Paddle & Beyond: 4 Days Adventure Haven at Wilderness Resort Metsäkartano
Week 39 and 40, 2025
Welcome to Metsäkartano, your gateway to the pristine wilderness of Finland's Lakeland district! Situated in the heart of Rautavaara, our Wilderness Resort offers a unique opportunity to escape into the tranquil beauty of Finnish nature, right at the doorstep of Tiilikkajärvi National Park. Immerse yourself in the serenity of our ancient forests and clean waters, where the air is pure, and the silence speaks volumes. Here, amidst the rustling trees and vast horizons, you'll find a profound sense of peace and connection to nature unlike anywhere else. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that your stay harmonizes with the environment, allowing you to experience the wilderness with care.
Discover the perfect blend of tranquillity, local flavors, and adventure at Metsäkartano. Whether you seek serene relaxation or exhilarating experiences, our retreat offers it all. Engage in self-discovery or bond with loved ones amidst nature's embrace. Enjoy leisurely hikes, savor the tradition of Finnish Karelian pie baking, and indulge in soul-soothing canoeing adventures. Experience the timeless ritual of traditional sauna ceremonies, where flickering flames and fragrant steam offer a moment of pure bliss. For an extraordinary adventure, experience sunrise canoeing through the stunning sandy coves and islands of Lake Ylä-Keyritty.
Awaken your senses and uncover the breathtaking wonders of nature. Experience the magic of autumn, where nature's palette paints a stunning backdrop for one incredible memory after another. As the leaves transform into a spectrum of fiery hues, immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the changing seasons. Join us at Metsäkartano and let the spirit of our Wilderness Resort guide you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Finnish nature.
Day 1
Arrival and Introduction to Metsäkartano
- Arrival and Welcome Greeting: Begin your adventure with a warm welcome to Metsäkartano.
- Accommodation Check-in: Settle into accommodation at Metsäkartano. Explore the facilities, common areas, and serene surroundings at your leisure.
- Welcome Dinner at Lodge Restaurant
- Orientation: Brief overview of the week’s schedule and activities.
- Sauna: Enjoy complimentary sauna access in your accommodation to relax after your journey.
Day 2
Crew Canoe Experience
- Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.
- Orientation: Get acquainted with the surroundings and the day's itinerary.
- Canoeing with a Crew Canoe: An unforgettable lake adventure with Crew Canoe, led by a professional guide. Glide through the waters as a team, delving into the serene beauty of Kalmosaari island. Discover the secrets of the mystical aquatic ecosystem and its fascinating inhabitants After our exploration, we paddle to the cozy lean-to in Jokisuu, where we indulge in a delightful spread of snacks and coffee, all to be savored amidst the pristine outdoor air. From here we venture on foot to discover the historic trenches dating back to the early 20th Century.
- Swimming and Lakeside Sauna: Experience the cozy embrace of our Lakeside sauna, then take an exhilarating dip in the pure waters of Ylä-Keyritty Lake. This revitalizing experience is complemented by a curated selection of local sauna delicacies, adding a touch of indulgence to your retreat. The sauna basket includes Metsäkartano’s Elderflower Mead, 1 piece of Alder Smoked Autumn Night Griller Sausage / Vegan option available upon request, Grandmother's Spicy Mustard, Rye Chips from Rautavaara Bakery with Nettle Pesto Spread.
• Free Time Before Dinner: Take a moment to relax and savor the adrenaline rush.
• Dinner
Day 3
Light Art & Painting
- Breakfast: Energizing breakfast to start the day.
- Free time: Simply relax. Explore the area at your own pace. Rest in our hammocks, and soak in the whispers of the forest.
- Finnish Light Art and Painting: Learn the basics and transform into a Nordic light artist. Illuminate the darkening landscape by designing your own unique light artwork in the enchanting forest by the beach. Paint mesmerizing light shapes into the air, capturing these precious moments.
- Dinner
- Exciting Finale:Experience the magic of the light show from a different perspective –enjoy the breathtaking view from the water.
- Sauna: Enjoy complimentary sauna access in your accommodation.
Day 4
Archery and Cycling:
- Breakfast: Energizing breakfast to start the day.
- Archery: Experience the harmony of mind and body with archery. Whether indoors or out, feel the thrill as you aim and release.
- Lunch
- Cycling and Hiking: Cycle with a guide to the ancient Pumpulikirkko devil’s pothole 7 km, then hike the remaining 3 km. The return journey will follow the same 7 km route back. A journey filled with mystery, adventure, and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.
- Free Time Before Dinner: Take a moment to relax and prepare for the evening meal.
- Local Menu Dinner: Enjoy a culinary journey through the region’s finest flavors, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. Each dish is meticulously prepared to provide an authentic and memorable dining experience.
