Back to Nature Finland: Explore Nature, Myths, and Ancient Wisdom

Reetta Ranta, Antti Huttunen

Authors: Reetta Ranta, Antti Huttunen

Published: 2022

Publisher: Gummerus (2016, based on the TV show) / Power Animals United

Genre: Personal Growth & Lifestyle

Pages: 288

Reading material:

English PDF

Back to Nature Finland is a calming, relaxing experience that takes you on a journey throughout Finnish nature, with a touch of ancient wisdom, mythology and local history. Based on the internationally acclaimed TV show!

  • A visually stunning slow travel guidebook that introduces Finland’s enchanting nature to an international audience!
  • Reconnect with nature and learn about the mythology and tradition connected to the most breathtaking places in Finland
  • English PDF available!
  • The concept is based on a successful TV show that aired/will be aired in Finland (YLE TV1), Sweden (SVT), Czech Republic (Prima), Slovakia (RTVS), Italy (RAI), China (CBM), Japan (WOWOW), Thailand (Truevisions), and Finnair in-flight entertainment

The book presents 24 beautiful travel locations in Finnish nature. It reveals stories about Finnish mythology related to those locations and provides delicious local food tips to enjoy when visiting. Learn the secrets of the Archipelago Sea, discover Lohja’s groves and caves, and meet the most beautiful tree in Finland. Travel with us from the Åland Islands, across the Nordic archipelago’s seashores and dunes, to the mysteries of lake Saimaa. Join us as we follow the origins of the Finnish national epic, Kalevala; climb to the top of Pyhä-Nattanen, the Mountain of the Gods; and explore some of the many sacred sites of Finnish Lapland.

The original Finnish book titled Metsien Kätkemä (‘Hidden in the Forests’) was based on the TV series by the same name. The series first format localization, Back to Nature Australia Season 1 (8 x 30-mins) is live now on ABC TV and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Australian viewers. The format has also been optioned by producers in New Zealand, UK and South Africa. The completed series (Finnish or Australian versions) have been sold to or broadcasted in Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, China, Japan, Thailand, India, and Finnair in-flight entertainment. Negotiations are ongoing with several other territories.

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Rights sold:
FINLAND: Gummerus (orig.)

About author

Reetta Ranta

Reetta Ranta is a Finnish storyteller, author, media entrepreneur, and coach whose work bridges the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern storytelling. Reetta is best known in Finland as the co-host, writer, and producer of the acclaimed TV series Metsien Kätkemä (Back to Nature Finland, backtonature.tv), which has been sold to multiple countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. She has published non-fiction books, including Rituaalikirja – Timeless Nordic Rituals (SKS Kirjat, 2023), which explores the deep-rooted traditions of Nordic rituals. Her upcoming book, Sacred Trees (SKS Kirjat), set for release in spring 2025, delves into the spiritual and cultural significance of trees in Finnish heritage.

As the founder and leader of the family company Power Animals United, Reetta produces groundbreaking content that blends nature, mythology, science, and storytelling. She holds a Master’s degree from Aalto University and has over 25 years of experience in the media industry. Reetta has held leadership positions in various media organizations such as Reality Crisis, Rabbit Films, Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle, and Gutsy Animations. Additionally, she serves on the board of Women in Film and Television Finland (WIFT Finland), advocating for gender equality in the audiovisual sector.

Together with her sister, Reetta has also created the Nordic Forest Rituals Oracle Deck, a beautifully designed deck inspired by Finnish nature, mythology, and ancient wisdom, designed to help users connect with the rhythms of the natural world.

Raised in a world of folklore and storytelling, Reetta and her sisters grew up in Eastern Finland listening to tales of nature spirits, small creatures, and gnomes in the Finnish forests, a magical realm brought to life by their artistic father. Their mother, on the other hand, instilled in them a love for languages, literature, and the power of broadening one’s worldview through intercultural connections and learning. This rich heritage continues to inspire Reetta’s creative work, shaping stories and products deeply rooted in Finnish mythology, nature, and folklore.

Reetta is a mother of three and lives with her sons and American husband in a century-old house in the historic ironworks village of Fiskars, Finland. The beautiful nature provides inspiration for her and serves as a sanctuary amidst her busy work life. She shares her home with a dog, two cats, and a thriving colony of 70,000 honeybees, while often witnessing a freely roaming herd of deer and a variety of bird species in the yard. This profound connection to nature continuously inspires her storytelling.

Bibliography


2025, General Nonfiction

Reetta Ranta

Sacred Trees


2023, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

Reetta Ranta

Timeless Nordic Rituals: Bringing Purpose and Joy to Modern Life


2022, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

Reetta Ranta

Back to Nature Finland: Explore Nature, Myths, and Ancient Wisdom


About author

Antti Huttunen

Antti Huttunen is a TV producer, non-fiction writer and media entrepreneur. Huttunen is the founder of the Finnish travel website Retkipaikka and has published a number of books tied to the website. He is also the executive producer of Finland, Naturally website. Huttunen has scripted and produced two seasons of Metsien kätkemä (‘Hidden by the Forests’), a TV series about nature tourism in Finland.

Huttunen has previously worked in managing the digital marketing of Finnish Broadcasting Company and was one of the founders of Inferno Magazine music magazine in 2001. He has also scripted and produced known several award-winning advertisements.

Bibliography


2022, Personal Growth & Lifestyle

Antti Huttunen

Back to Nature Finland: Explore Nature, Myths, and Ancient Wisdom