This journey to Finnish Lapland began as a quiet curiosity — an urge to experience the Arctic winter beyond the familiar icons of aurora and reindeer. I wasn’t entirely sure what awaited me, only that the landscape itself was the destination.
Many people told me, “Going all the way to Finland just to see trees? Isn’t that too much?”
At first, I felt the same. But after witnessing the Lapland landscape with my own eyes, my perspective completely changed. Finnish Lapland is magical in its own way. It is not just trees covered in snow. It is a sculpture garden crafted by Mother Nature.
If you have ever imagined stepping into a frozen fairy tale, take a walk through a tykky forest. Tykky is the Finnish term for trees completely encased in frost and snow during winter. The result is nothing short of extraordinary.
We photographed tykky in Riisitunturi National Park and took a snowmobile sled to Kuntivaara. In winter, trees become entirely wrapped in layers of frost and ice, transforming entire forests into frozen sculptures that look as if they belong in a fantasy world.
These are nature’s snow sculptures. No two tykky trees look alike. Heavy snow, frost, and powerful winter winds twist and shape the branches into whimsical forms. Some resemble giant mushrooms, frozen animals, dinosaurs, or mysterious ice creatures. Others look like abstract sculptures in an open-air art gallery. When sunlight touches the icy surfaces, the forest glows in soft pink, golden, or icy blue hues, creating scenes straight out of a dream.
Yet tykky is not just beautiful. It is a testament to survival.
Lapland’s dominant trees, Scots pine, Norway spruce, and birch, have developed remarkable adaptations. Their flexible branches bend under the immense weight of snow and ice, sometimes carrying over 500 kilograms, rather than snapping. The frost itself acts like a natural coat, insulating the trees against sub-zero temperatures and harsh Arctic winds.
Because of the cold climate, long winters, and short summers, trees here grow extremely slowly. A pine that appears modest in size may be several hundred years old. Each winter makes them stronger.
Tykky forests are also functional ecosystems. The dense frost can conceal entire trees, creating perfect camouflage for wildlife. Hares, foxes, and other animals use these icy fortresses for protection. The frost traps moisture and shelters tiny organisms, forming a subtle yet important winter micro-ecosystem.
The thickness and appearance of tykky even tell locals how harsh the winter has been, signaling the true arrival of the season. Scientists study these formations to better understand how trees endure extreme cold and ice, knowledge that contributes to forestry management, climate research, and conservation efforts.
We also visited the stunning Oulanka National Park. Its rivers are famous for fast-flowing rapids and dramatic waterfalls, creating breathtaking scenery and thriving habitats for salmon, trout, and grayling. In spring, melting snow swells the rivers, reshaping the landscape and nourishing wetlands. In winter, mist from the rapids freezes onto rocks and trees, forming natural ice sculptures. Thanks to the park’s remote and protected location, the waters remain exceptionally clean, supporting fish, birds, otters, and countless other species. These rivers are true lifelines of the ecosystem.
One of the highlights was photographing the iconic Myllykoski Old Mill. Once used by local residents to grind grain, it now stands as a picturesque historical landmark and one of the most beloved locations in Oulanka National Park. Surrounded by rushing water and winter snow, it feels timeless.
We also spent time with local reindeer herders and their reindeer. For generations, reindeer herding has been central to life in Lapland, especially among the Sámi people. Photographing them in the Arctic landscape was more than capturing an image, it was witnessing a living tradition. The quiet strength of the herders, the rhythmic movement of the reindeer across the snow, and the soft winter light created moments of authenticity and cultural depth that added another dimension to our journey.
Next year, I will be organizing several photo workshops to Finland. If you would like to experience this magical winter wonderland with me and learn how to photograph one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, I would love for you to join us. More details at: https://kahwailin.com/workshops/
