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Forest walk and a lakeside lunch
Join a day trip from historic surroundings to a lakeside campfire, guided by stories and local insight.
- +358449972458
- Rinnetie 2, Mäntyharju
A guided forest experience by the fire
Join a day trip from historic surroundings to a lakeside campfire, guided by stories and local insight.
Discover elements of the Finnish traditional landscape, hear about the forest’s unique ecosystem and enjoy the calm of nature by an open fire.
2,5 hour
Price: € 250 (max 4 person)
Availability: year-round
Book: +358 44 997 2458, piia@piiamakila.fi
(Piia Mäkilä)
Highlights
Starting point in a historic 19th-century vicarage environment
Storytelling as a natural part of the experience
Learn about the health benefits of the forest and discover the small wonders of nature
Forest trails, cultural landscapes and seasonal scenery
Snowshoeing option in winter
Peaceful lakeside shelter
Traditional Finnish campfire lunch with coffee
Learn new skills – how to make a fire and brew coffee over an open fire
A genuine and unhurried moment in nature
Local guide Piia
Experience the local landscape: Discover Mäntyharju through new perspectives with Piia, your local guide, whose stories bring the surroundings to life.
Lakeside views
Lakeside calm: Open fire and lake views create a deeply relaxing atmosphere. We enjoy a traditional Finnish campfire lunch surrounded by nature.
Campfire lunch
As a natural part of the trip, I will guide you through the art of making a fire and show you how to prepare delicious coffee over the campfire.
Included
A storytelling, guided forest trip led by a local guide
The culturally historic Iso-Pappila
The well-being benefits of the forest as a natural part of the excursion
Campfire lunch at a lakeside shelter
Campfire coffee and a small treat
Snowshoeing option in winter
Official local guide (also a snowshoe instructor)
Good to know
Dress warmly in layers especially during winter
Be prepared for cool winds near the water, even in summer
Wear sturdy shoes with ankle support
Snowshoes can be brought or rented from the guide
Walking poles are available
No previous outdoor experience needed
Also suitable for children
The route is not accessible, although the steepest descent and ascent can be avoided.
Your own storytelling-guide
This is not just a hike—it’s a calm journey through history, forest trails and lake landscapes, guided by local stories and the rhythm of nature.
Hear the stories
The experience begins at the historic Iso-Pappila area, surrounded by authentic 19th-century parsonage buildings. Hear small stories about life at the parsonage and the people who lived there in the past. From the parsonage, we continue along forest paths through a familiar and beloved nearby forest towards quieter, traditional pine forests, where the landscape gradually becomes steeper and more natural.
Enjoy the views
The route follows the beautiful Pappilanniemi area. Depending on the conditions and your preferences, we walk on foot or use snowshoes, eventually descending towards a scenic lakeside shelter at the tip of Nuotioniemi. By the water, we take a pause – weather permitting, we light a fire and enjoy a traditional campfire meal and coffee brewed over the fire.
Enjoy local gredients
At the campfire, we prepare a traditional Finnish meal together. If you wish, you can also learn how to light a fire using simple, traditional methods. The stories, the warmth of the fire, and the silence of the winter nature make this a moment many remember long after the trip.
Slow down for a while and step into the landscape of thousands of years with a guidance of your own local guide. Below you can find more information about me and the services I offer.
Guided experiences
Tmi Piia Mäkilä is a one-person business based in Mäntyharju. I create small, carefully designed experiences in the local area, focusing on nature, wellbeing and local culture—with an emphasis on safety and genuine encounters.
Equipment rental
You can also rent outdoor equipment from me, such as a fire-starting kit for your own campfire adventures. I’m happy to provide free local tips for independent experiences, as well as recommendations for places to visit and day trips.
Outdoor advice
You can also order my curated “Mäntyharju guide,” a collection of links to my blog posts with tips for successful trips in the area — a perfect collection full of all sorts of things to do in Mäntyharju, if you prefer to explore on your own, without a guide.
Tailored for you
Experiential moments of togetherness.
Mäntyharju is a great destination
Mäntyharju is a unique destination with interesting places to visit all year round. As a local guide, I can help you find the very best spots.