Why I think every Finland trip needs a summer cottage

And with that I mean, No electricity. No running water. An outdoor toilet in the woods.

Sounds like a nightmare? Or does it sound like the adventure of a lifetime?
I really hope it’s the second one, because I genuinely think every Finland trip should include a traditional summer cottage.

Discover why a Finnish summer cottage stay is one of the most authentic and memorable experiences you can have in Finland.

As a Finn, summer cottages have always been a huge part of my life.

And I really mean my whole life.

I spent my first nine summers at my grandma’s cottage in the Turku Archipelago, and the following 25 summers at my parents’ cottage. It’s become my happy place, the place where I feel the calmest, the most relaxed, and the place I can’t wait to return to every summer.

So if you’re planning a trip to Finland and wondering whether staying in a traditional summer cottage is really worth it, my answer is simple:

Absolutely!

Let me show you why I think it’s one of the most memorable experiences you can have here.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand why Finns love their summer cottages so much.

If staying in a Finnish summer cottage is already on your Finland bucket list, don’t miss my free Summer Cottage Guide. It covers everything from booking your cottage to what to expect once you arrive.

The most peaceful place

Summer cottages in Finland are usually surrounded by forests, lakes or the sea, far away from busy cities. That means no traffic, no sirens and no constant background noise. Instead, you’ll wake up to birds singing, hear the wind moving through the trees and fall asleep in complete silence.

If you choose a more secluded cottage, you might not even see another person all day. And even if you do have neighbours, don’t worry, we Finns take peace and quiet very seriously. Chances are they’ll be enjoying the silence just as much as you are.

Person sitting quietly and looking out over the sea on a peaceful summer day in Finland.

Person relaxing in a hammock while enjoying the peaceful sea view on a summer day in Finland.

Experience Finnish culture firsthand

There are plenty of ways to experience Finnish culture, but if you ask me, staying at a summer cottage is one of the most authentic.

For many Finns, summer means packing up the car and escaping to the cottage whenever possible. Some spend entire weekends there, while others stay for weeks and only return to the city when work or school begins again.

By staying in a traditional cottage, you’re not just visiting Finland, you’re experiencing a lifestyle that’s been part of Finnish summers for generations.

Sauna and late-night swims

You simply can’t talk about Finnish summer cottages without talking about the sauna.

Heating up a traditional wood-fired sauna, sitting in the warmth, and then jumping into a cool lake or the sea is one of those experiences that every visitor should try at least once.

Repeat it a few times, grill some sausages afterwards, and watch the sunset from the dock.
That’s a pretty perfect Finnish summer evening if you ask me.

Person swimming at a Finnish summer cottage surrounded by nature on a sunny summer day.

Disconnect to reconnect

One of the things I love most about traditional Finnish summer cottages is that life naturally slows down.

Some cottages don’t have Wi-Fi. Some don’t even have electricity or running water. At first that might sound intimidating, but it quickly becomes one of the best parts of the experience.
Instead of scrolling on your phone, you’ll find yourself reading a book on the dock, playing board games, rowing a boat, picking blueberries or simply sitting outside with a cup of coffee, listening to nothing but nature.

It’s amazing how little you actually need to feel completely relaxed.

Wake up surrounded by nature

There’s something special about opening the cottage door first thing in the morning and seeing nothing but trees, water and endless fresh air.

No rushing. No traffic. No busy streets.

Just a slow morning with a cup of coffee outside while the world wakes up around you.
It’s a completely different feeling from staying in a city hotel.

Hand holding freshly picked wild blueberries during a summer day in Finland.

Peaceful coastal scene featuring a red cottage, a boat by the shore, and unspoiled nature.

Experience the magic of the Finnish Archipelago

If you’re staying in Southern Finland, I highly recommend choosing a cottage in the archipelago.

Tiny islands, winding gravel roads, little ferry rides and endless sea views make the journey just as memorable as the destination itself.

The Finnish Archipelago is one of my favourite places in the country, and spending a few days there is something I think every traveller should experience.

People enjoying a summer day in Finland's archipelago, with rocky shores, the sea, and a small cottage in the background.

It’s the Finland most visitors miss

This might actually be the biggest reason of them all.

Most visitors spend their time in cities, ticking off the main sights before moving on to the next destination.

But a summer cottage shows you a completely different side of Finland. The one where evenings are spent by the sauna, mornings begin with coffee on the porch, and the biggest decision of the day is whether to go swimming before or after dinner.

When you get home, those are the stories you’ll be telling your friends and family.
Not because you stayed in a luxury hotel, but because you experienced a side of Finland that most travellers never do.

Don’t skip this experience

If a friend asked me what one experience they absolutely shouldn’t skip in Finland, my answer would always be the same: spend a few days at a traditional Finnish summer cottage.

It doesn’t have to be luxurious or full of modern comforts. In fact, the simpler it is, the more authentic the experience usually feels.

I truly believe it’s one of the best ways to experience Finland. Not just as a visitor, but as if you were living here, even if only for a few days.