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Author: Mark Wiltshear
Finnish Sauna Festivals and Kalajärven Saunafestarit 2019
Recorded back in summer 2019, I was welcomed to experience my first sauna festival by the organiser of Kalajärven Saunafestarit, Tero Knaapila. Tero talked me through the origins of this event and what one can expect from a sauna festival. He then took me into his converted motor home sauna (which is still road legal!) before a cooling dip in Lake Kalajärvi.
Pyhävuori – The Holy Mountain of Alajärvi
In this episode, I am joined again by Craterologist, Teemu Öhman, to revisit the subject of Pyhävuori. It’s an area overlooking Lake Lappajärvi, that is full of geological interest and historical mythology, featuring trolls, hermits and a sacrificial stone. From the ice age to modern days.
Following this recording, Glenn Murray and I went out to explore (and as you can see in the video) get slightly lost on) the holy mountain, Pyhävuori.
Beer Tasting at Mallaskoski Brewery & the ‘Lakeuden Panimojuhlat’ Beer Festival
Brewmaster Jyri Ojaluoma takes me back in time to the re-birth of Mallskoski and their Kuohu beer. We discuss brewing techniques and tricks and review the 1st Lakeuden Panimojuhlat (Beer Festival) in Seinäjoki.
A Guided Tour of Kyrö Whisky and Gin Distillery
In part two of a two-part episode, I speak with Kalle Valkonen , Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Kyrö Distillery. He gives me a personal tour of the distillery, taking me step-by-step through the distilling processes of both Kyrö Rye Whisky & Kyrö Napue Gin and answering questions, such as: What is malting? And what are the ‘heads and tails’?
The Bloody History of Isokyrö Village & the Origin of Kyrö Distillery
Episode 41In part one of a two-part episode, I speak with Miko Heinilä, Co-Founder of Kyrö Distillery. He gives me selected highlights from the history
Preserving the Culture of a Lost Karelia
I speak to Marjo Matikainen-Källström, Satu Hallonberg and Markku Pulli about Karjalaisetkesäjuhlat; the commemoration of the evacuation of 430,000 people from Karelia after World War 2 and a celebration of continuing Karelian culture. I then speak to Satu (now Mrs Wiltshear) who shares some of her family’s memories as evacuees from Karjala.
A Guided Tour of Art & Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta
In April 2021, myself and Glenn Murray visited Art & Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta in Seinäjoki. This building has a varied history, an re-invigorated present and, surely, a long future bringing art, craftwork, culture and community to Seinäjoki.
World Record Ice Carousel & Ice Festival on Lake Lappajärvi
On Saturday 27th February 2021, myself and Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist, were invited to a special event on Lake Lappajärvi in Etelä-Pohjanmaa, to witness an attempt at the world record biggest ice carousel. What is that? Read on and I’ll explain all…
Exploring Katikankanjoni with Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist
Introducing Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist, who will be my collaborator during the upcoming season of Explore Finland Radio Show. In this episode, Glenn introduces me to Katikankanjoni in Finland’s Wild West, a natural canyon with running water all year round, even during months of sub-zero temperatures.
Swim With The Swans at Löyly Sauna, Helsinki
Löyly Helsinki is a public sauna and restaurant, located on the edge of the sea in the Munkkisaari area, a part of Helsinki that is
“Ammunition, Fascism, Photography” A Few Steps Through the History of Lapua
As part of my guided tour around Culture Centre ‘Vanha Paukku’ in Lapua, we stop for an extended visit in the Lapuanjoki Museum. Museum Director, Sakari Hanhimäki and Cultural Director, Susanna Oversteyns regale me with historical tales of Espionage, Poisoning, Fascism, An Attempted Coup… and Photography!? Includes an intriguing revelation from Susanna’s family history.
A Guided Tour of Culture Centre ‘Vanha Paukku’ in Lapua
Part one of a two-part episode, I undertake a tour of the Kulttuurikeskus ‘Vanha Paukku’ with two expert guides; Susanna Oversteyns, Cultural Director and Sakari Hanhimäki, Museum Director. HUGE thanks also to Anu Haavisto, Leena Sarjola and Anniina Kivimäki for the impromptu, live performance of some haunting Finnish folk music. Mahtava!
