Latest news with #PetriStenberg
Kuwait Times
13 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Finns flock to ‘shepherd weeks' to disconnect on holiday
Finnish holidaygoers are clamoring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquility in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia, age 2, and Hugo, 4, on an old farm on an island in the Isojarvi national park in central Finland. The popular holiday scheme, organized by the Metsahallitus company that manages and protects state-owned land and water areas, allows the family to combine recreation and nature conservation. 'We are living very close to nature here. We feed the sheep a couple of times a day, we have been to the sauna, swam and gone fishing,' Oona Stenberg, who works as a physiotherapist, told AFP. 'Not once have I seen any news here. There's no TV here, we haven't browsed our phones. So in a way, my mind has somehow calmed down and I'm just concentrating on being here,' she added. Accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge, the old farm is one of around a dozen remote sites across Finland to which Finns can apply for a week-long holiday taking care of sheep. Historically, grazing sheep and other animals have played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitats for flora and fauna at the various locations. But changed forestry and agricultural practices, including a 'dramatic' decline in the number of small farms in Finland, have seen these traditional biotopes of so-called semi-natural grasslands and wooded pastures become an endangered part of Finland's nature, explained Metsahallitus expert Leena Hiltunen. 'The main purpose of the shepherd weeks is to increase people's knowledge about these traditional biotopes,' Hiltunen said. The vegetation on the Isojarvi island was traditionally kept light and lush as grazing sheep prevented overgrowth, providing the necessary ecosystem for now-endangered plant and insect species. Compared to the 1950s, less than one percent of Finland's traditional biotopes and landscapes remain, according to Metsahallitus, with most of them now located in protected areas. 'Appreciation and protection of nature is so important... So it is really important for all of us to learn about it and for children to learn to appreciate it,' said Oona Stenberg. Petri Stenberg feeds the sheep herd in Isojarvi National Park, Langelmaki, Finland. A sheep stands on a field in Isojarvi National Park, Langelmaki, Finland. A sheep stands on a field in Isojarvi National Park, Langelmaki, Finland. Petri Stenberg prepares coffee inside a rented cottage in Isojarvi National Park, Langelmaki, Finland. The Stenberg family enjoys a break outside their rented cottage in Isojarvi National Park, Langelmaki, Finland. Popular holiday Metsahallitus received 12,764 applications from 2,236 applicants - many applying for more than one site - for this year's summer season. A total of 158 shepherd weeks are selected through a lottery. 'There has been a great deal of interest,' Hiltunen said. The Stenberg family, who lives in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki, applied a few times until they finally got lucky this year. A week typically costs between 400 and 670 euros ($470-$780) at most locations. The housing is spartan and simple, in huts or cottages often lacking running water and sometimes even electricity. 'Some people have asked us why we wanted to pay to herd sheep and do some yard work,' laughed Oona Stenberg. 'But it is really an experience for us, and the kids are loving it,' she added, sipping from her coffee cup outside the family's yellow cottage, surrounded by old wooden outhouses and a sauna overlooking the lake. In Finland, many people spend their summers in rustic countryside cottages. Hiltunen said only Finns could apply for the shepherd weeks because it was crucial to know 'how to manage the modest lifestyle' in nature on one's own. 'We don't have enough resources to advertise it internationally, or have someone there nearby advising how things work,' she said. 'Break from everyday life' On the lakeland island, a sense of complete serenity hung in the air, the grey sky suggesting rain was on its way. The family had been instructed to count the dozen sheep every day 'and make sure their overall health is good, that they are eating enough and checking that the fencing is intact,' said Petri Stenberg, who drives excavators for a living. The small farm was a working farm until 1989 and was bought by Metsahallitus in the 1990s. Flipping through the pages of a notebook inside the house, Petri Stenberg showed writings and a few sketches of sheep from previous visitors who documented their daily life and observations. 'This is a real break from everyday life,' he said. — AFP
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
No phones, no WiFi, just sheep: Finnish holiday-goers flock to ‘shepherd weeks' to disconnect
KUHMOINEN (Finland), July 11 — Finnish holidaygoers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquillity in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia, age 2, and Hugo, 4, on an old farm on an island in the Isojarvi National Park in central Finland. The popular holiday scheme, organised by the Metsähallitus company that manages and protects state-owned land and water areas, allows the family to combine recreation and nature conservation. 'We are living very close to nature here. We feed the sheep a couple of times a day, we have been to the sauna, swam and gone fishing,' Oona Stenberg, who works as a physiotherapist, told AFP. 'Not once have I seen any news here. There's no TV here, we haven't browsed our phones. So in a way, my mind has somehow calmed down and I'm just concentrating on being here,' she added. Accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge, the old farm is one of around a dozen remote sites across Finland to which Finns can apply for a week-long holiday taking care of sheep. Historically, grazing sheep and other animals have played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitats for flora and fauna at the various locations. But changed forestry and agricultural practices, including a 'dramatic' decline in the number of small farms in Finland, have seen these traditional biotopes of so-called semi-natural grasslands and wooded pastures become an endangered part of Finland's nature, explained Metsähallitus expert Leena Hiltunen. 