Swept skating track curving along the forested shore of Lake Saimaa, with two skaters
Punkaharju, Finland

Skating in Punkaharju, Finland

Lake Saimaa in Punkaharju national park, your own cabin with sauna, and your own pace from there.

Trip typeIndependent
GuidanceNone
AccommodationCabin with sauna
PriceFrom €895 pp
FlightIncluded
Skater on the swept track between the snow banks on Lake Saimaa
Cabins in the snow by Lake Saimaa
Lake Saimaa in the evening
The swept track from the air
Two skaters in the bend of the swept track
Aerial photo of the snowy lake landscape at sunset
Skater on the track along the snow-covered pine forest near Punkaharju
View across frozen Lake Saimaa
The sauna by the lake at blue hour
Swept skating track curving along the wooded shore of Lake Saimaa
Evening light over the ice of Lake Saimaa
The swept track seen from above, curving along the lake shore
The fireplace in the cabin
The swept track across the lake
Meltwater on the ice near a small island with pines
Skater on the track along the snow-covered pine forest near Punkaharju
Lake Saimaa, Punkaharju
Where you skate

Finland's largest lake district, and you decide for yourself when to get on the ice.

Punkaharju lies in the middle of Lake Saimaa, the vast lake district in south-eastern Finland. Forest, islands and ice as far as you can see.

On this trip there's no guide along. You get the accommodation and the location, and you plan your own days from there. No fixed departure date, no group to join.

That does ask something of you: you need to be able to judge for yourself whether the ice is safe. If you're unsure about that, feel free to ask Joey beforehand.

Wooden cabins in the snow among the pines near Punkaharju
Where you sleep

Your own cabin, with sauna

You stay in your own cabin by the lake, with sauna. After a day on the ice, you step straight inside.

The cabin is 35 m² (about 375 sq ft). When booking, you enter in the calendar how many of you are coming.

Inside the cabin

Kitchen, wood stove and your own sauna

A wooden cabin with its own kitchen, a wood stove in the living room and a sauna.

Living room of the cabin with wood stove and open kitchen
The wooden sauna inside the cabin
Bedroom with a double bed under a sloping wooden ceiling
Seating area with a sofa and dining table inside the cabin
Bathroom with sink and toilet in the cabin
Evenings by the lake

A chance to see the northern lights over Lake Saimaa

Punkaharju lies far enough north to have a chance of seeing the northern lights in winter. Whether you actually see them depends on solar activity and the weather. From your cabin on the lake, you can easily step outside for a moment on clear evenings.

In pictures

Finland in photos

  • A skater with poles on a track on a snow-covered lake, backlit by the low sun behind pine trees
  • Three people in swimwear by a steaming barrel sauna in the snow, walking along a path towards a lit jetty at dusk
  • A couple toasting with red wine in front of a blazing open fire in a dark room
  • A skater in a red jacket follows a winding track on the ice below a slope with pine trees
Dates and prices

What it costs, and when you can go

The price starts at €895 per person for 4 days with two of you. That includes the flight to Helsinki, the rental car on the spot, the cabin with sauna and access to the skating rink. Pick your arrival and departure day below and you'll see straight away what your period costs.

Once the calendar loads, you pick your period here and book directly. If that doesn't work, email schaatsennovakse@outlook.com or message +31 6 17467643.

The season runs from late December to early March; after that there's no more ice.

What's included

The flight to Helsinki with hold luggage, the local rental car, the cabin with sauna and access to the skating rink.

What's not

Food and drinks, and your own skating equipment and safety gear. That gear can also be rented in the calendar, including free use of the cross-country trails.

Payment

The full trip price in one go at booking.

Practical travel information
Travelling independently

Is this trip right for me?

This trip is especially suited to skaters who like to travel independently and plan their own days.

This trip suits you well if

  • you want to travel independently
  • you have experience with natural ice
  • you can assess current ice information yourself
  • you like to plan your own day

Check with Joey first if

  • this is your first skating trip to Scandinavia
  • you have little experience assessing natural ice

View all trips

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about Finland

Is the skating trip to Finland guided?

No, no guide comes along on this trip. You get the accommodation and the place, and you plan the days yourself. No fixed departure date, no group to join. That does mean you have to be able to judge for yourself whether the ice is safe; if you're unsure about that, feel free to ask Joey beforehand.

What does the skating trip to Finland cost?

The price starts at €895 per person for 4 days with two of you. In the busy periods around Christmas and in the second half of February it is a little higher. Included are the flight to Helsinki, the rental car on the spot, the cabin with sauna and access to the skating rink. In the calendar on this page you pick your own arrival and departure day and see straight away what that period costs.

When can you go to Finland for this skating trip?

The season runs from late December to early March; after that there's no more ice. The minimum stay is 4 days.

What is and isn't included in the trip to Finland?

Included are the flight to Helsinki with hold luggage, the rental car on the spot, the cabin with sauna and access to the skating rink. Not included are food and drinks, and your own skating equipment and safety gear; that gear can also be rented in the calendar, including free use of the cross-country trails.

Prefer a different destination?

Besides Finland, you can also skate with Novakse in Orsa, Falun, Luleå and on the Weissensee. All trips are independent as standard, without guidance on the ice. At Orsa and Falun you can add guidance on the ice. There are also guided group trips to Orsa and Falun, on a fixed date.

View all trips Ask your question via WhatsApp