#VisitSeinäjoki: Exciting Days Out for Families & Teenagers at Theme Parks & Activity Centres
Based on my regular blog for the Visit Seinäjoki website. I talk about some exciting theme parks and activity centres in Etelä-Pohjanmaa. I highlight events and activities that are ideal for teenagers and focus on some participation sports and outdoor games for the summer season.
Finnish rugby. Seinäjoki Rugby. Snow Rugby!
I speak with Olli-Pekka Tuomaala & James McDade from Seinäjoki Rugby club talk about rugby in Finland; the history of the game in Finland, the development of rugby in Finland as a summer contact sport and how Finland is no longer the worst National rugby team. We also discuss the annual snow rugby competition because, if rugby isn’t a tough enough sport, the Finns have found a way to take it up a notch.
#VisitSeinäjoki: Shopping For Interesting Gifts and Locally-produced Textiles
Based on my regular blog for the Visit Seinäjoki website. I talk about some of the more interesting shops in the Seinäjoki area, as well as introducing some of the companies that produce locally-made textiles and homeware products.
A Guided Tour of Kyrö Whisky and Gin Distillery
In part two of a two-part episode, I speak with Kalle Valkonen , Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Kyrö Distillery. He gives me a personal tour of the distillery, taking me step-by-step through the distilling processes of both Kyrö Rye Whisky & Kyrö Napue Gin and answering questions, such as: What is malting? And what are the ‘heads and tails’?
The Bloody History of Isokyrö Village & the Origin of Kyrö Distillery
Episode 41In part one of a two-part episode, I speak with Miko Heinilä, Co-Founder of Kyrö Distillery. He gives me selected highlights from the history
#VisitSeinäjoki: Nature Trails, Beaches & Foraging in the Forest
Based on my regular blog for the Visit Seinäjoki website. I talk about the outdoor activity that get you lost in Finnish nature; foraging in the woods, exploring the variety of nature trails & running tracks, and beaches in Seinäjoki to relax upon.
4. Six Things You Must Experience at Ähtäri Zoo
Taken from the Explore Finland Radio Show blog post ‘Six Things You Must Experience at Ähtäri Zoo’
3. Conservation, Medication and Procreation: The Vet’s Life at Ähtäri Zoo.
When talking to the Vet from Ähtäri Zoo in Finland, it is natural for talk to turn to the giant pandas Finland has recently brought to Ähtäri Zoo resort, . Heini explains that she has many different things to do in Ahtari Zoo, not only caring for snow pandas Lumi and Pyry. She cares for a wide variety of different animals, from the selection of Scandinavian animals and Nordic wildlife, to the growing collection of wild Asian animals and the petting zoo which features domesticated Finnish animals.
Heini also explains that she is driven by contributing to animal conservation in zoos and wildlife conservation in Finland and is proud to play a part in China reintroducing pandas into the wild.
Six Things You Must Experience at Ähtäri Zoo
Subscribe to the Ähtäri Zoo Podcast on iTunes Once you get out into the wilds of Finland, it’s easy to think you are in the middle
A Winter Visit To Ähtäri Zoo & SnowPanda Resort
In Winter 2018-19, I was commissioned to make a pilot series of a new podcast; The Ähtäri Zoo Podcast. This episode is a selection of stories from the first three interviews with people powering Ähtäri Zoo. I’m sure you will find this a fascinating look, at the workings of a modern-day zoo. Search for “Ähtäri Zoo Podcast” on your podcast player to find the whole pilot season.
2. Being Panda Keeper at Ähtäri Zoo Is The BEST Job. Ever!
The Giant Pandas Finland has welcomed to Ähtäri Zoo Resort, Jīn Bǎobǎo and Huā Bào, have been re-branded as snow pandas Lumi and Pyry. In this episode, we hear from Panda Keeper, Anna Palmroth, who explains when she became involved with the project to move the pandas to their new home at the Ähtäri Zoo panda centre.
