Finnish Summer Cottage Escape: A Relaxing Getaway

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Arrival and Cottage Tour

Arrival at the Summer Cottage

After a scenic one-hour drive from Helsinki, we finally arrived! This wasn't our first time visiting this area; I'd filmed a winter vlog here previously, staying in a nearby cottage. This time, we were trying out a slightly smaller, but equally charming, summer option. If you’re curious about the winter version – snow, cozy fires, and all – I’ve linked the winter vlog above. Definitely check it out for a fun comparison!

The cottage itself is nestled amongst a cluster of similar buildings, all situated near ski slopes – which makes perfect sense in winter but, as I soon discovered, they didn't detract from its summer appeal. It's conveniently close to a beach and surrounded by beautiful nature. Unpacking the car was quick; I wanted to show you around, obviously!

The layout is pretty standard, similar to the cottage in my winter vlog – though with a few interior differences. A small bathroom with a shower and sauna, a functional kitchen, and a cozy upstairs sleeping area. There’s even a fireplace! It's smaller than the other cottage, but still comfortable. This cottage has that certain something that makes it my favorite view in the world!

Exploring the Cottage Interior

Stepping inside, the similarities to the winter cottage were immediately apparent. The layout was familiar, functional, and cozy. The small bathroom, complete with a shower and sauna, felt instantly comforting. It’s the little things, you know? Like the way the sauna warms up so quickly.

The kitchen was compact but well-equipped, perfect for whipping up simple meals or, as planned, a delicious barbecue. I spent a few minutes admiring the thoughtful design; every inch of space seemed carefully considered. From there, a quick trip upstairs revealed a sleeping area that, while smaller than its winter counterpart, still comfortably housed multiple beds. There was even a fireplace, adding another cozy layer to this already charming space.

The living area, though slightly more modest than in the larger cottage, retained the same inviting ambiance. It's those small touches – perhaps the way the sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a warm glow – that make this place so special. It really does feel like home.

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Provisions and Leisure

A Finnish Supermarket Adventure

One of the things I genuinely enjoy about visiting Finland is experiencing their supermarkets. I've always found them to be superior to those in the Netherlands – a broader selection, larger stores, simply a better overall shopping experience. This time, we aimed for a larger one, anticipating our needs for the next few days.

The sheer abundance of choices was overwhelming, in the best possible way! I tried to be sensible, planning ahead for barbecues and simple meals, but let's be honest: I also succumbed to some irresistible Finnish delicacies. I rediscovered my love for a particular hard bread – a simple pleasure I'd forgotten about. Pea soup, various sauces, and a rather large bag of pick-and-mix candy all made it into the cart. I even picked up a few gifts for friends back in the Netherlands – some treats they might not easily find at home.

Getting everything home proved a minor challenge; I hadn’t quite anticipated just how much I’d bought! It’s a familiar feeling for expats, isn’t it? That urge to buy every possible local treat and bring home a suitcase full of food. This time, it was almost enough to warrant an extra bag, although thankfully I managed to squeeze it all in. Returning to the cottage, the bounty from our shopping adventure provided ample conversation – and the promise of delicious meals to come.

Beach Day and Evening Walks

After a leisurely pancake breakfast – blueberries featured heavily, naturally – we headed to the beach. It was a charming spot, complete with a camping area, boat facilities, a grill, even karaoke for the evening crowd. There was a small shop too, a convenient addition to the summer scene.

A fun surprise awaited: several inflatable jumping castles had appeared since my last visit. They seemed quite popular, adding a playful dimension to the already vibrant atmosphere. We spent a happy afternoon swimming in the surprisingly warm water, followed by a well-deserved sauna session back at the cottage.

Later, we took a peaceful evening stroll along the ski slopes. Yes, even in summer, the lingering remnants of snow were visible in certain spots, a delightful contrast to the warm summer air. The setting sun cast a golden glow, turning even the snow patches into something beautiful. It was the perfect end to a perfect summer day.

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Finnish Traditions and Departure

Blueberry Breakfast and Finnish Games

Our mornings in Finland always feel a little more special. This particular day began with a delightful blueberry-themed pancake breakfast. Fluffy pancakes, a generous helping of fresh blueberries, and a blueberry yogurt – it was almost too much blueberry goodness for one sitting! Even the juice joined the berry-fest. We savored the meal, fueled for a day of Finnish fun.

After breakfast, we headed to the beach. Beyond the usual summer activities – swimming in the surprisingly warm water, followed by a relaxing sauna session – a unique game awaited. We discovered Mölkky, a traditional Finnish lawn game. It involves throwing wooden pins and aiming for points. The rules are simple, but the strategy is surprisingly complex. We spent a good portion of the afternoon laughing and competing, thoroughly enjoying this taste of Finnish culture.

Saying Goodbye to Finland

Waking at 4:30 am wasn't ideal, but the summer sunrise in Finland made it worthwhile. A beautiful, if slightly bittersweet, goodbye to the cottage and its stunning view. Even the early hour couldn't completely dampen my spirits; the anticipation of seeing my mom again in the Netherlands soon kept my mood bright.

Saying goodbye at the airport was always a little sad, but knowing she'd be visiting me in the Netherlands in a couple of weeks softened the blow. The flight itself was uneventful, a blur of movie watching and quiet contemplation – a perfect bookend to the vibrant Finnish adventure.

Landing in the Netherlands felt oddly familiar, like returning to another home. The end of the trip was marked by a sense of peace and contentment, a pleasant exhaustion from sun, sauna, and laughter. I already looked forward to my next Finnish escape, and the thought of sharing more of its magic with you all kept a smile on my face.

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FAQ

What are the key differences between the summer and winter cottages featured in the vlog?

While both cottages offer a similar layout (bathroom with shower and sauna, kitchen, upstairs sleeping area, and fireplace), the summer cottage is smaller. The interior design also differs slightly, and the summer cottage's location near ski slopes, while prominent in winter, doesn't detract from its summer appeal due to its proximity to a beach and natural surroundings.

What activities are available near the summer cottage?

The cottage is near a beach with a camping area, boat facilities, a grill, karaoke, a small shop, and inflatable jumping castles. Additionally, there are nearby ski slopes, which offer scenic walks even in the summer, and the opportunity to play Mölkky, a traditional Finnish lawn game.