Welcome to Metsä Kolo
Metsä Kolo is not for everyone. And that’s part of its charm.
Metsä Kolo is a small, privately run nature retreat in the forested heart of Finnish Lapland, in Saariharju near Ranua, just an hour and a half’s drive from Rovaniemi. Surrounded by private wilderness, you’ll find three traditional log cabins, a tiny treehouse hideaway and our small main house by the lake — a place to enjoy your own space, far from the noise and bustle of the tourist circus.
This is not a hotel, and it isn’t a polished resort where everything happens at the touch of a button. This is the real Finland: a genuine cabin experience for independent travellers who are happy to embrace a simpler way of life.
Here, you fetch your own fresh water from the well in the yard. You heat your cabin with firewood in a wood-burning stove. You wash and unwind in a traditional log sauna nestled in the forest. There is no underfloor heating, no round-the-clock staff and no promise that every snowy track will be cleared the moment the snow stops falling. In winter, the weather sets its own timetable, and sometimes a little patience is part of the adventure.
At the heart of Metsä Kolo are a relaxed way of living, a deep connection with nature and a genuine appreciation for local life. To us, nature is far more than a beautiful backdrop. It is a living presence, woven into everything we do.
Breathe in the scent of the forest. Watch the light shimmer across the lake. Take a walk to the open bog or simply let the day unfold at its own pace. As evening falls, the fire crackles and the gentle warmth of the wood-fired sauna beckons. Soft linen sheets await those returning from a day outdoors.
Here, the rush of everyday life can finally fall away. There is room to breathe deeply, laugh, wonder, find stillness and rediscover the pleasure of experiencing life with all your senses.
This is a cabin experience you won’t find in a hotel. No tourist circus, no artificial wilderness — just you, the forest and the freedom to live a little differently.
Welcome to Metsä Kolo — into the quiet of nature, and closer to life.
The Heart of Metsä Kolo
My path here wasn’t a straight one, but it led me to what I had been looking for: the quiet of nature, a lakeshore and a forest of my own. A place to feel grounded, let my thoughts settle and simply be.
I love sharing this special place with the people who come to stay. At Metsä Kolo, you can take time for yourself, reconnect with who you are, enjoy a good conversation, chill out or recharge your batteries — mentally or physically. It’s somewhere your nervous system can settle, away from the constant noise and demands of everyday life.
You are welcome here, just as you are.
Metsä Kolo brings together my deep bond with nature, my sheer joy of living, the professional experience I’ve gathered around the world, and my curiosity to keep learning and putting new ideas into practice.
I love natural materials, Finnish craftsmanship, good-quality things that last, reuse and recycling, and locally sourced food. I believe in making thoughtful choices and giving things a longer life.
Born and bred in Helsinki, I’ve travelled widely and spent more than 20 years living in the Austrian Alps. Today, life by the water, the changing seasons, moments of quiet and the simple nourishment nature offers continue to teach me something new every day. All of it shapes me, little by little.
I do what I do wholeheartedly, and I couldn’t be happier. Somehow, I’ve found my dream job: life as a happy hermit in the forest, with the joy of sharing this little corner of the world with others.
Come to Metsä Kolo for a slower way of life. Come to find some stillness, spend time outdoors or head off on an adventure. Come on your own or with someone you love. Some days are for exploring; others are for simply enjoying the moment.
You are warmly welcome.
Ciao,
Alexandra
Barefoot in a Finnish Bog – The Truth About Mosquitoes in Lapland
The Mosquitoes Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Summer in Lapland isn’t perfect. It’s not polished or picture-perfect. It’s something else entirely.
For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of summer in the north is mosquitoes. They often come up before there’s even a chance to talk about anything else. And yes — they’re part of this place. There’s no need to pretend otherwise.
But they don’t tell the whole story.
In this video, I’m sitting barefoot on the bog. Not because it’s something extraordinary, but because it’s an ordinary part of life here. The ground is soft, the air is warm, and all around me is a kind of silence that isn’t empty — it’s filled with something that’s difficult to put into words.
Life in Lapland isn’t built around perfection. It’s built around space.
Space to be still.
Hear the silence.
Rediscover the simple things in life.
You learn to live with mosquitoes, just as you learn to accept other small inconveniences. And often, they reveal something important: not everything has to be easy to be meaningful.
Summer here is more than a landscape. It’s an experience that unfolds slowly. The light never quite fades at night. Time begins to lose its sharp edges. The days feel less like something to get through and more like an invitation simply to be.
Many people never come here because they believe mosquitoes would make it impossible to enjoy. Yet sometimes, it’s that very assumption that keeps us away from places where we might experience something genuinely different.
This video isn’t trying to convince you of anything. It’s simply showing you a glimpse of life here.
And if this kind of quiet speaks to you, perhaps this is a place for you.
Come and let nature surprise you.
A Quiet Winter in Lapland
Five nights · A slower way to experience the north
Discover a quieter side of Lapland. Stay in your own traditional log cabin, explore snowy forests, enjoy a wood-fired lakeside sauna and meet local people. Choose a small, personal Christmas or a peaceful winter escape with time to simply be.