1. Things To Do At Ähtäri Zoo & Snowpanda Resort When You Visit Finland
When you visit Finland, there is so much more to do than simply checking into the best luxury boutique hotels in Helsinki. In this episode, Satu Keski-Valkama explains that if you venture a little further north to the Snowpanda Resort Ähtäri Zoo, you will find plenty to fill both action-packed or relaxing weekends.
Introducing The Ähtäri Zoo Podcast
Hello. Welcome to the Ähtari Zoo podcast. My name is Mark Wiltshear, and during this series I am going to take you behind the scenes at Ähtäri Zoo.
This short pilot series is a fascinating look at the workings of a modern-day zoo. You will hear an introduction to Ähtäri Zoo resort, a conversation with the Panda Keeper and an interview with the Zoo Vet.
Mark Wiltshear’s 12 Minute Conversation with Engel Jones
For this episode, I am grateful to Engel Jones for allowing to rebroadcast an interview that first went-out on his 12 Minute Convos podcast in January 2018.
Engel is an Entrepreneur & Podcast Host who set himself a goal: 800 recorded conversations in 12 weeks from Sep 19th – Dec 12th 2017.
In this conversation, hear me on the other side of the mic (for a change) talking about why I make the Explore Finland Radio Show, the motivation behind founding Xport, writing a blog for Visit Seinäjoki and the relevance of the Diana Ross song ‘Chain Reaction’.
If you know me, you won’t be surprised that my #12minconvo lasted 18 mins!
Preserving the Culture of a Lost Karelia
I speak to Marjo Matikainen-Källström, Satu Hallonberg and Markku Pulli about Karjalaisetkesäjuhlat; the commemoration of the evacuation of 430,000 people from Karelia after World War 2 and a celebration of continuing Karelian culture. I then speak to Satu (now Mrs Wiltshear) who shares some of her family’s memories as evacuees from Karjala.
A Tour Around Lappajärvi, Europe’s Largest Crater Lake
In this episode, I speak to Teemu Öhman who is a Craterologist or, to be more precise, an Earth and planetary scientist and lecturer at Arctic Planetary Science Institute.
Teemu explained about the creation of Lake Lappajärvi in Etelä-Pohjanmaa, and then gave some recommendations of places to visit in the Lappajärvi area. All of which you can discover for yourself, using the new virtual Craterlake Geotrail
The Mysterious Church Stables in Närpes
I visit Sankta Maria church in Närpes/Närpiö, and speak to town guide, Marianne Winter. I learn why the church is surrounded by over 100 stables, about the unique Swedish dialect in Närpes and why the Vietnamese name, Nguyen, is the most common surname in Närpes.
Tradition & ‘Magic’: Finnish Puukko Knives
I discuss the traditional Finnish Puukko knife with Ethnologist and Bushcraft champion, Marcus Lepola. We talk about it’s importance in the history of violence, love & marriage, and everyday life in Finland.
Kristina Vänni’s ‘Homefarm’ Cookbook: Taking Finnish Cuisine into American Kitchens
I speak to internationally recognised culinary authority and TV host, Kristina Vänni, who is also a food writer, TV host, recipe developer, cooking contest expert. We discuss her upcoming cookbook, Homefarm, but also her Finnish roots in Peräseinäjoki, Etelä Pohjanmaa.
She tells the the story of her Great-Grandmother, Josefiina Pitäkranta’s emigration to the USA in 1899 and how Kristina came to connect with her distant relatives, her ‘return’ to Pitkäranta Farm and the inspiration for her book.
Explore Finland Podcast Season 3 Starts Now!
Season 3 Introduction Hi everyone, it’s Mark here. I’m back and I just wanted to take a few minutes to explain where I’ve been, what
Road-Trip Photo Blog #3: Närpiö–Kaskinen–Kristiinankaupunki
Satu and I, with Boris the Dog, embarked on our third road-trip through Pohjanmaa. This is a photo blog of our trip: Närpiö–Kaskinen–Kristiinankaupunki
Road-Trip Photo Blog #2: Pohjanmaa, Vaasa Archipelago
Satu and I, accompanied once more by Boris the Dog, enjoyed our first road trip so much, we decided to go out exploring a different part of Pohjanmaa once again.
