Nature experiences
Uhkua organises responsibly conducted nature experiences while respecting the valuable lake nature of Saimaa. We primarily operate in the landscapes of Yövesi and Louhivesi in Northwestern Saimaa, but we are also available for longer trips upon request. On the water, we travel in open canoes or our small fishing boat. Nearby, you can find beautiful island destinations, peaceful beaches, berry and mushroom forests, ready-made nature trails, and the stunning Astuvansalmi rock paintings – all of which you can experience on our trips.
We offer pre-planned guided tours, but we are also happy to customise the experience according to your wishes. Nature calms and the landscapes enchant – and often, good food made from local ingredients is also included.
Explore FOOD EXPERIENCES
Evening paddle and sauna on Lake Saimaa
EXPERIENCE LAKE SAIMAA BY PADDLING AN OPEN CANOE AND END THE DAY WITH LAKESIDE SAUNA AND SEASONAL MEAL.
We meet at our farm for a short information before heading out onto the lake. The total paddling distance is approximately 10 km. The pace is calm with short breaks along the way. During the trip we stop on an island for a longer break. There is time to enjoy a relaxed lunch, take a short walk or even a refreshing swim in Lake Saimaa.
The route follows the shoreline and passes small islets, offering beautiful lake scenery throughout the journey. With a bit of luck, you may even spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
After the paddle, a pre-heated sauna awaits by the lake, followed by a relaxed evening meal.
This trip is suitable for beginners in good basic condition. No previous paddling experience is required, but the day includes several hours on the water. All paddling equipment is provided; please bring weather-appropriate clothing, drinking water and a change of clothes for the sauna. Towels are included.
A handmade seasonal lunch during the trip and an evening meal after the sauna are included. The menu often features seasonal ingredients such as locally caught fish, local meat and vegetables prepared over the fire.
The trip is weather-dependent; if conditions do not allow going out on the lake, we will do our best to reschedule. Safety instructions are given, and trained guides accompany you throughout the excursion.
AVAILABLE: June – September (October)
GUIDING LANGUAGES: Finnish, English
OPTIMAL GROUP SIZE: 4–8 people
DURATION: 6 hours, paddling c. 3.5 hours with breaks, flexible starting time
DEPARTURE: Suurlahdentie 3189, Someenjärvi (Uhkua)
PRICE: 245 € / person (incl. vat), minimum charge equivalent to 4 people
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 744 7631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Canoeing trip and seasonal meal on Lake Saimaa
EXPERIENCE LAKE SAIMAA BY PADDLING AN OPEN CANOE AND ENJOY A SEASONAL LUNCH MADE FROM LOCAL INGREDIENTS.
We meet at our farm for a short introduction before heading to Lake Saimaa and the historic Vuoltee canal dating back to 1836. The total paddling distance is approximately 7 km. The pace is calm, with short breaks along the way.
After passing through the canal, we pull the canoes ashore and take a longer break. There is time to enjoy a relaxed lunch, take a short walk or even a refreshing swim in Lake Saimaa.
The route follows the shoreline and passes small islets, offering beautiful lake scenery throughout the trip. With a bit of luck, you may even spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
This trip is suitable for beginners as well as those with some paddling experience (recommended age 15 and above). All paddling equipment is provided; please bring weather-appropriate clothing and drinking water.
A handmade seasonal lunch prepared from local ingredients is included. Safety instructions are given, and trained guides accompany you throughout the excursion. The trip is weather-dependent; if conditions do not allow going out on the lake, we will do our best to reschedule.
AVAILABLE: June – September (October)
GUIDING LANGUAGES: Finnish, English
OPTIMAL GROUP SIZE: 4 – 8 people
DURATION: 4 hrs, paddling c. 2,5 hrs with breaks, flexible stating time
DEPARTURE: Suurlahdentie 3189, Someenjärvi (Uhkua)
PRICE: 120 € / person (inc. vat), minimum charge equivalent to 4 people
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 744 7631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Forest walk and open-fire cooking on Lake Saimaa
STEP INTO THE FOREST, GATHER SEASONAL INGREDIENTS AND COOK A BLUEBERRY DESSERT TOGETHER OVER AN OPEN FIRE.
Join your host for a relaxed walk in the forest, where you’ll discover what the season has to offer and feel the simple joy of being in nature. Along the way, we gather what the forest offers – typically berries in late summer – while learning about local nature and everyday life in rural Finland.
Back at the fire, we cook together outdoors using what we have gathered. You’ll take part in preparing a traditional Finnish blueberry dessert, cooked over an open fire and shared together straight fom the pan. This delicacy is served with vanilla cream and freshly brewed Finnish campfire coffee and seasonal homemade drink.
This is a hands-on, easygoing experience – no rush, just time spent in nature, cooking and sharing a meal together.
Seasonal option: During mushroom season, the experience can alternatively include a foraging and cooking session with wild mushrooms – for example chanterelles prepared over the fire and enjoyed on bread with coffee.
AVAILABLE: July – September (mushroom option later in the season)
GUIDING LANGUAGES: Finnish, English
GROUP SIZE: 6 – 12 people
DURATION: approx. 2,5 hours, flexible starting time
WALKING DISTANCE: approx. 2 km (easy terrain)
PRICE: 75 € / person (incl. VAT), minimum charge equivalent to 6 people
The experience takes place near our house (Suurlahdentie 3189, 52360 Someenjärvi) in Ristiina. Alternative locations nearby are possible on request (additional fee will be applied).
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 744 7631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Forest walk and mushroom foraging in Lake Saimaa
EXPERIENCE THE FINNISH FOREST AND DISCOVER THE JOY OF MUSHROOM FORAGING!
