Riitta and Steffan are the Finnish-Dutch couple behind the tree hugging world championship. Here are the summer events and nature destinations they go to.
Steffan Wunderink and Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink run Halipuu, a family-owned outdoor company based in Levi, Finnish Lapland. The Tree Hugging World Championships they organize has garnered attention from people all around the world.
The two met in the Netherlands and, after many years of living in central Europe, decided to move to Lapland in 2006. "I brought this souvenir with me," Riitta laughs while pointing to Steffan. Riitta was born and raised in the village they now call home along with their two teenage children.
As insiders in the local cultural community and with strong connections to the surrounding wilderness, Riitta and Steffan are eager to share their top picks for cultural events and nature destinations.