Experience authentic Finnish tranquillity at historic Rauhantorppa

By Molly McPharlin

Escaping the hectic pace of daily life creates time for reflection and consideration of who we are and where we are going. It also offers the opportunity to focus on a new skill, enjoy the surroundings, or simply be. At Rauhantorppa, an estate and heritage farm in Kouvola, southeastern Finland, visitors can enjoy all these possibilities. Rauhantorppa represents a return to connection with nature, heritage, and oneself.

Surrounded by forests, fields, and traditional Finnish rural landscapes, Rauhantorppa lives up to its name, which translates roughly as croft of peace. Founded by Iisa and Mikko Nihtilä, the estate has been carefully restored and retains its historical character and authenticity. With varied backgrounds in healthcare, event production and design, the Nihtiläs wanted to create a space rooted in nature, history, well-being, and Finnish heritage skills. “We discovered Rauhantorppa during a period of burnout and life transition,” says Iisa Nihtilä. “This shaped the mission of the place for us – to create a place for reconnection with nature, history, community, and playfulness. Modern life is often filled with stress, schedules, and screens. We wanted to create a place where visitors could experience silence, firelight, forests, traditional food, and authentic encounters with others.”

Photo: Videotoimisto Ikimedia

A hub for events and experiences

Throughout the year, Rauhantorppa offers a wide variety of events and experiences. Guests can explore well-being and recovery activities, cultural evenings such as concerts, seasonal festivals, sauna and gastronomy, as well as educational events and workshops. Rauhantorppa also organises stays for larger groups, such as company retreats and team-building experiences. “The atmosphere is intentionally intimate and authentic,” says Iisa. “Visitors aren’t just spectators – they actively get involved in the experience.” Recent examples of offerings include a traditional food and folk music evening, Wool Sock Concerts by Candlelight, and a jazz & blues speakeasy inspired by the 1920s.

At Rauhantorppa, visitors are also encouraged to slow down and experience nature with all their senses — walk in the forests, dine by the bonfire, and enjoy the quiet moments without digital distractions. Through it all, the estate draws inspiration from Finnish folklore and mythology, including forest spirits, sacred trees, and the mystical relationship Finns traditionally have with the forest.

Photo: Salla Ukkonen, Sammalsydän

Education at the heart of the vision

Education is an important aspect of Rauhantorppa’s vision. The estate is well-suited for visits by schools and community groups, organising educational days that focus on Finnish traditions and cultural heritage. Courses are hands-on and give a deeper connection to the history of the estate. “The goal is not only to entertain but also to help younger generations reconnect with nature and creativity,” says Mikko Nihtilä. “We believe it’s important to preserve and pass down traditional skills and the silent wisdom connected to Finnish rural culture. Many traditional crafts are disappearing from modern life, and it’s important to keep this knowledge alive.” Whether it is log-building or restoration, the Nihtiläs believe these skills offer something deeper than craftsmanship alone. “They help strengthen creativity and give a sense of belonging in today’s fast-paced world.”

One of the original buildings of the estate. Photo: Salla Ukkonnen, Sammalsydän

A place for renewal and celebration

Rauhantorppa offers a variety of atmospheric spaces for guests to relax, unwind, and enjoy their surroundings. Facilities include indoor and outdoor dining, open fires, event and meeting spaces, and wellness services in the form of a traditional Finnish barn sauna. The estate focuses on carefully curated experiences and high-quality gatherings in an intimate environment.

Rather than mass tourism, Rauhantorppa attracts visitors from around Finland and increasingly globally who are looking for meaningful experiences. “Many guests come because they’re searching for rest, inspiration and a slower rhythm of life,” says Iisa. “Others are drawn by the history, the events, Finnish sauna culture or the chance to experience nature in a more personal way.” Guests include families, companies, and work communities, those seeking to experience Finnish ways of life, and people looking to enjoy a quietcation.

Private celebrations also find an ideal setting at Rauhantorppa. The estate hosts gatherings such as weddings, birthdays, private dinners, and company retreats. “The original wooden buildings, candlelight, and surrounding nature create a very distinctive setting that many guests feel is difficult to find elsewhere,” says Iisa. Food served focuses on seasonal and local ingredients and dishes centre on traditional Finnish cuisine, open-fire cooking, home baking, and a tempting combination of rustic and modern flavours. Food at Rauhantorppa is not only about eating — it is part of the emotional and sensory experience of the place.

Authentic experiences year-round

Every season brings different reasons to visit Rauhantorppa, from the bright nights and lush greenery of spring and summer to cosy, chilly evenings in autumn, and the peaceful quiet of a Nordic Christmas with firelight and snowy forest walks. Throughout the year, Rauhantorppa organises themed events such as harvest festivals, Christmas experiences, concerts, and cultural evenings.

Regionally, the wider Kouvola area is also known for nature tourism, lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities. “Our overall philosophy is highly human-centred,” says Mikko. “Visitors are welcomed personally at any time of the year. Experiences are designed thoughtfully. Rauhantorppa is intended to feel warm, inclusive and genuine rather than commercial.”