- Sauna: Enjoy complimentary sauna access in your accommodation.
Day 5
Canoeing Adventure and Peat Hut Lunch
- Breakfast: Energizing breakfast to start the day.
- Canoeing: Paddle among beautiful sandy coves and islands in the wilderness of Lake Ylä-Keyritty immersing yourself in nature's embrace. A sensory journey like no other. Delve into the secrets of the surrounding landscape, where ancient geological formations hold tales of bygone eras. Let our expert guide lead you on a voyage of discovery, where geological observations and captivating storytelling reveal the rich history woven into the land.
- Peat Hut Snack Lunch: Gather around an open fire at the Peat Hut for a memorable snack lunch.
- Free Time: Delight in an extended period of leisure, offering a moment to reflect on the journey so far and simply relax.
- Dinner
- Sauna: Enjoy complimentary sauna access in your accommodation.
Day 6
Sunrise Paddle and Finnish Traditions
- Optional Activity - Sunrise Canoeing: Immerse yourself in an unforgettable paddling experience at dawn (6 am), as you glide across the tranquil lake with the ethereal morning mist rising - it's a moment of pure magic, an opportunity to connect with nature in its most serene state.
- Breakfast
- Optional Activity – Massage & Yoga: Enhance your relaxation with a soothing 1-hour massage, a nature-themed yoga session, or both. Each option is designed to melt away tension and rejuvenate your spirit. Sessions can also be booked before breakfast for an energizing start to your day.
- Finnish Karelian Pie Baking: Dive into Finnish tradition with our Karelian pie-baking workshop. Learn the secrets of this beloved Finnish delicacy as we guide you through making the dough, baking the pies, frying them to perfection, and preparing delicious egg butter.
- Lunch: Enjoy a lunch together, featuring the delicious Karelian pies you've baked.
- Sauna and the Healing World of Herbs: Immerse yourself in the ancient healing tradition of our sauna, enhanced with an herbal foot bath and guided relaxation. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of herbs while you relax in the comforting warmth of our beach sauna.
- Free Time Before Dinner: Take a moment to relax and prepare for the evening meal.
- Dinner
Day 7
- Breakfast
- Sensory Forest Hike: Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the forest with our expert guide, who will lead you on a sensory exploration - a full immersion of all four senses. Engage your senses as you explore vibrant flora and fauna, listen to melodies of nature, breathe in the earthy scents, and feel the textures of the wilderness. Let our guide unveil the hidden secrets and wildlife encounters along the way, making every step an unforgettable adventure.
- Discover the Art of Blacksmithing: Guided workshop in an authentic log cabin. Step into the captivating atmosphere of our blacksmith's workshop, where the flickering flames cast a warm glow and the rhythmic clanging of metal fills the air. The dimly lit space, filled with the rich scent of iron and smoke, creates an ambiance that transports you back in time. Experience the ancient craft of metalworking. Feel the heat of the forge and the thrill of shaping glowing metal into unique creations with your own hands. This immersive workshop offers not just a chance to learn a traditional skill, but also an opportunity to connect with history and craftsmanship in an unforgettable setting. Take home a meaningful souvenir crafted by your own hands.
- Free Time: Borrow or rent our high-quality equipment, relax, and prepare for the Farewell dinner.
- Finnish Menu Dinner with Hölökynkölökyn: A traditional Finnish menu will be served. Raise your glass and join us in a spirited toast to good times with the infectious cheer of "hölökynkölökyn!" Capture the moment with a group photo to cherish.
- Sauna: Enjoy complimentary sauna access in your accommodation.
Day 8
Departure:
- Breakfast
- Free Time: Relax and prepare for departure.
- Check-Out: Fond farewells and departure.
Price starting from: 1139€ per person for a minimum group size of 6 people.
Included services: Accommodation, meals, a glass of sparkling wine, sauna basket,
2 x Lakeland sauna sessions, and guided sessions (crew canoeing, canoeing, light art & painting, archery, cycling & hiking, canoeing, Karelian pie baking, sauna & healing world of herbs, sensory forest hike, blacksmith workshop).
Single room supplement: 30.00 EUR per person per night.
Additional Services (bookings in advance, payment at location): Subject to availability.
- Sunrise Canoeing Experience: Group rate of 200 EUR plus 10 EUR per participant.
- 1-Hour Massage: 55 EUR per person (minimum of 3 participants required)
- 1-Hour Yoga: 60 EUR per person (minimum of 3 participants required)
- 1-Hour Group Yoga: 50 EUR per person (minimum group size of 3 people)
- 1-Hour Group Yoga: 40 EUR per person (minimum group size of 5 people)
Service Languages:
English and Finnish
Other:
Minimum group size: 6 people. Maximum group size: 18.
Please note: All activities are subject to weather conditions.
