Stay in a nomad tent and join us in the outdoors in Hankasalmi, Finland

Details

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  Description

  Hello You!
  We are a family of five: Two adults, Ilkka and Krista, and three kids Hilda (8 yrs),
  Kauri (5 yrs) and Hugo (0 yrs). We live on a small farm in Hankasalmi, in the eastern parts of Central Finland. Krista’s father lives here too, in his fisherman’s hut next to our neighbouring lake. Currently we have no animals except our cat, Kiki.
  
  The farm needs constant attention after the snows melt as we are trying to make the old farm environment more in tune with the ways of nature. At the moment we have a flourishing vegetable garden and a five-year-old orchard and the plan is to grow them a little every year using ideas and methods from permaculture. The dream is to nurture this piece of land into a little piece of paradise on Earth. :)
  
  Krista: I’m a musician and work in the village as a vocal teacher and a freelance musician (singer). Right now I´m home with baby Hugo and concentrating on our household chores. I´ll continue vocal teaching in September. In the summer my favourite chores are with the garden, growing our own herbs and vegetables and collecting what nature has to offer in this northern part of the world.
  I love to create, so whenever I'm not with kids, garden or household, I'm crafting something. Usually out of nature-based supplies, for example eco-cosmetics, handcrafts with children, knitting and so on. Nature is such a huge inspiration to me! Also in the music I make.
  
  Ilkka: I like to engage in inspiring projects, grapple, climb trees, shoot with bow & arrow and meditate. Most of the projects that aren't related to the farm have something to do with the clothing, historical re-enactment or music. I am a tailor by trade, I have a basement “atelje” where I make clothes and other apparel from cloth or leather. Making and understanding things from the very basics is very appealing to me.
  
  Our house is equipped with several musical instruments so feel free to play.
  
  We are interested in meeting new friends from different cultures!
  
  We are producing only for our own use, this is not a commercial farm.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Culture

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Performing arts

  

  Gardening

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Carpentry

  

  Books

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  There's a lot of forest and lake around us and we are happy to share this bounty with those that come here. If you like, we can show you around our favourite places, talk about animals and their droppings, trade knowledge in various plants and their uses.
  
  We live in a sparsely populated area, the closest town is 15km from our place. That's where the nearest shops are. We drive there often and are happy to show around! Hankasalmi is a lively little town with a lot of events through the Summer ranging from small festivals to local theatre plays. We try to participate in enlivening the area we live in, playing in a local band and participating in making events.
  
  Our neighbours (2km away) are also hosting workawayers. We help each other out and generally spend time together. They also play in the local band.
  
  Other than that we are happy to offer guidance if you want to travel around Finland in your free time.
  
  We hope to meet people from different cultures because it makes life sweeter. Travelling is harder with a family and a farm so having travellers come to us is a great gift.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  This year 2026 we would be happy to receive help with the farm, around the house, in gardening tasks and playing with kids (probably involves trampoline and swimming). Gardening tasks include weeding, preparing garden beds, planting, taking care, mowing lawn etc. We also have plans to do some DIY outdoor building in the garden using clay and straw. Splitting firewood. Many jobs around the farm include lifting or carrying or wheelbarrowing so being physically able is required.
  
  We use hand tools in our garden. Sometimes our old tractor.
  
  Expertise or experience is not required but willingness to learn and help is beneficial! We will equip and guide you through the tasks safely. Many of the tasks are done together.
  
  We are also always eager to learn new things and new perspectives.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Finnish: Fluent
  Japanese: Beginner
  Swedish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We both have studied Japanese years ago and spent some time there. It would be nice to have someone to talk with and try to re-learn it. :)
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  Accommodation

  We offer you a nomad-style accommodation in a big, furnished bell tent. It is 50m from the house, so it’s not too far but has some privacy. Cooking is possible outdoors or indoors. If the weather gets too tough, then we can arrange a room from the house occasionally. We have an indoor WC and outdoor outhouse.
  
  Shower and sauna are located in the main house. The lake is of course free to use whenever you like!
  
  ** Our accommodation can fit TWO if they're willing to share the tent space. **
  Meals are offered 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). At other times you can help yourself with snacks.

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  What else ...

  In your freetime, you can enjoy the nature around us, go through our bookshelf (a lot in English), dip into the lake or go rowing/canoeing. Some days we can take you touring around the village. There's also a lot of instruments to play, from guitar and piano to flutes, singing bowls and didgeridoos.
  
  If you travel from Helsinki you can just sit and relax in the train while it takes you straight to Hankasalmi. Our place is 30-min ride from the Hankasalmi station, so we will pick you up by car.

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  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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  Can host digital nomads

  We have electricity and wifi in our main house. Getting those to work in the tent is not impossible but requires some tinkering. Please let us know beforehand if you are a digital nomad.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have space but please ask for specifics you might need beforehand.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Kiki

  Our black cat likes people she knows and spends a lot of time outdoors enjoying life in the Summer

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