Frequently asked questions

Are you planning a trip to Lokka in Sodankylä? Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about accommodation, facilities and the opportunities in the area, so that your trip runs as smoothly and comfortably as possible from start to finish. 

  • Are the cottages suitable for hunting groups?

    Yes, they are. The Traditional Finnish House is particularly well suited to hunting groups: it has room for larger parties, and the yard includes a game-processing shed for skinning moose, two large freezers, a vacuum sealer, and space for processing fish and game. It is best to obtain hunting permits in advance through Metsähallitus’ eraluvat.fi service.

  • Are hunting dogs or other pets allowed in the cottages?

    Yes, pets are welcome in both accommodations. In addition to the host family’s own dog kennels, the yard also has one empty kennel for visitors’ dogs.

  • What kind of terrain for berry picking and mushroom foraging is there near the cottages?

    The area around Lokka has excellent cloudberry marshes, while blueberries and lingonberries grow on the heathlands. Cranberries also grow in the mires. At the right time in autumn, you can find chanterelles and porcini mushrooms. You can head into the terrain directly from the edge of the yard, without needing a car.

  • Can the Northern Lights be seen from the cottages’ yards?

    Yes, weather permitting. The Traditional Finnish House is located next to the Lokka dam—about 200 metres from it—and the dam is an excellent place for viewing and photographing the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights may also be visible directly from the house yard. Lokka’s remote location guarantees dark skies free from light pollution.

  • What facilities do the Front-Line House and Grandma’s Cottage have for cooking?

    Both cottages have fully equipped kitchens. The Traditional Finnish House has a cooker, oven, microwave, dishwasher, large refrigerator, and crockery for ten people. The Grandma’s Cottage has a cooker, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, coffee maker, kettle, and toaster.

  • Is there a freezer at the accommodation for storing berries or game?

    Yes. Both the Grandma’s Cottage and the Traditional Finnish House have their own freezers. In addition, the yard’s game-processing shed has two large freezers and a vacuum sealer for processing game and fish. There is also a freezer in the heated garage.

  • How are the cottages heated during the winter frosts?

    The Traditional Finnish House is heated with an air-to-water heat pump powered by electricity. The house also has a fireplace. The Grandma’s Cottage has heating and air conditioning. Both cottages have a sauna.

  • Can you drive all the way to the cottages by car in winter as well?

    Yes, you can. The road to the premises is open all year round. Please note that in summer, Lokka is connected by a gravel road, Mäntypääntie, directly to Porttipahta and from there northwards into Lapland. In winter, this road is not ploughed, so you must return to Sodankylä and continue north from there. The premises also have a heated garage where a car can be parked overnight.

  • How far away are the nearest shops and services?

    The nearest village shop is in Tanhua, about 40 kilometres away. Sodankylä town centre is about 90 kilometres away and offers a wider selection. It is best to buy groceries in Sodankylä before arriving—or in Tanhua if you need supplies along the way. We recommend filling up the car in Sodankylä. If you are bringing snowmobiles, it is also a good idea to get fuel in Sodankylä.

  • Do the cottages have a sauna, and what is it like?

    Yes, both cottages have a sauna. The Traditional Finnish House has a large wood-heated sauna. The Grandma’s Cottage has a sauna with an electric heater. A preheated sauna can also be arranged by prior agreement.

  • Do I need to bring my own bed linen and towels, or are they included in the rental?

    Bed linen and towels are included in the price at both cottages. In the Traditional Finnish House, the beds are made up ready for your arrival; in the Grandma’s Cottage, the double bed is made up in advance. Final cleaning is also included in the price.

  • When is the best time to book a cottage for the autumn foliage or Northern Lights season?

    The autumn foliage season usually begins in early September, while the Northern Lights season starts in September and continues until the end of March. Both seasons are popular, so it is best to book well in advance—preferably several months ahead.

  • Are there good opportunities for outdoor activities and hiking without a car?

    Yes. You can head into the terrain directly from the edge of the yard—onto hiking trails in summer and ski trails in winter. Lake Lokka is nearby and offers anglers excellent fishing opportunities, as well as ice-fishing in winter. Sompio Strict Nature Reserve lies north of the reservoir, but access there is permitted only along marked routes.

  • How does payment for the booking and key handover work?

    Bookings and enquiries are handled directly with Sirpa Oksanen by phone or email. The key to the Grandma’s Cottage is by the front door, so you can enter directly without a separate key handover. Key handover for the Traditional Finnish House is arranged when making the booking. Bookings can also be made through Airbnb and the Booking.com service.

  • Are the cottages suitable for families with children?

    Yes, they are. Both accommodations offer a baby cot, travel cot, and high chair for the youngest members of the family. The large yard provides plenty of space for playing, and in summer the barbecue is perfect for family evenings together. Pets are also welcome.

  • Are the premises suitable for motorhomes and caravans?

    The yard has several electrical hook-ups for motorhomes. The main house’s toilet and sauna can be used as service and washing facilities, and the house’s washing machine is available for doing laundry.