Laukkala Cottages Reindeers & Husky

Our family booked two cottages for a post-Christmas stay in snowy Haapalahti. The Finnish / Russian couple running this enterprise were very friendly and well organized - and able to communicate in English. The split-level cottages were warm and their driveways cleared of snow before our arrival. They were clean, attractive, well equipped and festively adorned with Christmas trees and fairy lights. They overlook a lake that offers stunning views and flat Nordic skiing on groomed trails. The area resembled a winter wonderland - so photogenic - and would also be lovely in summer. Our only issues with our cottage were that the sauna was tricky to light (required a fire to be lit) and the upstairs bedroom space offered some challenges: it was accessed by a very steep staircase that would be impossible for the elderly or disabled, the beds were floor mattresses and it wasn't possible to stand fully upright upstairs due to the low ceiling. The ground floor bedroom was accessible with a proper bed. All the cottages seemed slightly different so check before you book. We visited the owners' nearby reindeer and husky farm during our stay and it's worth a look. It's well situated on a hill with attractive views and vintage sheds. After feeding the reindeer we were offered hot coffee and biscuits then a Nordic ski around the front paddock on trails the owner had groomed for us. I'd recommend Laukkala Cottages (and a quick visit to the reindeer and husky farm) for couples, groups or families.