Isokenkäisten Klubi – Wilderness accommodation

Wilderness accommodation, award-winning smoke sauna and authentic wild food

Hidden deep in the wilderness near Finland’s eastern border, family-run Isokenkäisten Klubi offers wilderness accommodation, traditional sauna experiences and local wild food in a peaceful natural setting. Located by the clear waters of Lake Heikinjärvi, far from crowds and artificial light, it provides a quiet base for experiencing nature, local cuisine and authentic northern traditions. Hostesses Katja Vira and Sirpa Kämäräinen welcome guests with warm, personal hospitality, creating an experience shaped by genuine care, the surrounding untouched wilderness and a strong sense of place.

Accommodation blends naturally into the landscape, with options ranging from a wilderness hotel, guest house and traditional log cabins to unique Aurora huts set right by the lake. These glass-roofed huts offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding nature and, from late summer into autumn, the chance to observe the northern lights in complete darkness. Built with respect for tradition and the environment, Isokenkäisten Klubi uses local wood and recycled materials throughout its buildings and operates according to Green Key certified sustainability principles, reflecting a strong commitment to responsible tourism.

Guests can explore the area through hiking in the surrounding forests, rowing on the lake, swimming in clear water, and picking berries and mushrooms depending on the season. These nature activities offer an easy way to experience the local nature and outdoor lifestyle.

One of the highlights is the award-winning Seven Star Smoke Sauna. Heated slowly with birch wood, it offers soft, gentle heat and a deeply relaxing atmosphere. The experience is completed with a refreshing swim in the lake, creating a strong connection between traditional sauna culture and the surrounding wilderness.

Food is a central part of the Klubi experience. At the private Restaurant Klubi, the focus is on genuine, traditional cuisine from Kuusamo, prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Fish comes from nearby lakes, game from local hunters, and berries, herbs and mushrooms are foraged from the surrounding forests. Dishes are handmade in the Klubi kitchen, based on carefully refined family recipes.

Guests can choose from several menus, such as the Lappish-style dinner, highlighting seasonal ingredients from the north, or the Klubi’s Special Dinner, a multi-course menu served in an atmospheric setting. Meals can also be enjoyed by the open fire in a traditional Lappish hut, adding to the overall experience.

Visitors are also welcome to experience Isokenkäisten Klubi without staying overnight. Whether coming for a sauna session, a wild food meal or simply to enjoy the surrounding nature, it is possible to spend a day here and still experience the essence of the place.

At Isokenkäisten Klubi, the experience is built around a few essential elements, silence, nature, sauna and local food, creating a genuine and unhurried way to experience the untouched wilderness of Kuusamo.