Torronsuo sage

This largest oasis marshland in Southern Finland in torronsuo National Park is about 8,500 years old. A swamp this old has a lot of stories to tell, but it needs an interpreter for its words to understand. Torronsuo's sage tour takes its travelers to the mystical marsh nature and Häme in the past, to old customs and natural beliefs in the journey of the sage woman. Our route runs along the long route of Torronsuo National Park and takes about six hours.

The excursion introduces Finland's deepest oasis swamp to the thousands of years-old origins, Häme's trade routes and trade practices, as well as the lifestyles of centuries ago and the essence of living. The swamp life of the near future and the life of the surrounding villages, as well as the impact of history, are also discussed in the midst of peaceful transport.

The crown of the excursion is to eat brass and meat stews with side dishes at the lean-to site at the campfire and talk about the thoughts of the day.

“A green shirt flashes through the willow branches. I can hear the sounds of silent splashing and scuffle. I press myself lower in the underbrush, behind the willow tree. I move my foot; it slips down into an underwater dent and I suddenly have water up to my knee. A muskrat hole. The hem of my skirt gets soaked. Grandma thinks girls should wear skirts but this is why one shouldn’t wear shoes. One pair of wellies has already been lost in the muskrat’s clutches. The sedges and mud under bare feet feel cold. Suddenly someone smacks into me from behind. I fall face first into the water. I hear the taunts and ‘neener’ from behind me as I spit peat out of my mouth. Dammit. Next time I must be careful and move more quietly. My clothes are soaked but it doesn’t matter. We climb on top of the boulders on the shore which are spotted with seagull droppings to sit and dry our clothes. Chatting and planning the next make-believe games. The large spruce trees in the shoreline forests seem tempting. We decide to climb as high up as we can. Lets go! Bare toes are the best for climbing; the resin is easier to wash off from your heels than your shirt. The rough bark crunches nicely and feels warm after the cool lake water. The birds escape from the trees; a squirrel scuttles further away from us. Grandma treads the yard down below.

The branches create a green, leafy haven. A secret hideout. Here we are safe from everything; friends together. Blue sky glints beyond the foliage. Birds soar through the wide blue expanse; it calls to us too. We climb higher and not a single thought is spared for how we’re to climb back down. It’s not important. There’s always a way down; that much we’ve learned. Only the way up is what matters. The goal. The dream.”

This is probably where it all started, the summers spent at grandma’s, who knows? Studies, as well as common sense, tell us that the nature relationship one has as a child has positive effects also later in life. Nature gives a sense of importance, strength and wellbeing. Nature amazes, time after time, with its incredible diversity. I became a wilderness guide and nature teacher. I love this experience guide job. I love to show others what nature can be and what it means to me and all of us.

The walk in Torronsuo is about 10 kilometers. In addition to duckboards, the terrain is a forest path that is sometimes rocky, damp and steep. On the way, you need good, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. It's also good to have a big bottle of water with you. The participant must have the necessary basic condition. The excursion is not suitable for young children.