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Culture

Mökki: understanding the summer cottage

Half a million cottages, one shared idea of happiness.

Mökki: understanding the summer cottage

01

Why Helsinki empties at Midsummer

On Juhannus (the weekend nearest 24 June), Finns leave for their cottages. Cities go silent, many shops close early — plan your restaurant bookings and groceries ahead.

02

The rhythm of a mökki day

Coffee on the jetty, a swim, chopping wood, sauna, a swim, sausages grilled on the fire, sauna again. Wi-Fi optional, by design.

03

Outhouses are a feature

Many traditional cottages still have a dry toilet (huussi). Our villas don't — but you'll understand Finns better once you've seen one with a view.