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)
Experience the local landscape: Discover Mäntyharju through new perspectives with Piia, your local guide, whose stories bring the surroundings to life.
Lakeside calm: Open fire and lake views create a deeply relaxing atmosphere. We enjoy a traditional Finnish campfire lunch surrounded by nature.
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.
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)
Varaudu kesälläkin tuuleen rannan tuntumassa
Wear sturdy shoes with ankle support
Jos haluat lumikenkäillä, vuokraa minulta lumikengät
Walking poles are available
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.
Lähdemme historialliselta Iso-Pappilan alueelta, jota ympäröivät aidot 1800-luvun pappilarakennukset. Kuulet pienet tarinat pappilanmenosta ja aikalaisista silloin, kun siellä vielä asuttiin. Pappilasta kuljemme kohti mäntymetsiä, joissa maisema muuttuu vähitellen jyrkemmäksi ja luonnonmukaisemmaksi.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.