Located in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, Revontuli Resort offers an authentic escape in Hankasalmi, one of Southern Finland’s darkest regions for stargazing and Northern Lights viewing. This family-run eco-lodge combines traditional Finnish hospitality with modern sustainability practices, holding both Biosphere Certification and Sustainable Travel Finland label. Only 40 minutes from Jyväskylä, it features diverse accommodations including glass igloos, lakeside cabins, and hotel rooms, complemented by authentic Finnish saunas, restaurants, and year-round outdoor activities.
Their story
In 1993, Markku Kinnunen bought a roadside inn in Hankasalmi, Finland. He renamed it Revontuli (Northern Lights) to reflect the region’s aurora research. His daughter Tiia later joined the family business, expanding it with cabins, saunas, and a golf course.
Today, the resort is a certified sustainable destination in the Finnish Lakeland. It offers authentic experiences, from glass igloos to traditional smoke saunas. The family-run resort, awarded the “House of the Best Service,” invites guests to enjoy pristine lakes and Finnish hospitality year-round. It’s also a prime spot for viewing the northern lights. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The resort holds both Biosphere Certification and Sustainable Travel Finland label, validating its eco-friendly operations.
- Glass igloos and wooden cabins were built using traditional log construction methods combined with modern techniques.
- Igloos have a geodesic-style frame with multi-glazed windows and insulation, built on stilts.
- The cabins blend seamlessly into the pristine Finnish Lakeland and the surrounding natural habitats.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The property heats all its facilities using renewable sources.
- Revontuli has begun measuring their carbon footprint using a GHG-protocol acknowledged indicator, with plans to track it annually and implement continuous reduction measures.
- The resort aims to increase its renewable energy usage in heating consumption.
- It is actively transitioning to a low-emission vehicle fleet, including electric golf carts.
Pioneer in waste management
- They follow strict protocols for composting organic waste, proper disposal of recyclables, and responsible handling of non-recyclable materials.
- The facility encourages guests to participate in waste reduction efforts by providing clearly marked recycling bins and information about proper waste sorting.
- It has also initiated water conservation efforts by measuring tap flow rates and upgrading to water-saving fixtures.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The resort sources local, seasonal ingredients for its restaurants, emphasizing pure Finnish produce and sustainable farming methods.
- Their environmental policy prioritizes natural cleaning products throughout the facility.
- The property maintains chemical-free maintenance of their grounds and golf course, using eco-friendly alternatives.
Actively protects nature and community
- The resort welcomes cyclists, promotes eco-friendly transportation, and partners with local businesses to support regional development.
- Outdoor Express buses stop at Revontuli Resort on their way to Southern Konnevesi National Park and back. Outdoor Express is a new seasonal bus service in Finland that connects Jyväskylä with nearby national parks, making it easy to access nature without a car.
Most Popular Activities Near Revontuli Resort
- Authentic Finnish sauna and outdoor hot tub experiences.
- Golf on an 18-hole lakeside course.
- Bowling at the retro-style Bowling Diner.
- Husky safaris and horse sleigh rides in the winter.
- Ice fishing with local guides.
- Snowshoeing through winter forests.
- Northern Lights viewing from glass igloos.
- Fatbiking on forest trails.
- Lake activities including swimming and canoeing.
- Traditional foraging for berries and mushrooms.
- Guided hikes in Southern Konnevesi National Park.
- Finnish cuisine at Restaurant Loimu.
Best Time To Visit Revontuli Resort
- The best time to visit Revontuli Resort is from June to September for summer activities like golfing, hiking, and lakeside saunas.
- Winter visits from December to March are ideal for witnessing the Northern Lights, with the aurora visible on average every other night in Hankasalmi.
- The resort offers year-round accommodation, but peak seasons are summer holidays and winter months when visitors can enjoy activities like ice fishing, husky safaris, and snowshoeing.