Youth Center Metsäkartano – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Nature

Wow — what a treasure we found tucked deep in the forested ridges of Rautavaara, right on the edge of the stunning Tiilikkajärvi National Park. We’re so glad we started this journey, because this magical place showed up as early as the third stop on our adventure.

In June 2023, Tiilikkajärvi National Park was expanded, and now the park boundary reaches all the way to the edge of Metsäkartano’s property. That means Metsäkartano sits right next to, and nearly within, the national park. Tiilikkajärvi is a wild and peaceful area where wetlands, waters, and woodlands come together in perfect harmony. Even the famous Pumpulikirkko and its rock formation trail belong to the park — and we visited that on a day hike too!

🌿 A Finnish Youth Center With Heart

Metsäkartano is one of eight official youth centers in Finland. They offer accommodation, nature-based activities, educational camps, and travel experiences that touch people from near and far. Summer here is full of young people — from Finland and abroad — attending camps, adventure programs, and just soaking in the wilderness.

Honestly, we didn’t even know about the youth centers before visiting, but now we’ll never forget. They’re doing such important and beautiful work with young people, each with its own focus and unique spirit. You can read more about them on their website — highly recommended!

On our visit, we chatted with a group of Italian youth who were experiencing Finnish nature, sauna, swimming, canoeing, and local food for the very first time. Their joy and energy were contagious — it was such a heartwarming moment by the window.

🛶 So Much to Do — For Everyone

We explored the area and were amazed at how many different things there are to do — truly something for everyone! From forest parkour and playgrounds to nature trails, campfire spots, and peaceful lakes. It’s perfect for nature tourism with great facilities, and you can even stay overnight. Ideal for a family holiday — summer or autumn!

🍽️ Food with Local Flavors

We visited the dining hall and spoke with the chef. The food at Metsäkartano is inspired by local ingredients and Savonian traditions. Everything is made in-house, and they can cater for large groups as well as individual travelers — all year round.

🏡 Our Stay: The Forest Lodge

We stayed in Metsäpirtti, a cozy lodge that sleeps over 20 people — perfect for a big family getaway or group retreat. We heated the sauna, went swimming, lounged on the big sofas, cooked a relaxed dinner with a princess-worthy table setting, and simply enjoyed the moment. It was perfect.

And guess what? Even though there was plenty of room inside, some of our group wanted to try something special — so they packed up and slept outside in a Tentsile tree tent for an extra adventure!

🌲 A Place That Stays With You

Nature is present everywhere here. It’s not just a destination — it’s an experience. You should make a special trip just to visit Metsäkartano, because you’ll be surprised, just like we were.

🧭 More Than a Stay – A Meaningful Choice

From Metsäkartano’s website:

Whether you’re dreaming of a school camp, an international youth exchange, a retreat, a nature holiday, a wedding, or a cozy Christmas — Metsäkartano has something for you.

A word of warning:
Those who find Metsäkartano once… tend to return again and again.

We couldn’t agree more.
Thank you, Metsäkartano. You welcomed us with heart. We learned so much and left a little piece of our hearts behind. ❤️ We’ll be back someday.

We only share locations, where we have been exploring and visiting as a family of 10, you get very special things in our website!

Suomeksi: https://www.savolaisetseikkailee.fi/l/metsakartano/