Log Cabins & Lodges in Finland

The air is one of the cleanest in the world and the landscapes are like no other. The country boasts thousands of lakes and forests that are always close by. Whether you would like to pay a visit to Santa Claus, admire the Northern Lights, experience the peace of the countryside or the vitality of its cities, the local people are ready to welcome you with a traditional Finnish smile! And what better way can there be to experience it all than from a traditional log cabin?! Whether you stay on the south coast within hopping distance of Helsinki, Finland’s dynamic capital city, one of its scenic national parks in the centre of the country such as Linnansarri, or in the far north to experience the magic of the northern lights, a log cabin in Finland is an experience all keen travellers should try at least once.

Lodges in Finland tend to be located in the middle of the wilderness, on the shores of a lake and sometimes even on your very own private island. You can look forward to a gorgeous open plan living with a huge fire in the centre to keep snug during those cool evenings, and enough space for all the family. Smaller cabins are also available that are ideal for romantic couples.

Finland is a land of 40 national parks scattered with lakes, forests and hills. Finland's universal right of access and use means you can venture almost anywhere in the parks as long as nature is respected. The region of a thousand lakes, located in the southeast of the country, is the popular playground for outdoor loving Finns. The largest lake is Saimaa, dotted with thousands of islands and perfect for kayaking on what they say is the cleanest water in the world.

Europe’s winter wonderland, riding on a reindeer or husky sled is one of the country’s most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike, and really, what better way can there be to discover snowbound nature than wrapped up on a warm husky sleigh or Santa's number one mode of transportation: Rudolph the Reindeer? The endless hills of Lapland are the backdrop for 15-minute husky walks to excursions that last several days. Reindeer rides are usually shorter and more suitable for young children, and both husky and reindeer rides are available from late October to April.

There are not many places where you can ski under the northern lights and midnight sun, but in Finland, it is! In the northernmost parts, the Northern Lights are practically guaranteed all winter long. On the other hand, the days are so long in May that sometimes the hills are still covered with snow when the sun decides to stay up for the whole night. These conditions, especially in places like Kilpisjärvi, make for an otherworldly cross-country skiing experience.

The coast of Finland is home to the largest archipelago in the world. And where there are islands, there are lighthouses. You can take day trips to many of them, such as Bengtskär on the west coast, the tallest lighthouse in Scandinavia.

Centuries ago, all the houses in Finland were built of wood, and today it is still possible to visit wooden houses that date back three hundred years. The Helsinki districts of Käpylä and Vallila are good places to start. The beautiful village of Vieja Porvoo, an hour from the capital, is another essential stop.

Finland boasts seven official UNESCO World Heritage sites, of which six are cultural and one is natural. Perhaps the best known is the Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki. A unique monument to military architecture, it comprises seven islands which house ancient fortresses and dungeons. A fascinating day out for history buffs!

Everyone knows that Santa Claus, the real one, comes from Finland, but what some people don't know, however, is that it is possible to meet him in person throughout the year. Santa's official office, located in the mysterious Arctic Circle, in the city of Rovaniemi, is open every day of the year. Take your children for a private conversation with him and delight in the magical atmosphere.

To really get to know the way of life of the Finns and their relationship with nature, join a tour and go berry or mushroom picking in the forest. In the Helsinki region, the best place to go to pick berries and mushrooms is in the Nuuksio National Park, less than an hour away by bus, but far removed from the rest of the world.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a lively seaside city made up of beautiful islands and large green parks. Although the pace of the city is relaxed, it is a thrilling tourist destination with a wealth of cultural and gastronomic offerings and a cutting-edge nightlife scene.

There are about 5 million people in Finland and 3 million saunas! The Finns' greatest hobby is going to the sauna, every week, with some going every day. The best saunas are next to a lake, and straight after a session Finns run out and dive straight into the cool, refreshing water. Join them in an archetypal all-Finnish experience!