**NEW FOR SUMMER 2027**PUUKOLO- A tiny hideaway.
For enquiries and bookings, please contact Alexandra at alexandra@lapinmetsalainen.fi or by phone on +358 45 2309 309.
At the edge of the forest, beside a small bog pond in a little kingdom of birds, lies a tiny hideaway for those drawn to a touch of wild romance.
Morning mist rises from the water. The birds greet a new day, and the world feels wonderfully still. Staying here is simple and close to nature — no Wi-Fi, no hotel-style comforts, but something far more elemental.
PuuKolo is small, pared-back and at its best for one adventurous soul who appreciates the beauty of simplicity and the closeness of the natural world.
Come and experience the quiet of Forest Lapland from a little closer than usual.
Log cabins
Back to the roots!
Our three traditional log cabins sit on the beautiful shores of Lake Saarijärvi, offering a relaxed Finnish cabin holiday with lovely lake views and wonderfully comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.
This is real
`MÖKKI´life -Finnish way
of cabin life.
Rooms
Our two peaceful attic rooms in the main house take you on a little journey back to finish childhood memories. A sense of safety, warmth and unhurried simplicity wraps around you like a comforting embrace.
Here, you can experience local life at its most genuine — closer than you ever imagined.
Sleeping Under the Open Sky
Is there anything more Finnish than spending a summer night by a clear-water lake, beneath the midnight sun? And then brewing your morning coffee by the campfire?
At Metsä Kolo, these are the simple pleasures that bring you closer to nature — and a little closer to the Finnish way of life.
Nature camping
Looking for something a little different? Arrive in your motorhome or campervan, or pitch your tent among the trees and settle into the quiet of the northern wilderness.
This is not your typical campsite. There are only a handful of places, plenty of nature and very little need to rush.
Less camping ground. More tiny Nature Camp.
What Our Guests Say about us
A Special Place to Arrive, Breathe Deeply and Simply Be 🌿We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Alex and her little paradise in Lapland twice — once in November and once in summer. Both stays were beautiful and special in their own unique ways.From the very first moment, we fell in love with the cosy log cabin. It’s a place where you instantly feel at home and can truly unwind. We particularly appreciated the attention to detail and the high-quality natural materials. Alex places great importance on quality — even the bed linen comes from Finland and is made from natural materials. And what can we say? We’ve rarely slept so well! The incredible peace and quiet certainly have something to do with it, too.For our children, it was one big adventure. And the best part? They didn’t need a programme of organised activities. Every day brought something new to discover. Walking barefoot across the bog, taking the boat out on the lake, wandering through the forest and keeping an eye out for elves and gnomes along the way. Nature was their biggest playground, and they were never short of things to do.We also loved enjoying the sauna together as a family. That special combination of warmth, silence, fresh air and unspoilt nature did us an incredible amount of good.What makes this place so special to us is the feeling of rediscovering the simple things in life. No stress, no unnecessary frills, no constant distractions. Instead, there’s time for each other, time for yourself and the chance to live fully in the moment again.And then, of course, there’s Alex. A wonderful host with a real instinct for understanding what her guests need. She’s there when you need her, always ready to listen and happy to help. At the same time, she gives you exactly the freedom and peace you’re looking for. Everything feels natural and effortless.For us, this place is much more than a holiday destination. It’s somewhere we can slow down as a family, recharge our batteries and reconnect with nature.We’ve taken home beautiful memories from both visits — and, above all, that special feeling of peace, freedom and simplicity.Thank you, dear Alex, for creating such a special place! ❤️
Liebe Alexandra,Ja so schnell ist der Sommer vorüber… wir haben gelesen, dass in Lappland bereits Schnee erwartet wird.
Wenn wir an unsere Zeit in Finnland denken, sind wir voller Freude und dankbar, dass wir das alles erleben durften.Wiir haben uns bei dir sooo wohl gefühlt, alles mal auf Null gestellt und abgeschaltet. Metsä Kolo ist eine mit sehr viel Liebe geschaffene kleine Oase mitten in der wunderbaren Landschaft Lapplands. Deine Mökkis sind so gut gelungen, so liebevoll und nachhaltig eingerichtet, einfach nur zum Wohlfühlen. Und Begegnungen sind es, die das Leben lebenswert machen. Wir sind sehr glücklich, dass wir den Weg zu dir gefunden haben und dich in deinem kleinen Garten am Simojärvi See besuchen durften.
Definetely one of our best experiences ever. We loved every part of it, and I wish I would have more! The place is marvelouse and thanks to Alexandra, we got to know Lapland form an authentic perspective. Thank you for all the help and advices, we are truly happy to have stayed at your place.
