Summer Evening Gathering

The official evening event of the Puijo Symposium will be held at the stunning Rauhalahti Lumberjacks' Lodge  ”Jätkänkämppä”, a venue that combines rich history, natural beauty, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Its charming and historic surroundings provide the perfect setting for networking and engaging conversations.

Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, featuring local delicacies and high-quality ingredients, all served in a beautiful and inspiring environment. The evening encourages informal discussions and the opportunity to make meaningful professional connections.

Participation comes at an additional fee, offering excellent value: a memorable evening with great food, stunning surroundings, and unparalleled networking opportunities with experts and professionals in the field.

Photo of Jätkänkämppä at Kylpylähotelli Rauhalahti (www.rauhalahti.fi)

Story of Jätkänkämppä

In Finland, wood was primarily used for household needs until the late 19th century. By the mid-1800s, steam sawmills emerged, and paper production began using wood chips and pulp. This led to intensive logging across the Finnish wilderness—first with axes, and later with saw benches. Along the upper rivers of Northern Finland, hundreds of forest saunas and cabins sprang up to support the lumber camps.

Rauhalahti Lumberjacks' Lodge is one of these historic cabins, originally built to provide shelter for loggers working deep in the forests. Constructed in the Nurmes forest administration area, it was first known as Lintumäki Cabin. Every log in the cabin was carefully hand-hewn, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era. At its peak, the cabin could accommodate up to 70 loggers, with the sauna being heated a couple of times a week to provide warmth and relaxation after long days of hard work. Today, Jätkänkämpä stands as a living piece of Finnish logging history, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and traditions of the forest workers of the past.

A Taste of Finnish Tradition: Smoke Sauna & Lake Dip

For the adventurous, there is also a chance to experience the traditional Finnish sauna: enjoy the warmth of a smoke sauna and refresh yourself with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kallavesi. This unique experience combines relaxation with the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in a casual and inspiring setting.

Spots in the sauna are limited, so be sure to reserve your place in advance. This unique Finnish experience is included in your evening ticket—don’t miss the chance to relax, unwind, and take a dip in the crisp waters of Lake Kallavesi!