Family getaway in Mäntyharju

Time to explore, relax and enjoy being together.

Sometimes the best family holiday isn't about having a packed schedule.

It's about children finding their own adventures, parents enjoying a peaceful morning coffee, and everyone having time to simply be together without rushing from one place to another.

Apartment Accommodation Unelma is the perfect base for exploring the nature, beaches, hiking trails and family-friendly activities of Mäntyharju throughout the year. 

Why families love staying at Unelma

🏡 More space than a hotel room

A spacious 75 m² apartment exclusively for your family.

Separate bedrooms, a private kitchen and plenty of space for games, backpacks and outdoor clothing.

🍓 Easy family living, even on holiday

A grocery store is almost next door.

Prepare meals whenever it suits your family without planning your day around restaurant opening hours.

🌿 Plenty to do, even without a car

The railway station, market square, Forest Playground, beaches, canoe rental centre and nature trails are all within easy walking distance. Repovesi National Park is only about a 30-minute drive away. 

Your stay includes:

Beds made and towels provided

Breakfast porridge supplies, coffee and tea 

Children's storybooks 

Board games 

Access to the garden and outdoor areas 

Local hiking and sightseeing tips

Final cleaning

WiFi, Netflix

✓ Free on-site parking

Perfect for:

Families of 2–7 guests

Photos of the apartment and nearby attractions

Take a day trip to Repovesi National Park, explore scenic hiking trails and beautiful campfire sites, or enjoy an active holiday at Kisala Sports Centre. If your children are interested in history or art, visit the WWII Bunker Museum or explore the Teerniemi trenches, where history comes to life. Mäntyharju is also home to the region's only Forest Playground and what is probably the steepest and most exciting "Wuuuf" sledding hill in South Savo.

Enhance your stay with our extras

Spend quality time together with board games, drawing, painting or creating your own vision board. You'll also find a selection of children's storybooks in the apartment. 

With Children in Mäntyharju

Repovesi adventures

Repovesi National Park is famous not only for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking viewpoints, but also for its beautiful swimming spots and scenic campfire shelters. 

My personal favourites include Olhava (spectacular views and a famous climbing cliff), the Mustalamminvuori Observation Tower, the Ketunlenkki Trail (Fox Trail) with its suspension bridge and hand-operated ferry, and Sukeltajanniemi. 

You can also take a water taxi across the park or rent a canoe or kayak to explore Repovesi from the water. 

Whether you're travelling with young children or teenagers, I'll be happy to recommend the best day trips for your family. 

A day at the campfire

Mäntyharju is home to several beautiful campfire shelters, perfect for a relaxing day trip. 

Some of my personal favourites are: 

Tainan laavu
An easy walk along a short forest trail leads to this shelter, which also has a spacious jetty for swimming and relaxing. 

Mäntysaari
Reach this peaceful island by canoe or kayak from Itkonlahti or the village centre. 

Nuotioniemi
A beautiful lakeside shelter with a fun downhill trail leading to the shore. 

Pitkäjärvi
Nature trails, a swimming beach and a jetty make this an excellent destination for families. 

See more: Top campfire shelters for day trips

Day trips

Mäntyharju offers plenty to discover: ten museums, charming cafés, the popular Reissukirppis (a second-hand shop), a lively market square, the Forest Playground and the Käärmekallio Animal Farm. 

Café walk: Visit Makasiinin Puoti & Kahvila, located just a short walk from Unelma. The nearby Mäntykirppis flea market is often open daily during the summer, making it a great place to hunt for unique souvenirs. The market square is only 850 metres away. 

Museums: Did you know that Mäntyharju has 10 different museums? If you're heading south, stop by Miekankoski, home to the fascinating Log Floating Museum. Iso-Pappila, with its beautiful grounds, feels like stepping into the pages of a children's storybook. 

For day trips beyond Mäntyharju, I especially recommend the Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings, Saimaa ringed seal cruises in Puumala and the popular countryside flea market in Hirvensalmi. 

See more: 
With Children in Mäntyharju
Winter tips 

Travelling with teenagers?

There's plenty to keep teenagers entertained in Mäntyharju. Spend your days cycling, visiting cafés, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, exploring nature trails, crossing suspension bridges and discovering nearby attractions on day trips.

Breakfast delivered, a traditional sauna or a relaxing massage?

Would you like to add relaxation, the warmth of a traditional sauna, or local experiences to your stay? Explore our additional services and create a visit tailored just for you.

Good to know

✓ Private entrance and self check-in with keys

✓ Free on-site parking 

✓ Railway station only 900 metres away

✓ Pets welcome

Please note: The apartment is not wheelchair accessible. It is located on the third floor of our family home and can only be reached by stairs. The staircase is wide and equipped with handrails.

Comfort throughout the seasons: The house has natural ventilation, and guests can adjust the room temperature to their preference. Windows can be opened when needed, and during summer the bedrooms are equipped with fans. A portable cooling unit is also available in the apartment.

The best family holidays aren't always about theme parks. Sometimes the greatest memories are made with a cosy place to stay, nature nearby and time to simply enjoy each other's company.

Accommodation

Things to wonder

Quality time together

For a small additional fee, create your own vision board or oil painting to take home as a special memory of your stay. In the garden, you can play frisbee golf or badminton, or enjoy the simple pleasure of picking wild strawberries when they're in season. 

Tailored for you.

Whether you're looking for memorable experiences or simply a peaceful place to stay, the choice is yours. Spend the night in a historic merchant house less than 4 km from Art Center Salmela. Our cosy apartment provides a relaxing base for exploring Mäntyharju, surrounded by nature yet within easy reach of the town centre.

Warmly welcome!

Would you like to stay with us?

Check availability in the booking calendar and customise your stay by selecting the number of guests and any optional extra services.