Join your host for a relaxed walk in the forest, where we explore the seasonal world of mushrooms. This easy and enjoyable outing is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience – or anyone simply curious about Finnish nature.
Along the way, we learn to recognise a few common edible mushrooms and gather them together, while moving at an unhurried pace and taking in the beauty of the forest. The focus is on experiencing, observing and enjoying – with practical tips and ideas you can take home with you.
For an added treat, you can order hand crafted lunch made of local ingredients to enjoy during the trip. We will provide baskets and knives if needed – just bring weather-appropriate clothing, good footwear and a curious mind.
The experience takes place in our nearby forests in Ristiina. A light rain will not prevent the trip, but in case of severe weather, we will reschedule.
AVAILABLE: July – October
GUIDING LANGUAGES: Finnish, English
OPTIMAL GROUP SIZE: 4 – 12 people
DURATION: 2 h, flexibe starting time
DEPARTURE: Suurlahdentie 3189, 52360 Someenjärvi (Uhkua)
PRICE: 65€/person (incl. vat), minimum charge equivalent to 4 people
PACKED LUNCH (OPTIONAL) : 20€/person (incl. vat)
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 744 7631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Winter fishing and burbot soup on Lake Saimaa
DISCOVER WINTER FISHING ON LAKE SAIMAA AND ENJOY A TRADITIONAL MEAL INSPIRED BY THE SEASON.
Step onto the frozen lake with us and take part in winter fishing as it is still practiced by people living by the lake. During a guided walk on the ice, we explore the winter landscape and learn how fishing continues even in the coldest months.
You will drill your own hole in the ice and try traditional ice fishing yourself. During burbot spawning season, also fish traps are traditionally set under the ice — and if we have traps in place, we will check them together and see what the lake has offered.
While fishing we pause on the ice for a warming hot drink and a Finnish cinnamon bun — a small but essential part of any winter outing.
Winter fishing requires patience, but it also connects you directly to the meal that follows. After our time on the ice, we return to our atmospheric old log house to warm up and enjoy a hearty burbot soup — a traditional seasonal delicacy. The soup is prepared by Ilkka, our chef and fisherman, using locally caught fish and ingredients from nearby producers.
This experience brings together shared moments, winter landscape, hands-on fishing and a meal that reflects the season.
AVAILABLE: February–March, depending on weather and ice conditions
GUIDING LANGUAGES: Finnish, English
OPTIMAL GROUP SIZE: 6 – 12 people
DURATION: 3 hrs, flexible starting time
DEPARTURE: Suurlahdentie 3189, 52360 Someenjärvi (Uhkua)
PRICE: 135 € / person (incl. vat), minimum billing equivalent to 6 people
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 7447631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Luontomajoitus
Tarjoamme elämyksellistä ja ekologista majoituspalvelua luonnon rauhassa. Ota lempeät löylyt ja nuku hyvät yöunet Uhkuan kelluvilla lautoilla Saimaan laineilla. Luonnonläheinen ja yksinkertainen mutta ylivoimaisen mukava majoituskokemus luo mahdollisuuden irrottautua arjesta ja antaa luonnon viedä.
Lautat sijaitsevat Ristiinan Nikinsalmessa [kartta]. Kulku lautalle tapahtuu vanhalla tervatulla soutuveneellä, joka kuljettaa majoittujat myös pienen matkan päähän saunalautan löylyihin, omalla lihasvoimalla tietysti.
Myös lemmikit ovat tervetulleita majoittumaan! Emme veloita lemmikeistä maksua.
Lautat voit varata kokonaan omaan käyttöösi tai järjestää lautoilla illanviettoja isommalle porukalle. Tarvittaessa majoitus- ja saunalautta voidaan myös yhdistää toisiinsa.
LUMIKENKÄRETKI SAIMAAN TALVISESSA LUONNOSSA
Lähde ohjatulle lumikenkäretkelle nauttimaan hangista ja lumoutumaan Saimaan talvisesta luonnosta!
Tämä retki sopii kaikille kunnosta riippumatta. Etenemme maastossa ja Saimaan jäällä ryhmänä leppoisaa vauhtia ja haluttaessa kokeilemme myös lumikenkien mäennousukykyä. Retki on saatavilla tilauksesta ja retken aloitusajankohta on sovittavissa toiveiden mukaan. Myös hämäräretket mahdollisia. Tapaamme Nikinsalmen torpalla (Suurlahdentie 3189, 52360 Someenjärvi) ja säädämme varusteet yhdessä kuntoon ennen lähtöä. Tarvittaessa retki voidaan järjestää myös muissa maisemissa.
Mukaan retkelle tarvitset säänmukaisen vaatetuksen, tukevat varrelliset kengät (+säärystimet/muut lahkeensuojat), istuinalustan ja juomista. Hämäräretkelle mukaan otsalamppu.
Lämmin juoma kuuluu retken hintaan. Halutessasi mukaan voi tilata myös käsityönä valmistetut sesonginmukaiset lähiruokaeväät, jotka nautitaan retken aikana.
Opastuskielet suomi ja englanti. Varaukset viimeistään 48 h ennen retkeä.
- Retken kesto: 2 h
- Ryhmäkoko: 4 – 12 hlö
- Retken hinta: 40 €/ hlö
- Retkieväät: 20 €/ hlö
Minimilaskutus 4 hlö, isommista ryhmistä ja vaihtoehtoisista paikoista voidaan tehdä tarjous. Tämä retki toimii perheiden ja porukoiden lisäksi erinomaisesti esimerkiksi yritysten henkilöstön virkistyspäivän ohjelmana tai osana yritysvieraiden ohjelmaa.