Finnish Summer Cottages/Cabins.

Hey there dear readers.
Long time since my last post, been quite busy with all sorts of stuff, unfortunately to such an extent that havn't really had time to blog, and when I did have time - had to tend other stuff :)

Anyhow, todays subject is a rather humble, but quite an important aspect of Finnish culture & society. As said on the post title, Finnish Summer Cottages & Cabins - "holiday homes". Unfortunately AFAIK many visitors/foreignors dont get to see this part of Finnish lifestyle, as it's often quite a "private" thing if you will. Cottages, cabins and all sorts of retreats are very common in Finland, so common that I'd guess most Finns have access to one, if not one of their own, but via family or friends. these so called retreats range from very basic, as in no running water/eletricity to deluxe hi-tech cabins. However my best guess would be that most are a in-between compromise of both aspects - as in some electricity and some running water, but with an outhouse and wood fired sauna and so forth. One can rent such cabins pretty much all over Finland, but I'd imagine the most authentic experience would be a family owned one, so should you have a chance to visit one - give it a go!

I actually tried to find some descent article on the subject, but couldn't really find one, which is quite surprising to say the least, as the 'mökki' or summer cottage is such a common phenomena. Basicly, a "mökki" is a retreat (often in the middle of nowhere) into which Finns dissapear during holidays to tend to the their souls (poetic eh? :)), chopping wood for the sauna, doing a little fishing and gardening and such, bar-b-qing and having a few beers in the midst of the forest and enjoying nature. Sounds odd? Somehow its a great way of kicking back and venting stress/relaxing, and forgetting the bustling city and enjoy festivities such as the midsummer (<- Ill try write a post on that in the near future).

Pics of and from a summer retreat I frequent:


One of the cottages...


Funky tree on the beach :)


This is where we quite often sit after a barbq and enjoy and ale or two, perhaps three ;)


As our retreat is on an island, boats are needed.


View of the surrounding area..:)


Our authentic finn smokesauna, almost ready to bathe in :) Splendid! :)


A few flowers gathered nearby, on the sauna dressing room window sill.


Chopped some wood, for the sauna etc.. :)


Found this old iron lying around, thought it was kinda cool :)


Found this little fella growing on a tree stump, pretty isn't it?


There you go, thats it for now, please do not use my pics without my permission :)
Btw. you can find other pics and stuff taken by myself here.