Mythical forest, “peace of mind” under the million stars

The silence of the forest, the glow of the summer sun on a calm lake, the darkness of autumn and the moonlight or the winter days with bright snow and the million stars of the nightly sky, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded just by the nature.

Let’s calm down in the beautiful forest environment, under the million stars or on a summery lakeside. We´ll tell you exciting stories about the old times and Finnish mythology; which kind of interesting inhabitants once lived in the forests, how did our forefathers manage with fairies, elves and other creatures, where did the gnomes keep their treasures etc.

Trips can be organized with different themes at different times of the year; spring time and summer / angling and forest hikes, autumn / forest hikes, starry sky, fishing with tridents for example, winter /ice fishing and starry sky, kicksled trips.

We offer you the equipments for fishing; fishing rods, lures used in ice fishing etc. Notice: you must have your own clothing and shoes according to weather.

These excursions are suitable for all ages.

The duration of the trip is 1½-3 hours, depending on the destination.

The excursions start from the place named by the customer, for example, from the accommodation. If ordered beforehand, we can also arrange transport from your accommodation, for a separate fee.

Ask for more information or an offer!

Examples:

“Strange” Nature (We’ll get to know special and strange natural sites, hear stories about nature and mythology, and relax in nature)

– min 2 people, max 15 people

– includes guiding

– Guiding in Finnish or English.

2. Fishing trip to the lake (ice fishing in winter or angling in summer)

– min 2 people, max 15 people

– including fishing equipment and baits

– Guiding in Finnish or English.

3. Under the million stars: under the starry sky in winter or the twilight of the forest in summertime

– min 2 people, max 15 people

– includes guiding

– Guiding in Finnish or English.

The participants must have they own, appropriate weather equipment.

Catering: possible to be arranged if ordered beforehand. See the serving options or ask for an offer for, for example, picnic lunches.

Ask for more information or an offer!

Happenings

We update information about our events on our facebook, among other things, so you can have the current information about upcoming events from there. If you would like to get information about events in the South Karelian area, you will find it here: https://tapahtumat.ekarjala.fi/en-FI

INTO THE NATURE! Guided forest tours, on which experts teach us about biodiversity

Excursions to nature will explore Finnish biodiversity, flora and fauna. See a Finnish swamp in all it´s beauty, the typical landscapes, beautiful sceneries, odd places and, if we get lucky, we can also see some animals, like mooses, in the wilderness! Especially in autumn (September, October) it is most likely to see for example elks. Ask for more details of these kinds of excursions.

The length of excursions may vary according to your wishes, as well as the degree of difficulty. Possibility to include specific themes and functionality (e.g. handicrafts from natural materials, food from nature and traditional games).

Available in the year seasons: spring and early summer / herbs, games and handicrafts, summer / games and handicrafts, autumn / berries, mushrooms, games and handicrafts.

Maximum group size: 10 persons, can be arranged for a larger group depending on the destination. Suitable for all ages. Notice: The participant must have suitably and weather-friendly clothing and shoes.

Duration: 1½ – 2 hours.

The excursions start from the place named by the customer, for example, from the accommodation . If ordered beforehand, we can also arrange transport from your accommodation, for a separate fee.

Including small snacks made from the natural products (note: doesn´t include campfire dining, dinner or any larger meal, doesn´t include transportation). Guidance in Finnish and English. Campfire dining can be arranged on different request as well as the transportation.

Ask for more information or an offer!

Tapio Tour

There’s something magical in the woods. When you listen carefully and let your imagination free, you can feel how the forest and it´s inhabitants welcome you as a friend. A dark forest can hide many secrets…

During the excursion we will tell you stories about the nature and our forefathers, about different beliefs, and learn about the old habits related to nature. We will also tell stories about the mythical inhabitants, which once lived in our forests; gnomes, elves, fairies…

Avalaible: spring, summer, autumn. Also applicable in winter time!

Group size max 15 people. (Can also be implemented for a somewhat larger group).

Notice: The participant must have suitably and weather-friendly clothing and shoes.

The excursions start from the place named by the customer, for example, from the accommodation. If ordered beforehand, we can also arrange transport from your accommodation, for a separate fee.

Possibility to order catering and additional program at different prices as an additional service. (for example a gourmet meal by the campfire).

Ask for more information or an offer!

Guided tours containing natural sites of culture and history

In South Karelia, you can also see history in nature sites too; nature excursions can be directed to the former borders of southeast Finland, to the stone barriers of Salpalinja (the Salpa line), the canals of Suvorov, etc.

For example, there has been several demarcations during the centuries in the area of Ruokolahti and Rautjärvi municipalities. You can see the marks from some demarcations in Haukkavuori, which is also a beautiful and valuable nature destination in South Karelia.

Salpalinja, the Salpa line, has been made during the years of war 1940-1941 and 1944 to protect the eastern border of Finland. It was about 1200 km long and was never used in the wartime. It containes bunkers, saps and barriers and you can see the remains of it in several places in South Karelia.

In the area of Ruokolahti municipality, there is also three canals made by a Russian General and Count Aleksandr Vasiljevits Suvorov in the 18th century. They all are a part of a larger fortification the Russians made from the Gulf on Finland to Savonlinna.

In addition to these three examples, there is many different attractions to visit to. During the excursions you will hear the history and stories related to different destinations. Depending on the destination, there may not be much walking at all, so some of the excursions are suitable for all. The length of the trip depends on the destination.

Group size max 50 people . The participant must have suitably and weather-friendly clothing and shoes.

Available in: spring, summer, autumn.

The duration time: 2-3 hours (departure from the Ruokolahti church hill).

The excursions start from the place the customer wants (Notice: the group must have an own bus OR we can arrange transportation upon separate request and price)

If ordered beforehand, we can also arrange transport from your accommodation, for a separate fee.

Ask for more information or an offer!

Traditional pastries and smoke sauna

We will guide you to bake Karelian pies or other traditional pastries, in an atmospheric and inspiring environment of our co-operating companies, for example Hugon Huvilat in Rautjärvi, by a beautiful lake. Or would you prefer to make fo example Karelian pies by the campfire? You will also here and learn something about Finnish traditions. Finally, you can taste the pastries! ( group size max 20 persons, by the campfire max 10 person). By the lake Rautjärvi there are also the atmospheric smoke saunas. You can enjoy the relaxing feeling of the traditional sauna experience.

Duration: 1½-3 hours, depending on the pastries

Price: starting from 800 € / group, the price depends on what pastries is being made, so it is always better to ask on offer!

You can also book for example a full meal separately, if you want to have more to eat than the pastries baked together.