Finland is experiencing a subtle but transformative shift in fitness culture, as a training method originally developed for skiers has evolved into a worldwide wellness phenomenon. Nordic walking, which involves using ski poles to engage the upper body while walking, has expanded beyond its Finnish roots to more than 40 countries. This approach merges physical activity with outdoor engagement, embodying the broader Nordic values of simplicity and environmental responsibility.
The technique originated in the 1930s when competitive cross-country skiers used poles to stay in shape during seasons without snow. By 1966, Finnish physical education instructor Leena Jääskeläinen adapted the method for everyday use, creating the first documented application outside elite athletics. The name “Nordic walking” was later established by Aki Karihtala, president of the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA), who at the time led the Sports division at Exel, the global leader in cross-country ski pole production. In 1997, Exel released the first poles specifically designed for walking, and by 1998, over 500,000 Finns, in a population of roughly five million, had tried Nordic walking.
Nordic walking’s popularity stems from its alignment with core Nordic ideals: it is welcoming to all skill levels, demands minimal equipment, and encourages outdoor activity without excessive physical strain. The International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA), established in 2000, now governs the activity worldwide, promoting it for health benefits, social interaction, and competitive participation. Karihtala describes it as a fun, social and efficient form of physical activity that takes people back to nature. The federation’s INWA 10 Step Method™ provides a standardized approach, ensuring safe and effective participation across all ages and fitness capacities.
Read Also: Milan’s cocktail scene evolves beyond aperitivo
How Nordic walking fits modern wellness
Unlike other Nordic wellness concepts—such as Sweden’s lagom (moderation) or Denmark’s hygge (coziness)—Nordic walking’s strength lies in its practical application. It activates the entire body, reduces knee stress through proper pole technique, and can be practiced in both urban and rural environments. Finnish lifestyle analyst Katja Presnal notes that she has studied trends for over 20 years and her personal lifestyle digital platform was read by over 100,000 monthly readers and millions annually.
After two decades of travelling, she stopped “preaching trends” and started “walking the walk” by purchasing a 100-year-old former dairy tucked away in the Finnish countryside for a slower, more intentional way of life surrounded by nature, lakes, and walking trails. “It was about making everyday life a wellness regimen and creating my own 365-day retreat,” adds Presnal, noting that these were the type of slow living wellness experiences her family would seek in places like Tuscany while travelling.
The trend’s expansion mirrors a global movement toward low-impact, nature-based activities, particularly as urban populations search for stress relief without demanding high-intensity workouts. Nordic walking’s structured approach, guided by INWA’s standardized techniques, makes it more accessible than spontaneous practices like Norway’s open-air living or Iceland’s hot baths and cold dips.
Presnal highlights the activity’s adaptability as a key factor in its success. “You don’t recognise your Nordic way of living as something special that could become a global trend or could be taught and shared with somebody because it’s just a part of who you are.” This organic integration contrasts with other wellness movements, which often require significant lifestyle adjustments or financial commitments. Nordic walking, by contrast, only requires poles, a path, and a willingness to move outside.
Read Also: Passengers urged to curb chaos on crowded flights
Starting simple: Accessible entry points
Beginning the practice demands little more than curiosity. The federation organizes events worldwide, including themed walks and charity challenges. Novices can participate in group walks led by INWA-certified instructors or explore local trails independently. The federation’s 25 Nordic Walking Ideas provide structured ways to incorporate the activity into daily life, whether for fitness, social connection, or exploration.
In Finland, the practice has become deeply embedded in daily routines. Local reports indicate that municipal parks now feature designated Nordic walking trails, and community centers offer beginner classes.
Internationally, the activity has found unexpected niches. In Japan, urban professionals use Nordic walking to combine exercise with commutes, while in Australia, retirement communities incorporate it into social programs. The federation’s global reach extends to certified instructors in over 40 nations, ensuring consistency in technique regardless of location.