatures rise and plants begin to flourish, also Finland's wildlife springs into action. Some animals awaken from hibernation, while others begin their mating and breeding season. With its rich variety of animal species, Finland provides great opportunities for observing animals during this season. Whether you're hoping to catch sight of the world's rarest seal, witness the majestic national bird of Finland, or capture the impressive presence of one of the country's 1,500 bears on a guided tour, Finland offers endless possibilities for wildlife enthusiasts.

In addition to immersing yourself in nature and wildlife in Finland's forests and nature reserves, spring in Finland offers a variety of other activities to embrace the essence of the season, regardless of the weather.

Explore Finland's newest saunas and museums scattered throughout the country, providing a cosy retreat from an unexpected takatalvi. Meanwhile, outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or kayaking invite you to uncover the stunning landscapes bathed in spring sunlight. Experience the awakening of nature, from the blossoming cherry trees in cities like Helsinki or Turku to vibrant Rhododendrons blooming across the country. And don't miss out on joining in the spring festivities, like Vappu, to celebrate the arrival of spring and the anticipation of summer in Finland.