Finnish Eco-Agrotourism Association – ECEAT Finland

Holiday cottages Tervalepikön Torpat in Sysmä are surrounded by a peaceful scenery of lakes and forests. The hosts have an organic farm with sheep to manage heritage biotope pastures, and fields under hay, grassland and oats.

Visitors can stay in Tainan Tupa or Vesan Villa (built in 2004 and 2006). The well-appointed log villas (6+2 beds) have a combined kitchen and living area, a sauna with a wood-burning stove, and a private swimming area with a pontoon. In the summer, a lakeshore sauna and a rowing boat are at the visitors’ disposal. Since 2014, the smaller Villa Ebba (2+2 beds), a welcoming cottage with modern conveniences, has also been available. A hot tub heated with a wood-burning stove can be found beside the outdoor cooking hut at Villa Ebba.

Surroundings and activities

The visitors can relax and take exercise in the privacy of the cottages’ quiet natural setting with easy access to a jogging track of 5 km or, in winter, a skiing track of 11 km. Sports equipment is available to rent, including a bicycle, skis and ski boots, skates, a canoe, a kayak and fishing gear. Subject to a fee, skiing lessons are available in winter and guided excursions to pick berries in summer. Visitors have the possibility of experiencing traditional church boat rowing, and riding stables can be found at 20 km.

Visitors may volunteer to help with sheep herding and other farm work as agreed.

Destinations for day-trips in Sysmä include Päijätsalo in Päijänne National Park, Kammiovuori hill, and Mynnilä arboretum. The trails of Pulkkilanharju and Kelvenne island are also nearby. Additionally, Sysmä offers many types of interesting cultural activities.

Should they wish, visitors may contact local entrepreneurs for meals, baked goods or treatments, including massages. Subject to a separate fee, they can also attend lessons in rye bread making (at a distance of 17 km).

Directions

• Train: Railway station in Lahti 70 km
• Bus: Bus station in Sysmä 7 km, visitors can be collected by prior agreement
• Motorists/cyclists: From south, follow road E4 to Heinola and on to Sysmä. Motorists or cyclists can also select a scenic route and take in the lakes and eskers of Pulkkilanharju, travelling via Lahti, Asikkala and Sysmä. From Sysmä, follow Leppäkorventie road to the north for 7 km to reach the larger cottages, whereas Villa Ebba is located 4 km to the north.

Opening times and prices

Open all year, advance booking necessary.

Prices: Tainan Tupa and Vesan Villa from €1,090/week, €390/weekend, €190/day. Villa Ebba from €730/week, €280/weekend, €140/day. Cleaning and bed linen available for an additional charge. Please ask for special offers.