Arboretum Mustila, Forest park and cultural heritage site in Kouvola, Finland.
Arboretum Mustila spans roughly 120 hectares and holds more than 2,800 different tree and shrub species from around the world. Large collections of rhododendrons and exotic conifers form important sections of the grounds.
The site was founded in 1902 and was Finland's first botanical garden. It developed into an important center for studying how plants adapt to the cold northern climate.
Wooden sculptures depicting trolls and mythical figures created by local artists connect Finnish folklore to the natural surroundings. They are scattered along the paths and tell stories from traditional beliefs.
Visitors can explore roughly 10 kilometers of marked trails running through different plant collections. A café in an old granary offers refreshments during the summer months.
The Rhododendron Valley contains over 100 species that bloom at the same time in June, creating a massive flower display across the land. This short burst of blooming makes June the best time to experience the full effect.
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