Viirapolla's Forest Invitation
A Family Adventure in North Karelia
A flying squirrel needs help, a willow tit is searching for a home
—can your family lend a hand?
Hidden beside a small forest pond and watched over by an traditional log cabin perched on a rock, this unique family adventure takes place in a peaceful corner of North Karelia where nature sets the rhythm. Here, the Ural owl is your closest neighbour, and every tree, bird song, and tiny detail can become part of the story.
Guided by the caring pine cone collector Viirapolla, your family is invited to step into a forest tale where cooperation, curiosity, and imagination help move the story forward. A flying squirrel is searching for help, while a willow tit is looking for a place to call home. Together, you will follow clues, explore the forest through your senses, and take on playful challenges.
Along the way, you may find yourselves listening more closely, observing more carefully, and finding new ways of connecting with both nature and one another. The adventure encourages teamwork rather than competition and offers children and adults alike the chance to share
a meaningful experience together.
Beginning around the campfire with a homemade lunch and traditional Karelian pies, the story gradually unfolds in the surrounding forest. Later, Viirapolla invites you back to the fire to prepare pancakes together, topped with ingredients gathered along the way.
Lasting about 3 hours, the adventure is offered for one or two families at a time, ensuring a personal and unhurried atmosphere.
Vaarapöllö's Forest Invitation welcomes to spend quality time together in a place where imagination and nature meet. As you help the forest creatures, every family member has something valuable to contribute. Whether through observation, creativity, quiet presence, or encouragement, the adventure creates space for everyone to take part in their own way.
Who Is This Adventure For?
This experience is perfect for families with children aged 4 to 12, though younger and older siblings may enjoy it as well.
You can come as one family or even as two families together—ideal for family friends or multi-generational outings. Grandparents, godparents, or other relatives are warmly welcome—everyone has a special place in this adventure.
Up to 12 participants can join each adventure.
The Place
Our adventure takes place in the middle of a quiet forest, on a rock overlooking a mystical pond. All activities happen outdoors, though if it rains, meals are served in a traditional Finnish kota with a campfire in the middle. From the parking lot, it’s just an 80-meter walk on a small forest path—no cars in sight, just you and the forest.
Please note that the path is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
There is a compost toilet on site, offering a simple, eco-friendly facility.
Your host
Viirapolla, the pine cone collector and rock dweller, will be your guide as you discover the forest’s quiet marvels. She loves sharing moments around a large pot of bubbling soup, as well as small wonders like the horned lichen growing on the rock by her cabin.
Each morning, she greets the birds, singing with them in English, German, and Finnish, and invites families to join her in listening to nature’s whispers.
Campfire Meal and Pancakes
Viirapolla’s campfire meal is vegetarian and prepared using seasonal ingredients. A nourishing vegetable stew with potatoes is served alongside traditional Karelian pies. For dessert, we bake sweet pancakes over the fire, with coffee, tea, or juice for the children.
If your family has any food allergies, dietary requirements, or other food-related needs, please let us know when making your reservation.
What to Bring
In any weather, please wear long-sleeved clothing, a hat and closed shoes—sneakers, hiking shoes, or even rubber boots. That way, you stay comfortable in the woods, keeping you at ease with plants and insects. If you have, bring also your mosquito hat. Waterproof clothing is a good idea if it rains.
Dates
July, 25.-31.
August, 8.-11.
August, 20.-24.
August, 29.-30.
September, 5.-7.
September, 12.-13.
September, 18.-20.
Sessions at 10.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Depending on the size of your group, the adventure may take a little longer than three hours. If two families participate together, we recommend setting aside at least three and a half hours.
Please contact Viirapolla personally to reserve your slot. If none of the dates listed above work for you, just reach out —we’ll see what we can do!
LOCATION and arrival
The adventure takes place on the edge of the village of Kelvä, in the Lieksa region of North Karelia, approximately 70 km from Joensuu and 36 km from Lieksa.
Families receive the exact address and detailed directions upon registration.
Please note: If you are planning to arrive with more than two cars or with a camper van, please let Vaarapöllö know in advance so that suitable parking instructions can be provided.
PRICE
One family (up to 2 adults and 2 children): €150
Two families booking together (up to 2 adults and 2 children per family): €120 per family
Additional participants:
-Extra adult (grandparent, relative, friend): + €12
-Extra child: + €10
The price includes the full adventure, campfire meal, pancakes, and all materials. If you have any special arrangements, dietary requirements, or questions about your group size, please get in touch before booking.
Booking and Cancellation Conditions
Before booking, please take a moment to read our booking and cancellation conditions.
extras
Korven saga petting farm and accommodation
Located just 4 kilometres from a small zoo, the Viirapolla's Forest Invitation can easily be combined with a visit to the animals, a relaxing sauna,
or an overnight stay surrounded by nature.
pAATERI
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