Sleep in a loggers' log cabin in Nuuksio National Park – your own wood-fired sauna, jetty and silence
Tikankolo was built in the mid-1900s as a lodge for forest workers and still stands alone on the shore of Lake Saarilampi, on the western edge of Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki. You heat the stove and the sauna yourself, bring your own water, and at night the light comes from solar lamps, candles and the stars. This is Finnish sauna and cabin life as locals know it, not a staged version of it.
At a glance
Cabin: 40 m² log cabin with two stove-heated rooms and beds for six
Sauna: separate wood-fired sauna with changing room. Firewood is included.
Shore: private rocky shore and jetty; the water gets deep quickly
Getting there: about 1 km from the Valklammentie car park, or a 4 km hike from Kattila (reachable by public transport). Keys are in a smart key box; check-in is at 13:00 and check-out at 11:00.
Good for: couples, families and small groups, all year round. Dogs are welcome (pet fee).
Tikankolo facilities and courtyard
The main building of Tikankolo has two rooms with fireplaces, a room and a sleeping chamber. The separate sauna building has a good-sized sauna, a dressing room and a wood storage. There is a dry latrine in the courtyard of Tikankolo.
Tikankolo is used all year round and is suitable for a maximum of 6 people.
It has its own beach and jetty. The shore drops off steeply and there is a large rock in front of the pier.
No swimming possibility during winter season.
No electricity or running water - bring the necessary water and lighting.
Services for groups:
Tikankolo environment and surroundings are suitable for small groups and additional group services.
For groups more than six people, we charge a group fee of €100 in addition to the accommodation. This fee covers the higher load on the site (toilets, firewood, terrain) and a site check after the group's visit.
Location and accessibility
Tikankolo is located on the western edge of Nuuksio National Park, on the shore of Saarilampi Lake. You can reach Tikankolo by public transport, hiking and by car:
Western Valklammentie parking lot is located about 1 km from Tikankolo.
The other public car parks in the area are located at Kattila, Haukkalampi and Haltia Nature Centre.
The easiest access by public transportation is from the Kattila car park, which is about 4 km from Tikankolo.
Tikankolo 360 - the best way to discover accommodation!
Use the links below to enter Tikankolo and view the accommodation.
Equipment
Cabin
Cutlery, plates, bowls and mugs for six people
Gas stove with gas bottles, and a wood-burning stove
Knives and other cooking utensils, serving dishes, colander
Coffee pot, frying pan and two pots (1,5l + 3l)
Cleaning equipment, first aid kit & fire extinguishing equipment
Beds, mattresses and pillows for 6 persons.
Solar powered lighting (electricity not guaranteed in winter)
Sauna
Changing room and large steam room - sauna stove and bucket
Washing gear (tub, buckets, basin and ladles)
Ice auger and pump for drawing sauna water through the ice in winter
Wood store, firewood, axe & fire extinguishing equipment.
Yard
Private beach, benches & outdoor fireplace with grate
Own pots and pans for open fire (found in storage)
Always bring:
Necessary lighting (matches/torch). Toilet paper, matches and sleeping bags. There is no drinking water well at Tikankolo, so be sure to bring drinking water and water for cooking when you arrive.
Additional Information
Tikankolo is available to the tenant from 13:00 on the day of arrival until 11:00 on the day of departure.
Keys are available in the smart key box on arrival. Your personal PIN code will be delivered one week before the start of your stay.
The tenant is responsible for the cleanliness of the accommodation, the yard and the associated facilities. The tenant will leave the Tikankolo in a tidy condition for the next tenant.
The Tikankolo is a litter-free camping site:
Bio-waste goes into the dry toilet with the bedding material.
Incineration of burnable rubbish in the sauna oven or in the cabin's chimney. Don't leave rubbish behind as kindling for the next guests.
All other garbage must be hauled away - Do not leave any food waste in the Tikankolo.
Dogs are allowed at Tikankolo, pet fee must be paid at the time of booking.
All pet waste and hair must be cleaned up - beds must be properly secured.
Book early
Natura Viva holds the Sustainable Travel Finland label and Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, and Tikankolo is a leave-no-trace site. Weekends book up first, so reserve your stay early.
