Profile information
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Host rating
80 %
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Last replied
17 Jun 2026
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Reply rate
75.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
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Feedback
5
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ID verified
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Email verified
Country info
Badges (3)
Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Details
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Description
We have a wonderful, quiet place in the middle of Finland on the island of the magnificent Lake Oulujärvi. We have a sense of humor. We like music, good food and art. We have three dogs and chickens. The island has 28 km of sandy beach, lots of mushrooms and berries, you can fish in the ponds or in a clean lake. In late summer you can see the northern lights and the magnificent August moon. The sunrises and sunsets are like in the paintings.
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Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Elderly Companionship
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Help with Computers/ Internet
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Interests
Camping
Pets
Events & social
Farming
Culture
Charity work
Plant care
Photography
Performing arts
Music
History
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Animals
Water sports
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Nature
Hiking
Cycling
Adventure sports
Beach -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Passengers benefit from a cultural exchange by exploring the magnificent unique Finnish archipelago. Travelers can learn about the region's history, food culture, as well as Finnish art and cordial Finnish hospitality.
We offer a bicycle and rowing boat as well as a sup board. -
Help
Activities
Garden tasks and help in the kitchen and with cleaning.
If you have skills, art activities with children.
There is a diversity of projects, tasks and daily routines.
Help us with eco-friendly projects, jobs outside, gardening raking, painting, etc. and cleaning small cottages.
Volunteers only take care of cleaning shared spaces after their own use, as part of normal communal living. Volunteers are not involved in cleaning or maintaining any spaces used by paying guests.
We like outdoors - hiking, fishing, boating, sauna, bbq or just to enjoy the
wilderness, quietness, northern lights etc.
Once a week we go to Kajaani, the main city of the province of Kainuu, for groceries, shopping, events etc.
You reach the city of Kajaani by car 80 km.
Kajaani 60 min or Paltamo 35min is our pickup point.
Please give a comprehensive description so we get a good feeling for you. Also talking by phone. -
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Finnish: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Swedish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
France. English. -
Accommodation
You can stay in a dormitory and in a nice little log cabin.
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What else ...
Welcome to Manamansalo Island!
Manamansalo is a beautiful island located in Lake Oulujärvi, in the Kainuu region of Finland. It is the largest island in the lake and known for its peaceful nature, sandy beaches, and rich cultural history. The island offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, swimming.
One of the island’s highlights is the Manamansalo Church, one of the oldest church sites in northern Finland. You can also explore the Manamansalo Heritage Center, which tells the story of local life and traditions through the centuries.
The surrounding forests are clean, easily accessible, and perfect for berry picking and mushroom hunting. Depending on the season, you can find blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, and delicious porcini mushrooms. The lake offers great opportunities for catching freshwater fish, and in late summer or early autumn, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.
Getting to the island is easy – you can arrive either by ferry or via the bridge. Here, nature truly is a luxury, and it’s no wonder that Finns are often called the happiest people in the world.
Whether you’re here to volunteer, explore, or relax, Manamansalo welcomes you with open arms and unforgettable experiences. -
A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Uuno (8 years)
Sekarotuinen
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (4)
It's an amazingly beautiful place right at the beach, with surrounding forests and there's a lot to learn about the island which you can explore by bicycle.
Also Miia and everyone else are such lovely people, it's a breeze to spend time together also after the … read more
We especially appreciated his help with computer and technical matters. … read more
The balance between work and rest was very good. I looked forward to having meals after work every day! I also enjoyed doing various activities with the other Workawayers.
I was happy to visit Manamansalo and … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.8)
It's an amazingly beautiful place right at the beach, with surrounding forests and there's a lot to learn about the island which you can explore by bicycle.
Also Miia and everyone else are such lovely people, it's a breeze to spend time together also after the … read more
We especially appreciated his help with computer and technical matters. … read more
The balance between work and rest was very good. I looked forward to having meals after work every day! I also enjoyed doing various activities with the other Workawayers.
I was happy to visit Manamansalo and … read more
We were accommodated in the nearby … read more
