Nature accommodation
Stay in Uhkua’s floating cabin surrounded by Lake Saimaa’s nature – the lake, forest and silence. Simple and close to nature, the cabin has everything you need for a comfortable stay and, above all, gives you the chance to slow down and live at nature’s pace for a while.
The floating cabin is located in Nikinsalmi, Ristiina [map]. You reach it from the shore in an old traditional tarred rowing boat, which is yours to use throughout your stay. The floating sauna is also just a short row away.
Pets are warmly welcome, and we don’t charge an extra fee for them.
ACCOMMODATION PRICE
- 240 € / night / minimum stay 2 nights
The cabin has a 120 cm wide double bed. During the summer season, an extra bed can be arranged for one person. Extra bed 30 €.
The price includes a welcome drink, use of the floating wood-heated sauna and a rowing boat throughout your stay. You heat the sauna yourself, but if it’s your first time using a traditional Finnish wood-heated sauna, we’ll be happy to show you how everything works. The sauna is also rented to other guests, so sauna times may occasionally need to be agreed in advance. Washing takes place in the traditional Finnish way in the sauna using lake water.
The accommodation is closed from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON THE RAFT
- gas refrigerator
- small gas hob and gas barbecue
- cooking and dining equipment
- composting toilet
- wood-burning stove and gas heater
The cabin is insulated and can be heated with the wood-burning stove on cooler spring and autumn evenings. A gas heater provides additional warmth when needed.
There is no electricity, running water or Wi-Fi on the raft. Please bring a power bank if you need to charge your phone or other devices. If needed, we can also charge devices for you at our house.
THE FLOATING CABIN CAN BE BOOKED SENDING US EMAIL OR VIA AIRBNB:
FOOD ON THE RAFT
You can cook for yourself or order our food baskets. We prepare everything in our food baskets ourselves, using the best seasonal ingredients – produce from trusted local producers as well as ingredients we grow, fish and forage ourselves.
Breakfast basket 45 € / 2 people
Dinner basket 65 € / 2 people
We recommend ordering food baskets in advance. Ask us for more information about their contents and available dietary options.
Coffee and tea are included in the accommodation price. You’ll find coffee from the local Kirjala Roastery, a selection of teas, salt, pepper, sugar, honey and oil in the cupboard. We also provide drinking water on the raft.
ARRIVAL AND FURTHER INFORMATION
You can leave your car at a parking area close to the shore, from where you’ll continue by rowing boat to the floating cabin. We’ll meet you personally on arrival, take you to the raft and show you around so you know how everything works.
We’ll send you detailed arrival instructions before your stay.
Public transport doesn’t reach Uhkua directly, but we can arrange pick-up from Mikkeli Travel Centre, Ristiina or Hurissalo by prior arrangement.
See more detailed arrival information [here].
If you’d like to know more about the raft’s facilities, food or practical arrangements, please get in touch. You can also combine your stay with Uhkua’s nature and food experiences, and we’ll be happy to help you create a stay that suits you.
There’s plenty to explore around Lake Saimaa. We can share our favourite places and suggest day trips depending on your interests and the season. You’ll also find some of our recommendations on our Uhkua’s Tips page.
Floating sauna and old lakeside sauna
Relax in Uhkua’s floating sauna on the gentle waters of Lake Saimaa or enjoy the atmosphere of our 200-year-old log sauna by the shore. Looking for something different? We also rent a tent sauna. See our equipment rental page for more information.
Both saunas are located in Nikinsalmi, Ristiina [map]. A short row in a traditional wooden boat takes you to the floating sauna. During the colder months, both the floating sauna and the raft cabin are moved closer to the shore for easier access. The raft cabin can also be heated to serve as a changing room if needed. The old lakeside sauna offers a truly traditional Finnish sauna experience. The changing room is unheated, following the old Finnish sauna traditions.
The floating sauna is available for rent from May 1 to October 30, and the lakeside sauna from June 1 to September 30. Ask about availability at other times.
Equipment rental
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR OWN ADVENTURE.
If you’d like to explore Lake Saimaa on your own, we rent open canoes, rowing boats, tent sauna, hammocks, snowshoes and other outdoor equipment.
Open canoe hire includes paddles, life jackets and other necessary equipment. Renters must be able to swim. Canoes are collected from Uhkua in Nikinsalmi, Ristiina. Other equipment can also be delivered by arrangement, subject to availability. A delivery fee may apply.
Equipment can be collected from 9:00 onwards and should be returned by 18:00 unless otherwise agreed. Please return all equipment in the same condition as received. Equipment is checked before handover and again on return.
To make a reservation, please contact us by email, phone or via our contact form. Rental fees can be paid in advance by invoice or by card or cash when collecting the equipment. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you choose the right equipment for your adventure.
Price list
(prices includ local taxes 25,5%)
Open canoe
Open canoe (2 people):
- 30 € / 3 h
- 50 € / full day (pickup from 9:00 and return by 18:00)
- 80 € / per day
- 180 € / 3 days or weekend (Fri-Sun)
- 280 € / week
The rental includes everything you need for a safe canoe trip: paddles, life jackets and a waterproof phone pouch.
When you collect the canoe, we’ll give you a short introduction to the equipment. If your group has little or no previous canoeing experience, we recommend booking a one-hour introduction to canoeing techniques and equipment for 50 € per group.
Rowing boat
- 20 € / 4 h
- 40 € / day (from 9:00 to 18:00)
Hammock
- 5 € / day (2 hammocks available)
Hammock set
- 15 € / day
- 25 € / 3 days or weekend (Fri – Sun)
- 40 € / week
The set includes a Ticket to the Moon hammock, mosquito net, lightweight sleeping pad, and a DD Hammocks tarp and underquilt for cooler weather. Two sets available.
Tent
- 15 € / day
- 25 € / 3 days or weekend (Fri – Sun)
- 40 € / week
Sleeping pad
- 5 € / day
- 10 € / 3 days or weekend (Fri – Sun)
- 15 € / week
Gas stove and cooking set
- 10 € / day
- 15 € / 3 days or weekend (Fri – Sun)
- 20 € / week
Tent sauna
100 € / day
Additional days: 50 € / day
The rental includes the sauna tent, wood-burning stove with sauna stones, water tank, benches, a sauna bucket and ladle.
Packed size (without benches): 100 cm
Packed size (with benches): 160 cm
Tent size: 2 × 2 m
Height: 155–190 cm
Total weight: approximately 34 kg (plus sauna stones)
Snowshoes
10 pairs of TSL snowshoes
- Size 217 (shoe size from EU 40, recommended user weight up to 100 kg)
- Size 227 (recommended user weight 70–140 kg)
2 pairs of Morpho snowshoes
- Trim Alp
- Super Trim Alp
2 pairs of Leki walking poles available if needed.
15 € / day
25 € / weekend (Fri – Sun)
For larger groups or longer rental periods, please contact us for a tailored offer.
New to snowshoeing? We’re happy to recommend suitable routes or guided experiences.