Whether you’re an author grasping for inspiration, or a seasoned traveler looking for an experience like never before, Finland’s Seurasaari Island awaits you. Merely a few kilometers from the center of Helsinki, you might wonder if you’ve stepped into a whole other world; greenery for as far as the eyes can see, the fresh scent of age-old trees and delightful wooden cabins. The island is home to a one-of-a-kind Open-Air Museum, sure to be unlike any other museum you’ve ever been to. As its name suggests, the beauty of the museum lies in the 80-over traditional buildings that blend in with the dense forest seamlessly, as if they have always been there. Travel the winding paths, occasionally interacting with the adorable island dwellers (read: fluffy, playful squirrels and graceful swans, among the many).

Take a peek into the traditional Finnish way of life as you enter the cottages, farmsteads, and marvel at the well-kept manors. The buildings date as far back as the 17th century, and they provide a truly immersive introduction to the way of life in the past. You don't want to miss Karuna Church, the oldest on the island, and a breathtaking work of Finnish carpentry. It invites you to explore its interior, made of log walls and its barrel vault ceiling, topped off by a birch bark roof. End your journey at Kalavelakehto, which celebrates Finnish past and present, reflected in its boat-like shape and Finnish wood exterior, melded with steel and glass. Definitely an experience like no other!