Rääkkylä Cultural Village Two-Day Tour – Culture, Music, and Karelian Traditions
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This two-day retreat offers a rich cultural experience in the heart of Finnish Karelia. Whether you’re learning to play the kantele, baking Karelian pies, or exploring the historic sites of Paksuniemi, this journey is an unforgettable immersion in the region’s traditions and natural beauty.
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Group Size: Max. 20 people
Overview
This two-day retreat takes you into the heart of Finnish North Karelia, where you’ll
experience local craftsmanship, savor traditional Karelian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the region’s serene natural landscapes. You’ll stay at Villa Ruusula, participate in hands-on workshops, and enjoy unique cultural activities like Karelian pie-making and stargazing. For those interested, there’s also the option to unwind in a traditional lakeside sauna.
Day 1: Highlights
Karjalanruusu Flower Fields
Begin your retreat with a visit to the Karjalanruusu flower fields, a vast, colorful expanse of blooms that stretches over a hectare. This picturesque location is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Finland’s natural flora and capture some striking “Instagrammable” moments. As you wander through the fields, you’ll learn about the sustainable gardening practices that maintain this gorgeous landscape.
Mythical Melodies: Crafting the Kantele at Iso-Pappila
Next, visit Iso-Pappila, the largest parsonage in North Karelia, built in 1898. This historic site features a beautiful wooden house which is currently under renovation, and an enchanting garden filled with rhododendrons, meadows, and fruit trees. Within Iso-Pappila, you will find the Koistinen Kantele workshop, renowned for producing
Finland’s finest kantele instruments. Here, you will learn about the artistry of kantele making from Hannu Koistinen, a master craftsman who has modernized this traditional Finnish instrument, transforming it into a versatile musical instrument capable of playing everything from rock to classical music. Participate in a co-play kantele session, gathering around a communal kantele to learn and play simple tunes together, showcasing the joy of making music rooted in Karelian traditions.
Traditional Karelian Dinner at Koivuniemi and Patrick Ward’s Mosaic Exhibition
Following the kantele workshop, enjoy a traditional Karelian lunch at Koivuniemi Manor. The meal includes local delicacies made with seasonal ingredients, offering a delicious taste of the region. After dinner, explore the mosaic exhibition by Patrick Ward, whose vibrant artworks reflect both contemporary creativity and the history of the manor. This stop combines local gastronomy and artistic expression for a truly enriching experience.
Evening at Villa Ruusula – The Soul of Finland
Karelian Dinner with Traditional music In the evening, check in at Villa Ruusula, where you'll enjoy a delightful dinner featuring traditional Karelian cuisine. After dinner, unwind in the sauna, an integral part of Finnish culture, where you can relax and socialize with your group.
Nightless night, Stargazing or Northern Lights In summer, be enchanted by the light of the midnight sun, in late summer, marvel at the starry sky, and in autumn and winter, you may witness the Northern Lights. This magical experience will be the perfect way to end your first day, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Karelian countryside.
Day 2: Karelian Breakfast and Traditional Workshops
Karelian Breakfast and Pie-Making Workshop start your morning with a hands-on Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pie) workshop at Villa Ruusula. Learn how to craft these iconic pies, from preparing the rye crust to making the rice filling. After baking your own pies, enjoy them fresh from the oven as part of a traditional
Karelian breakfast.
Paksuniemi – Historic Dairy and Mill Site
Next, head to Paksuniemi, a historically significant site featuring an old dairy and mill, which have always served as community gathering spots for locals. Established by village activists in 1904, the dairy and mill played crucial roles in the village's development. Notably, Paksuniemi was the first location in Rääkkylä to receive electric lights in 1910. During its peak, the community-run dairy produced up to 60,000 kg of butter annually, with milk transported by boat during the open-water season. As you explore this historic site, you’ll gain insight into its vital role in the village's prosperity and the evolution of dairy practices in the region.
Included in the Two-Day Tour:
- 1 night accommodation at Villa Ruusula
- Guided visits to all tour locations
- Traditional Karelian dinner with traditional music, karelian breakfast, and lunch
- Entrance fees and participation in workshops (kantele, pie-making, etc.)
Price: Starting from 400€/person (incl. VAT)
Contact us for tailored group pricing and additional services.
