Finnish Eco-Agrotourism Association – ECEAT Finland

Vanha Wartiamäki farm is located on the outskirts of Pappinen village near Leivonmäki National Park. Members of the hostess’ family have been living here from the early 19th century. The farm produces peat from its own bog land and raises cattle. Its fields are cultivated organically. The aim is to find alternative sources of income to replace peat production, for example through eco-tourism.

The village of Vartiamäki has grown quiet: the only year-round inhabitants are the family Kosonen, or Marianne and Matti with the youngest two of their eight children. However, things are livened up by the farm’s two Finnish Lapphunds, Shetland pony Pippuri, Finnish horses Kaisla and Hilla, and suckler cows watched over by a large bull. Summertime also brings seasonal residents and visitors to the village.

Guests have the choice between two ecological cottages situated at 8 and 4 km from the farm.

Tähtitalvikki, a spacious cottage with all modern conveniences that can be used round the year, is located on the shores of Lake Rutajärvi in the middle of Leivonmäki National Park. Its 3 bedrooms and kitchen/living area are kept warm by geothermal heat and a heat-storing fireplace. Sleeps 8+2 (+4 in the lakeside sauna in summer). This cottage with its child-friendly beach is ideal for families with young children. The facilities and equipment are also suitable for small family parties or meetings. The kitchen has crockery for around 20 people. A dock and a rowing boat, a barbecue hut and a separate sauna with a wood-burning stove can be found on the lakeshore. A private nature reserve extends outside the cottage.

Haukiranta cottage on Vähä-Harjujärvi Lake has its own well, a gas cooker and fridge, an outdoor toilet, a sauna with a wood-burning stove and a barbeque hut. Private dock and a rowing boat. Light is provided by solar panels. Sleeps 4 + 1. Surrounded by forests ideal for picking wild mushrooms and berries and good fishing waters.

Pets are welcome at both cottages, in Tähtitalvikki with advance notification and a small extra charge. On arrival, all visitors staying in the cottages will find on the table a rye loaf baked by the hostess from locally milled flour.

Surroundings and activities

The cottages are ideal for nature lovers and those who value privacy and traditions. Bicycles are available to rent. You can also make friends with the animals on the farm. When the hostess is making rye bread, guests staying in the cottages are welcome to come and help with the baking. Rye bread baking courses can be booked.

In the surrounding area:

• Signposted hiking routes can be found in the national park, with a 10-kilometre ski track in the winter.
• Leivonmäki National Park is a real showcase of the nature in Central Finland: the valuable Haapasuo marsh, spectacular wooded hills, the eddies of Rutakoski rapids and the diverse lakeshore scenery offer something for everyone.
• The nearby organic sheep farm of Röykkälä arranges open days and feltwork courses.
• A local company (Maahisen muki ja mela) organises tourism services for groups and rents out kayaks, touring skates and other equipment.
• The Friends of Leivonmäki National Park association also organises nature excursions.
• Snowshoes can be borrowed from Joutsa Library.
• Seasonal local food is available from Röykkälä organic farm (lamb) and round the year from Jukolan Juusto cheese makers and Rutalahti mill.
• In the same building as Jukolan Juusto on road 4 in Leivonmäki, you will find Karoliinan Kestikievari. This inn with a unique character serving meals and coffees is famous for its delicious baking.

Directions

• Train: Railway station in Jyväskylä (64 km).
• Bus: Bus stop in Pappinen at 5.5 km. Visitors can be collected from the bus stop or from Leivonmäki bus station (Teboil petrol station) at 14 km or from Joutsa at 20 km.
• Motorists/cyclists: Vanha Vartiamäki is located 64 km to the south from Jyväskylä and 20 km to the north from Joutsa. When taking road E75 from Jyväskylä, turn right to Harjulahdentie road at the northern junction to Leivonmäki, follow this road for 6.5 km, then turn left to Vartiamäentie road. Keep going for 7 km. From south, turn left after Joutsa, following the road to Korpilahti-Luhanka for 10 km. In Pappinen, turn right to Vartiamäentie road and follow it for 5.5 km.

Opening times and prices

• Open round the year, booking necessary.
• Prices: please see the prices here on the website.