'The main purpose of the shepherd weeks is to increase people's knowledge about these traditional biotopes,' Hiltunen said. The vegetation on the Isojarvi island was traditionally kept light and lush as grazing sheep prevented overgrowth, providing the necessary ecosystem for now-endangered plant and insect species. Compared to the 1950s, less than one per cent of Finland's traditional biotopes and landscapes remain, according to Metsähallitus, with most of them now located in protected areas. 'Appreciation and protection of nature is so important... So it is really important for all of us to learn about it and for children to learn to appreciate it,' said Oona Stenberg. A sheep herd stands on a field on June 17, 2025 in Isojarvi National Park, Langelmaki, Finland. Metsahallitus, a state owned enterprise in charge of most of protected areas and forestry, has started renting farm cabins where the guests have the chance to take care of a small herd of sheep during their staying. — AFP pic Popular holiday Metsähallitus received 12,764 applications from 2,236 applicants — many applying for more than one site — for this year's summer season. A total of 158 shepherd weeks are selected through a lottery. 'There has been a great deal of interest,' Hiltunen said. The Stenberg family, who lives in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki, applied a few times until they finally got lucky this year. A week typically costs between €400 and €670 (RM1,990-RM3,330) at most locations. The housing is spartan and simple, in huts or cottages often lacking running water and sometimes even electricity. 'Some people have asked us why we wanted to pay to herd sheep and do some yard work,' laughed Oona Stenberg. 'But it is really an experience for us, and the kids are loving it,' she added, sipping from her coffee cup outside the family's yellow cottage, surrounded by old wooden outhouses and a sauna overlooking the lake. In Finland, many people spend their summers in rustic countryside cottages. Hiltunen said only Finns could apply for the shepherd weeks because it was crucial to know 'how to manage the modest lifestyle' in nature on one's own. 'We don't have enough resources to advertise it internationally, or have someone there nearby advising how things work,' she said. 'Break from everyday life' On the lakeland island, a sense of complete serenity hung in the air, the grey sky suggesting rain was on its way. The family had been instructed to count the dozen sheep every day 'and make sure their overall health is good, that they are eating enough and checking that the fencing is intact,' said Petri Stenberg, who drives excavators for a living. The small farm was a working farm until 1989 and was bought by Metsähallitus in the 1990s. Flipping through the pages of a notebook inside the house, Petri Stenberg showed writings and a few sketches of sheep from previous visitors who documented their daily life and observations. 'This is a real break from everyday life,' he said. — AFP
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
Finns flock to ‘shepherd weeks' to disconnect from modern life on holiday
Finnish holidaymakers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquillity in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia,
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Straits Times
Finns flock to ‘shepherd weeks' to disconnect on holiday
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The farm is accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge. KUHMOINEN , Finland - Finnish holiday goers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquility in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Mr Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia, 2, and Hugo, 4, on an old farm on an island in the Isojarvi national park in central Finland. The popular holiday scheme, organised by the Metsahallitus company that manages and protects state-owned land and water areas, allows the family to combine recreation and nature conservation. 'We are living very close to nature here. We feed the sheep a couple of times a day, we have been to the sauna, swam and gone fishing,' Mrs Stenberg, who works as a physiotherapist, told AFP. 'Not once have I seen any news here. There's no TV here, we haven't browsed on our phones. So in a way, my mind has somehow calmed down and I'm just concentrating on being here,' she added. Accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge, the old farm is one of around a dozen remote sites across Finland to which Finns can apply for a week-long holiday taking care of sheep. Historically, grazing sheep and other animals have played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitats for flora and fauna at the various locations. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore 'Give a positive review': Hidden AI prompt found in academic paper by NUS researchers Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Business New Career Health SG initiative launched to support both S'pore workers and employers Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's conviction of doctor who gave patients unapproved hormones But changed forestry and agricultural practices, including a 'dramatic' decline in the number of small farms in Finland, have seen these traditional biotopes of so-called semi-natural grasslands and wooded pastures become an endangered part of Finland's nature, explained Metsahallitus expert Leena Hiltunen. 'The main purpose of the shepherd weeks is to increase people's knowledge about these traditional biotopes,' Ms Hiltunen said. The vegetation on the Isojarvi island was traditionally kept light and lush as grazing sheep prevented overgrowth, providing the necessary ecosystem for now-endangered plant and insect species. Compared with the 1950s, less than one per cent of Finland's traditional biotopes and landscapes remain, according to Metsahallitus, with most of them now located in protected areas. 'Appreciation and protection of nature is so important... So it is really important for all of us to learn about it and for children to learn to appreciate it,' said Mrs Stenberg. Popular holiday Metsahallitus received 12,764 applications from 2,236 applicants – many applying for more than one site – for the 2025 summer season. A total of 158 shepherd weeks are selected through a lottery. 