Recommended place to stay:
This is edge-of-the-world wilderness and the accommodation is suitably wood-cabin rustic. What makes it a winner is the endearingly heartfelt sincerity of the Kamarainen family who own, run, live and breathe this hotel. It is important to them that they are always on site to meet and greet guests, and ensure personal service.
It’s easy to see why they’re so proud of their home; the location is sublime, a mirror-calm lake, hauntingly-beautiful birch forests and guaranteed pin-drop peace and quiet. There’s a coherent integrity to every aspect of a stay so the cuisine is regional, with a fabulous wild food restaurant where berries and mushrooms foraged from the forest, compliment game and fish. Their dress is traditional and the wellness is homegrown too.
Finland is the spiritual home of the sauna and the family keep it simple: get very hot in one of its saunas, and then jump in the lake to cool down. In fact, they strip everything back to basics – as they like to say moonlight is the only street light needed.
The Seven Star Smoke Sauna is a delicacy even by local standards. The stove has to be lit for the entire day in advance and the wood burnt out, leaving just the white-hot embers, creating a heat that is super smooth and aromatic. Dip in the ice-cold lake. Repeat.
The lodge is surrounded by pristine forests and is a 45-minute drive from Sarkiluoma city in the far north east of Finland and just two miles shy of the Russian border zone. Ruka, about a 40-minute drive, is a popular ski resort that has hosted international competitions.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Finnish Lapland, Finland
An unspoilt wilderness and outdoor adventure paradise. Summer and winter bucket list experiences galore – husky dog sledding, igloos and the Northern Lights – plus the real home of Santa.