Here is a photo blog of our road trip, the second in this series: Pohjanmaa: Merenkurkun ( (Raippaluoto & Björkö)
Road-Trip Photo Blog #1: Pohjanmaa, Kokkola-Pietarsaari-Ylistaro
Satu and I, plus Boris the Dog, took a drive to explore parts of Pohjanmaa that we don’t know so well. We made a photo blog of our road trip: Seinäjoki–Kokkola–Pietarsaari–Ylistaro
Hopefully, the first is a regular series.
One Week Holiday in Finland: Putting The Podcast Into Practice
Similar to my summer 2016 post, in summer 2017 I had another opportunity to put what I learned in the podcast into practice. Whenever I
Exploring Finland: Putting The Podcast Into Practice
During summer 2016, I had the opportunity to visit the wilds of Eastern Finland, near to the town of Kitee. I was invited to join Satu at her Grandparents’ old home, right on Finland’s border with Russia. During this trip, I found myself saying ‘yeah, I know about this, I covered it in the podcast’, for example; sauna with vihta, foraging in the woods, the evacuation of Karelia and Finnish ice cream.
I thought I’d share with you some pictures of these activities, and the podcast episodes they came from.
‘Regional Developer Prize 2015’ Award for the Explore Finland Radio Show
On Friday 13th May 2016, I was given an award by Etelä-Pohjanmaan aluekehittäjät ry EPAK (a Regional Development Association in Etelä-Pohjanmaa. This was in recognition of the work I have done with the Explore Finland Radio Show and the Finnish Football Show.
End of Season 2 Credits
Season 2 Credits I decided that, like Season 1, I would also record 16 episodes for Season 2. Now it’s time to take a look
Ice-hole Swimming & Sauna: A Natural High!
I learn why swimming in ice-cold water after taking a sauna is better than sex or morphine! Journalist Jussi Mustikkamaa explains ALL the benefits of Avantouinti, before taking me swimming in the hole in the ice on a frozen pond. Yep, that’s right…
Beer Tasting at Mallaskoski Brewery
Brewmaster Jyri Ojaluoma takes me back in time to the re-birth of Mallskoski and their Kuohu beer. We discuss brewing techniques and tricks and review the 1st Lakeuden Panimojuhlat (Beer Festival) in Seinäjoki.
Jussi paita: The Ostrobothnian Uniform
Season 2 Episode 30 Student Film-makers Tytti & Onni tell me about the origins and history of the Jussi paita, plus what they learned while
Film & Lights Festival at ‘Matti’s Cottage’ Cinema
Mari Keskinen welcomes me to the ‘Filmiä- ja valoa elokuvafestivaali’ at Matin-Tupa Cinema. She introduces me to the past, present and future of the cinema that’s been in her family for 70 years.
The Magic of Midnight Golf in Finland
Matias explains the requirements to be able to play golf in Finland, the fun of midnight golf, and his marathon 24-hour, sponsored fund-raiser in 2014.
Finnish Food: The Good, The Bad & The Weird
This week I get to sit down with Miia Keski-Nikkola and talk food, which is no hardship for me; busting some myths, discussing Mother Nature’s offerings and looking at traditional Xmas Food.
Reconstructing Finland’s Emigration History
Episode 26 Tella takes us on a walk through history at the World of Trails in Peräseinäjoki. A collection of buildings, previously owned by Finnish
Festivals: Midsummer Metal & Tango Camper Vans
Juha talks about more Finnish festivals. From the Heavy Metal Midsummer through the invasion of camper vans for Seinäjoen Tangomarkkinat and on to newer, urban events for HipHop and EDM.
Provinssirock Festival & the Finnish Music Scene
Juha talks about the history of the Provinssirock Festival, and the popularity of domestic music making it possible for Finnish-only events to sell-out.
Launch Of The Finnish Football Show. Episode #1: Veikkausliiga 2015 Review
Join Mark (@explorefinland), Rich (@escapetosuomi) and Mark (@FCSuomi) for the first episode of the Finnish Football Show series, where 3 old blokes sit and talk about football in Finland. In English.
Explore Finland Radio Show 