Kaupunki Kaverit Goes into the Woods

Some participants of our mushroom walk

Kaupunki Kaverit (City Friends) is an initiative that promotes two-way integration, bringing together people from different backgrounds to explore the city, share experiences, and build a sense of community.

Our volunteers across Finland organise urban walks in different neighborhoods, each walk offering a unique perspective — cultural, historical, or architectural. These walks are not guided tours, but opportunities for conversation, learning, and connection.

This autumn, however, Kaupunki Kaverit stepped outside the city. Our group went on a nature walk in the Kuusijärvi forest, taking advantage of the perfect mushroom season. Led by our REFUFIN volunteer Mariia Godunova, an experienced mushroom enthusiast, we learned how to identify Finnish edible mushrooms and berries, as well as the respectful way to collect them.

Mariia shows how to recognize honey mushrooms (Armillaria)

Spending time in nature is deeply rooted in Finnish culture. Forests, lakes, and outdoor traditions are considered essential to well-being, and they form an important part of everyday life. For newcomers, connecting with nature can also be a meaningful step in the integration process — it helps people not only understand local traditions, but also feel more at home in their new environment.

This walk was especially valuable because several participants had never gone mushroom picking before. Discovering the forest together, learning what is edible, and practicing safe and sustainable collection created both excitement and a sense of achievement. What might be a familiar tradition for many Finns became a completely new and enriching experience for others.

Common European viper

The day also brought a memorable encounter: a viper! While the sight might seem alarming, our team member Nikolay explained how to stay safe. The viper is venomous but rarely bites — and it is a protected species in Finland. The best response is simply to observe calmly and let it pass.

Beyond the practical lessons, the day was filled with laughter, conversations, and the joy of discovering nature together. We are grateful to Mariia for her guidance and to everyone who joined our walk.

This forest walk is a reminder that Kaupunki Kaverit is not only about exploring the urban environment, but also about experiencing Finland’s nature side by side. Whether in the city streets or deep in the forest, we continue building community wherever we go.