“We were absolutely delighted! Metsä Kolo is a place that has been thoughtfully renovated with a wonderful eye for detail. Sustainability, local products, quality and personal hospitality are clearly important here, and that is what makes this place so special.The owner, Alexandra, speaks fluent German, English and Finnish. She is never intrusive, yet is always available whenever you need her. She can tell you an interesting story about almost every plant and furnishing, and has plenty of practical tips to share.After years of travelling the world, Alexandra has found her home and her own special place to recharge. She has many plans for developing it further, always with care and sustainability in mind. She shares this very special place with like-minded guests who want to discover Finland and Lapland, their people, culture, local food and, above all, the breathtaking natural beauty far away from mass tourism.The cabins are lovingly furnished, each with its own fireplace, and there are two saunas and access to the lake. The sunsets are breathtaking, the food was excellent, and there were no mosquitoes — we’ll be back!”
“We spent a couple of days with Alexandra at the lovely Metsä Kolo in October 2020. The weather was rather chilly and damp, but it didn’t spoil our stay at all.The warmth and steam of the lakeside sauna were a real treat, and a dip in the cold waters of Lake Saarijärvi was wonderfully refreshing. We enjoyed being part of everyday cabin life, too — carrying firewood to the sauna and helping to heat the stove.The beds were comfortable, the bed linen wonderfully soft, and the towels were lovely as well. Everything felt thoughtfully chosen, with a strong emphasis on natural and eco-friendly materials.Alexandra took us around the area, showing us the forests, lakes and a nearby islet, while telling us about all the ways to enjoy outdoor life and spend time close to nature. You can simply enjoy the silence, free from stress, or head out and explore — there’s something here to nourish both body and soul.We never got around to picking cranberries, as we had drizzle all day, but the reindeer stew was a real taste sensation! The lingonberry jam was homemade, of course, using berries picked by Alexandra herself.We had a wonderful, relaxing stay and would happily recommend Alexandra’s delightful Metsä Kolo!”
location is really good. you can get groceries in Ranua and forest around the place is perfect for outdoor activities. it's located more or less in between Rovaniemi and Riisitunturi national park. Alexandra was extremely helpful, she gave us a tour of place, told us how to be a Finnish sauna masters and gave really good hints about things around. place itself is very nice. clean, cozy and bed is also very comfortable and warm. bed is by the window, so you can just lay there and watch the lake, if you want to. all in all a quality place. we fell in love with the north and would love to come to see how it is in the summer time.
“We absolutely loved our holiday at Metsä Kolo. Back to the roots! In a beautifully furnished cabin right by the lake, surrounded by idyllic scenery, you can truly unwind and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.Alexandra is such a warm and welcoming host. She treated us to some delicious traditional Finnish treats, and one of the highlights was gathering around the campfire in the kota, enjoying Finnish glögi and biscuits.We were lucky enough to have fresh snowfall, so nothing stood in the way of a trip on the electric snowmobiles. Great fun and highly recommended!And, of course, we also enjoyed the traditional Finnish sauna — an essential part of the experience! 🙂Alexandra gave us so many wonderful opportunities to discover Lapland. Thank you so much for everything!”
“We flew into Rovaniemi, and even on the drive to our accommodation, we spotted our first reindeer by the roadside.The cabin was more than adequate for our needs. As someone who spends a lot of nights in hotel beds for work, I was particularly impressed by the excellent beds and wonderfully comfortable bed linen.I especially enjoyed the wood-burning stove, of course. Lighting the fire and listening to it crackle is not something you get to do every day!Thanks to the lovely weather and the complete absence of mosquitoes, we spent most of our time outdoors with the children. Boating, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, enjoying the sauna and cooling off in the lake, fishing and picking berries — the days flew by.There was plenty of delicious food to enjoy, with fresh ingredients readily available. We spent lovely evenings together around the campfire, enjoying bilberry cake, sweet Buchteln with homemade blueberry and cloudberry jam, freshly smoked fish, fresh sourdough bread and much more.**We’ll be back!**”
“The location is exceptional, surrounded by nature, and the accommodation is cosy and beautifully decorated. We spent four truly wonderful nights here. Alexandra is an exceptionally kind host, always happy to take the time to chat and share a few words. The sauna was a real pleasure, and the whole setting was exactly the kind of nature we had come to Lapland to experience. Alexandra was also very helpful with advice and arranging activities. We loved our stay — a unique experience that is well worth the journey!”
Winter Magic, Relaxation & Outdoor Fun“Our accommodation was cosy and beautifully decorated, set in a wonderfully peaceful location surrounded by nature.We parents had a bed with a direct view of the lake, while the children shared the large sofa bed.The sauna was a real highlight for us and the perfect way to round off each day. The children especially loved sledging and making campfires!On our last evening, the most incredible Northern Lights made our stay truly unforgettable. We could watch them right outside our door, from the frozen lake — especially handy when the children were getting tired, as we could simply pop outside again after they had gone to bed.During our week, we enjoyed several excursions (our favourites first!). Alexandra was a tremendous help and recommended some wonderful local guides:- A visit to a reindeer farm
- A barbecue and sledging trip with Alexandra and her family
- A reindeer sleigh ride
- Ranua Wildlife Park
- Santa Claus Village in RovaniemiAlexandra is a wonderful host, and communication both before and during our stay was excellent.Thank you for such a lovely time!”
“Oh, what an incredible holiday spot we found in Ranua! There was something so special about the atmosphere that I even said there must be some good forest spirits wandering these woods. We have to come back — and soon!”