'There has been a great deal of interest,' Ms Hiltunen said. The Stenberg family, who lives in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki, applied a few times until they finally got lucky in 2025 . A week typically costs between €400 (S$600) and €670 euros at most locations. The housing is spartan and simple, in huts or cottages often lacking running water and sometimes even electricity. 'Some people have asked us why we wanted to pay to herd sheep and do some yard work,' laughed Mrs Stenberg. 'But it is really an experience for us, and the kids are loving it,' she added, sipping from her coffee cup outside the family's yellow cottage, surrounded by old wooden outhouses and a sauna overlooking the lake. In Finland, many people spend their summers in rustic countryside cottages. Ms Hiltunen said only Finns could apply for the shepherd weeks because it was crucial to know 'how to manage the modest lifestyle' in nature on one's own. 'We don't have enough resources to advertise it internationally, or have someone there nearby advising how things work,' she said. Break from everyday life On the lakeland island, a sense of complete serenity hung in the air, the grey sky suggesting rain was on its way. The family had been instructed to count the dozen sheep every day 'and make sure their overall health is good, that they are eating enough and checking that the fencing is intact,' said Mr Stenberg, who drives excavators for a living. The small farm was a working farm until 1989 and was bought by Metsahallitus in the 1990s. Flipping through the pages of a notebook inside the house, Mr Stenberg showed writings and a few sketches of sheep from previous visitors who documented their daily life and observations. 'This is a real break from everyday life,' he said. AFP
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Finns flock to 'shepherd weeks' to disconnect on holiday
Finnish holidaygoers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquility in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Petri Stenberg is enjoying a "shepherd week" together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia, age 2, and Hugo, 4, on an old farm on an island in the Isojarvi national park in central Finland. The popular holiday scheme, organised by the Metsahallitus company that manages and protects state-owned land and water areas, allows the family to combine recreation and nature conservation. "We are living very close to nature here. We feed the sheep a couple of times a day, we have been to the sauna, swam and gone fishing," Oona Stenberg, who works as a physiotherapist, told AFP. "Not once have I seen any news here. There's no TV here, we haven't browsed our phones. So in a way, my mind has somehow calmed down and I'm just concentrating on being here," she added. Accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge, the old farm is one of around a dozen remote sites across Finland to which Finns can apply for a week-long holiday taking care of sheep. Historically, grazing sheep and other animals have played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitats for flora and fauna at the various locations. But changed forestry and agricultural practices, including a "dramatic" decline in the number of small farms in Finland, have seen these traditional biotopes of so-called semi-natural grasslands and wooded pastures become an endangered part of Finland's nature, explained Metsahallitus expert Leena Hiltunen. "The main purpose of the shepherd weeks is to increase people's knowledge about these traditional biotopes," Hiltunen said. The vegetation on the Isojarvi island was traditionally kept light and lush as grazing sheep prevented overgrowth, providing the necessary ecosystem for now-endangered plant and insect species. Compared to the 1950s, less than one percent of Finland's traditional biotopes and landscapes remain, according to Metsahallitus, with most of them now located in protected areas. "Appreciation and protection of nature is so important... So it is really important for all of us to learn about it and for children to learn to appreciate it," said Oona Stenberg. - Popular holiday - Metsahallitus received 12,764 applications from 2,236 applicants -- many applying for more than one site -- for this year's summer season. A total of 158 shepherd weeks are selected through a lottery. "There has been a great deal of interest," Hiltunen said. The Stenberg family, who lives in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki, applied a few times until they finally got lucky this year. A week typically costs between 400 and 670 euros ($470-$780) at most locations. The housing is spartan and simple, in huts or cottages often lacking running water and sometimes even electricity. "Some people have asked us why we wanted to pay to herd sheep and do some yard work," laughed Oona Stenberg. "But it is really an experience for us, and the kids are loving it," she added, sipping from her coffee cup outside the family's yellow cottage, surrounded by old wooden outhouses and a sauna overlooking the lake. In Finland, many people spend their summers in rustic countryside cottages. Hiltunen said only Finns could apply for the shepherd weeks because it was crucial to know "how to manage the modest lifestyle" in nature on one's own. "We don't have enough resources to advertise it internationally, or have someone there nearby advising how things work," she said. - 'Break from everyday life' - On the lakeland island, a sense of complete serenity hung in the air, the grey sky suggesting rain was on its way. The family had been instructed to count the dozen sheep every day "and make sure their overall health is good, that they are eating enough and checking that the fencing is intact," said Petri Stenberg, who drives excavators for a living. The small farm was a working farm until 1989 and was bought by Metsahallitus in the 1990s. Flipping through the pages of a notebook inside the house, Petri Stenberg showed writings and a few sketches of sheep from previous visitors who documented their daily life and observations. "This is a real break from everyday life," he said.
