Hakoniemi - Old log house in Northern Saimaa

”Hako” stands for a spruce tree or a tree lying in the swamp or in the water, waiting for clearing.
Hakoniemi is a coniferous peninsula in North Karelia, located in the inland archipelago of Northern Saimaa. The creative space in Rääkkylä, Oravisalo, provides a framework for working and leisure, combining creativity and nature.The 1925s old farm has got a new life as a center of creative activity where you can organize workshops, events, marketing projects and tourist and accommodation services.

Hakoniemi - Creative space is located in an old 1920s log house in the archipelago of Saimaa in North Karelia. The 82 square meter building has been transformed into a venue for accommodation and creative work. The atmospheric log house has a kitchen, lounge, two bedrooms, an indoor sauna, a bathroom and a toilet. There is also a piano and a well-equipped kitchen in the main area of the house.

At Hakoniemi, at the tip of the coniferous headland, you are in peace and quiet. The yard has its own studio, barn gallery, sauna, barbecue area, lean-to and a private beach.

The farm was inhabited by painter Jorma Pajarinen for 20 years, and his studio and barn gallery were in the settlement. Hakoniemi with its surroundings is an ideal destination for artistic work.In addition to the lake nature of the inland archipelago, the proximity of the Russian border and the history of the region are strongly present. Nearby Salpapolku offers a piece of Finnish military history and varied archipelago nature. You can reach the archipelago along the bridges or the castle.

Varpasalo and Oravisalo are inland islands of Northern Saimaa in Rääkkylä, North Karelia. The islands are known for their beautiful lakes and folk music. It is always nice to pop by or stay a bit longer among the people of the active village community. Here, people become easily acquainted with newcomers, but there is also plenty of opportunities for peace and quiet around the islands.
The central feature of the Northern Saimaa archipelago is its unique lake nature. In the lake Orivesi, the islands surrounded by Hämeenselkä, Rauanselkä, Jänisselkä and Savonselkä contain both lush coastal groves and rugged rocky islands. Here, you are in the middle of the most beautiful areas of Lake Finland.
For the hiker, the islands offer excellent opportunities for water excursions, hiking and cycling. In winter you can enjoy skiing or snowshoeing on either prepared trails or intact crusts of snow. For the fishermen, the northern shores of Lake Saimaa offer great opportunities for pike perch. With the recovery of the endangered Saimaa Norp, a species of ringed seal, there is a real possibility of spotting one these chubby swimmers sun bathing on the cliffs.

Salpapolku is located in the vicinity of Hakoniemi, a military-historical outdoor trail. The route follows the structures of the Salpalinja, built on the east coast of Oravisalo. Salpalja was a defense line built for Finland`s defense during World War II. By exploring the trail you can examine the wartime structures and the nature of the Oravisalo and Hämeenselkä beaches. Some of historic structures of Salpapolku have been restored and you can find accommodation dugout and dugout sauna along the trail.

Private free parking

It is expected that after the accommodation the apartment is left in the same condition as when received. Otherwise a minimum charge of 70 € is collected plus the actual costs of the cleaning. Any animals must be agreed in advance. Any damage occurring during the accommodation are to be fully charged. No smoking is allowed in the premises.

Important if you fish!

The Saimaa ringed seal, a sub-species of ringed seal, has been classified as critically endangered (CR).

In the breeding areas of the Saimaa Ringed Seal, only fish traps in which the maximum width of the opening is 15 cm, even when stretched, may be used. The stretching of the trap opening may be prevented with special stoppers or with cable ties, for example. Under the Fishing Act, fish traps must be clearly marked and equipped with the owner`s contact information. Also remember to get a fishing permit.

Net fishing is prohibited in the main living areas of Saimaa ringed seal pups each year from 15 April to 30 June. All-year restrictions on fishing gear.
It is expected that after the accommodation the apartment is left in the same condition as when received. Otherwise a minimum charge of 70 € is collected plus the actual costs of the cleaning. Any animals must be agreed in advance. Any damage occurring during the accommodation are to be fully charged. No smoking is allowed in the premises.

Pease note that during the summer season, if there are more than 4 guests, additional accommodation is provided in a separate outbuilding located in the studio. The studio has two beds and a heat pump.

Important if you fish!

The Saimaa ringed seal, a sub-species of ringed seal, has been classified as critically endangered (CR).

In the breeding areas of the Saimaa Ringed Seal, only fish traps in which the maximum width of the opening is 15 cm, even when stretched, may be used. The stretching of the trap opening may be prevented with special stoppers or with cable ties, for example. Under the Fishing Act, fish traps must be clearly marked and equipped with the owner`s contact information. Also remember to get a fishing permit.

Net fishing is prohibited in the main living areas of Saimaa ringed seal pups each year from 15 April to 30 June. All-year restrictions on fishing gear.