Oravankolo was built as a summer cottage in 1946 and is now one of the most loved wilderness cabins in Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki. The cabin and its separate lakeside sauna sit on the shore of Lake Ruuhilampi on the park's western edge, easy to reach along hiking and mountain-bike trails. It's smaller and cosier than its neighbour Tikankolo, and perfect for couples, families and small groups of friends.
At a glance
Cabin: 30 m², with a wood stove, a fireplace and beds for six
Sauna: separate wood-fired sauna by the lake. Firewood is included.
Getting there: park one car at the lay-by next to the cabin, or hike about 4 km from Kattila (bus access in summer). Check-in is at 13:00 and check-out at 11:00; keys are in a smart key box.
Note: no electricity or running water, so bring your drinking and cooking water
Good for: all seasons, and dogs are welcome (pet fee). Groups larger than six should book Tikankolo.
Facilities and courtyard at Oravankolo
Oravankolo is divided into the cabin and a separate sauna building. From the yard you can find a woodshed, a storage room and a composting dry toilet.
Oravankolo is available all year round and suitable for a maximum of 6 people.
There is no electricity or running water - please bring the necessary water and lighting.
There are private cottages on the Ruuhilampi - respect the privacy and the natural environment.
Tikankolo wilderness cabin is better suited for larger groups.
Location and accessibility
Oravankolo is located on the western edge of Nuuksio National Park, on the shore of Ruuhilampi lake. The cabin is easily accessible by public transportation, hiking and by car:
The hiking distance from the Kattila parking area is about 4 km. During the summer season, public transport runs all the way to the Kattila parking area.
Other public parking areas can be found at Haukkalampi, Valklammentie and Haltia Nature Centre.
There is also a parking area at Oravankolo on Ruuhilammentie, where guests arriving with one car can park.
Oravankolo 360 - the best way to discover the accommodation!
Use the links below to enter Oravankolo and view the accommodation.
Equipment
Room
Cutlery, plates, bowls and mugs for six people
Gas stove with gas bottles, and a wood-burning stove
Knives and other cooking utensils, serving dishes
Coffee pot, frying pan and two pots (1,5l + 3l)
Cleaning equipment, first aid kit & fire blanket
Beds, mattresses and pillows for 6 persons.
Sauna
Changing room and large steam room - sauna stove and bucket
Washing facilities (Pail and buckets)
Ice auger and pump for drawing sauna water through the ice in winter
Wood storage, firewood, axe & fire blanket.
Yard
Private beach, benches & outdoor fireplace with grate
Own pots and pans for open fire (found in storage)
Please always bring your own:
Necessary lighting (matches or torch). Toilet paper, matches and sleeping bags. There is no drinking water well at Oravankolo, so be sure to bring drinking water and water for cooking when you arrive.
Additional information:
Oravankolo is available to the tenant from 13:00 on the arrival day until 11:00 on the departure day.
Keys are available in the smart key box on arrival. Your personal PIN code will be sent to you one week before the start of your stay.
The tenant is responsible for the cleanliness of the accommodation, the yard and the associated facilities. The tenant will leave Oravankolo in a tidy condition for the next tenant.
The campsite is a litter-free camping site:
Bio-waste can be taken to the toilet.
Incineration of burnable rubbish in the sauna oven or in the cabin's chimney. Don't leave rubbish for the next guests.
All other waste must be carried away - Do not leave any food waste in Oravankolo.
Dogs are allowed at Oravankolo, a pet fee must be paid at the time of booking.
All pet waste and hair must be cleaned up - Beds must be properly secured.
Book early
Natura Viva holds the Sustainable Travel Finland label and Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, and Oravankolo is a leave-no-trace site. Weekends go first, so book early.
