The log cabin by the lake

Log cabin – timber house – traditional living – whirlpool – wooden deck – Lapland – Arctic Circle – family holidays – child-friendly – lodge – Ranua – Rovaniemi – aurora

The main house & lodge

Mökki Tikka means “woodpecker cabin” in Finnish – a name born from our love of nature and the frequent visits of great spotted woodpeckers around the house.

What awaits you at Mökki Tikka?

• 12,000 m² private land directly on Lake Koirajärvi
• Spacious log cabin with open-plan kitchen, living room and sleeping loft
• Sauna, shower, washing machine and separate toilet in the main house
• Covered veranda, wooden deck and a year-round heated outdoor whirlpool
• Separate lakeside sauna with fireplace lounge, wood sauna and toilet
• Private jetty with raft, fire pit and summer kitchen with grill

Where is the house located?

Set on a quiet peninsula in the Simojärvi lake district, Mökki Tikka lies in peaceful seclusion.
Address: Huiliniementie 5A, 97765 Ranua – approx. 1.5 hours from Rovaniemi Airport.

What does "Huiliniementie" mean?

"Huiliniementie" is the name of the small access road to our cabin. In Finnish, huili means “pause” or “rest”, niemi means “peninsula”, and tie means “road”.
So it literally translates to: “The road to the peaceful peninsula.”

And that’s exactly what it is: a quiet road winding through still forests, leading to the water – to a place where you can simply be.

Ranua is just 20 minutes by car and offers grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and petrol stations.
Around the house, you’ll find old-growth pine forests, birches and berry shrubs – a landscape that invites you to explore.

Best way to get here?

• Fly to Rovaniemi, then rent a car
• Other airports: Oulu, Kuusamo, Kemi, Kittilä
• Train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (~8 hrs, also overnight trains)
• Bus to Ranua – we can arrange a pickup
• Note: In winter, we do not recommend driving from Helsinki

What can I experience directly around the house?

• Reindeer, arctic foxes, hares, squirrels and traces of wolverines – Lapland’s wildlife begins at your doorstep
• White-tailed eagles, owls, whooper swans and rare birds – birdwatching year-round
• Fishing in the clear waters of Lake Koirajärvi or Simojärvi – equipment available
• Berry and mushroom picking in our own forest – depending on season: blueberries, lingonberries, crowberries, porcini
• Swimming, rafting or canoeing – all directly from your private jetty
• Watching the northern lights – from the jetty, raft or hot tub on clear nights
• Enjoying spectacular sunrises and sunsets – intense and colourful in Lapland
• Experiencing true silence and vastness – untouched nature with no light or noise pollution

What else can I do in the region?

Check out our separate sections under Experiences and in the Blog for detailed ideas and suggestions.

When is the best time to visit Lapland?

Lapland offers unforgettable moments in every season:

• Spring: Light returns, birds migrate back, the first flowers bloom through melting snow
• Summer: Endless days, birdsong and warm evenings by the lake
• Autumn: Forests blaze with colour, the air is crisp, and berries & mushrooms are plentiful
• Winter: Snow blankets the land, and auroras dance across the sky

Are there many mosquitoes?

• Main season: June to August
• Frequent wind on the peninsula keeps many mosquitoes away
• We recommend light long clothing and repellent with DEET

Is it dangerous to live so remotely?

Silence is not a danger – it’s a gift.
Despite the solitude, we’re well connected: Ranua has medical services and shops.
Only the curious reindeer on the road remind you you’re deep in nature.

How cold does it get, and how do you handle it?

• Temperatures can drop to –30 °C in winter
• Layered clothing is key – dress in warm, breathable layers
• Our house and rental cars are winter-proofed and well-heated

How dark are the nights in winter?

In midwinter, daylight lasts only a few hours.
But snow reflects every ray, stars shine clearly – and often the northern lights brighten the sky.
Darkness here is part of the experience – and one you’ll never forget.

What happens during the midnight sun?

In summer, the sun doesn’t set – and nature follows its own rhythm.
Reindeer graze through the night, birds sing at midnight, and you can swim, hike or float on the lake under golden skies.

When can I see the northern lights?

• Best time: September to March
• Our remote location offers excellent viewing conditions

Can I meet Santa Claus?

• Yes, at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi (open year-round)
• Great stopover when arriving or leaving via Rovaniemi
• We can also arrange a private Santa visit at the cabin

More details under Useful Info or in our Blog.