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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Hossa Nature Center open?
The Hossa Nature Center operates year-round, but opening hours vary by season. The Nature Center is generally closed in November.
During winter, the doors may occasionally be closed at other times as well, as our staff may be out in the field with group visitors or on cabin visits. You’ll always find the most up-to-date opening hours in the website footer and on our social media channels.
When the summer season begins in spring, the Nature Center is open daily, and during the busiest summer months we’re open from morning until evening.
Is there a café or restaurant at the Nature Center?

Yes! Our café and restaurant are open during the Nature Center’s opening hours.

You’ll find:

  • lunch options
  • small snacks and treats
  • takeaway food
  • a small grocery kiosk
  • a souvenir shop
What kind of menu do you offer?

Our menu changes with the seasons. In winter we focus especially on warm, hearty soup lunches, and as spring and summer arrive the lunch selection becomes more varied and plentiful.

We use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible – including fish and meat from nearby producers.

You can find the current menus on the restaurant page.

Can I get food to take away or to my cabin?

Yes. You can buy takeaway meals and classic outdoor snacks from the Nature Center – also perfect for cabin stays.

We can also prepare meals:

  • for pickup at the Nature Center
  • or delivered to cabin accommodation

We recommend ordering in advance, preferably when making your accommodation booking.

Where can I find information about hiking trails and nature in Hossa?

The most complete and up-to-date information about Hossa National Park can be found on luontoon.fi.

You can also visit the Nature Center for:

  • trail maps
  • route recommendations
  • personal tips from our staff
Where can paddlers and anglers get local tips?

At the Nature Center, you can get helpful guides and local recommendations for paddling routes and waterways.

For fishing, we’re happy to help with practical tips on locations and permits.

How do fishing permits work in Hossa?

For stocked fishing ponds such as Huosilampi and Keihäslampi, as well as rapids fishing, permits can be purchased via eräluvat.fi or directly from the Nature Center.

In other areas, fishing is generally possible with the Finnish fisheries management fee, following current regulations.

What rental equipment is available in Hossa?

We offer a great selection of rental equipment for different seasons and outdoor activities.

Available rentals include:

  • fatbikes
  • electric fatbikes (e-fatbikes)
  • fatbikes for children
  • kayaks
  • fishing boats on various lakes
  • snowshoes
  • sliding snowshoes
  • SUP boards for Öllärijärvi in summer (available from the Nature Center)
Is there a camping area in Hossa?

Yes. The camping area in Hossa is Karhunkainalo, located right next to the Nature Center.

What is the Karhunkainalo camping area like?

Karhunkainalo is located by the crystal-clear waters of Öllärijärvi.

The area offers:

  • electric and non-electric pitches
  • tent sites
  • a service building
  • outdoor fireplaces

The service building includes:

  • kitchen facilities for two groups at the same time
  • a separate fish cleaning area
  • separate saunas for men and women
  • a beach sauna available for private rental

All Nature Center services are within walking distance.

What kind of cabins are available in Hossa?

Hossa offers accommodation ranging from modern log semi-detached cabins to traditional wilderness cabins.

Most cabins are well equipped and available year-round. Please note that some cabins do not have electricity – full details can be found on each cabin’s booking page.

The island cabin Hoikka is not available for rent during winter.

Can I bring my pet to Hossa?

Yes. Pets are generally welcome in the cabins. Pet policies are listed per cabin, and a pet fee is charged.

Pets are also welcome at the Nature Center, and in summer especially on the terrace. If your dog needs water, just ask our staff for a bowl.

Hossa National Park offers great routes for walking with pets all year round. In winter, dogs are also welcome on ski tracks – as long as everyone keeps the trails clean and respects other visitors.

Where can I go swimming in Hossa?

Hossa has several great swimming spots, and the waters here are known for being exceptionally clear and clean.

The official public beach near the Nature Center is Iikoski Beach.

Other popular swimming spots include:

  • several piers on Öllärijärvi
  • Pitkä-Hoilua, with a beautiful sandy beach and road access
  • Nurmiselkä, also a great place for a swim
Can you host groups, meetings or wellbeing days in Hossa?

Yes. Hossa is a great place to host meetings and get-togethers surrounded by nature and the atmosphere of the National Park.

The Nature Center has dedicated meeting facilities, and the main hall works well for larger groups. The spaces are suitable for everything from small meetings to bigger events.

It’s also possible to rent the entire Nature Center for private use, for example for:

  • companies
  • weddings
  • hunting clubs
  • birthday celebrations

Hossa is also an excellent destination for wellbeing days and team days.

What can you do in Hossa throughout the year?

There’s plenty to do in Hossa in every season. Iconic sights like the Värikallio rock paintings, Julma-Ölkky Canyon Lake, and the many hiking routes offer unforgettable experiences year-round. In winter, you can even reach places like Värikallio and Muikkupuro along the multi-use trail – for example with snowshoes.

Fishing is very popular here, and sometimes the best plan is simply to slow down, relax, and enjoy the peaceful National Park atmosphere – that’s absolutely allowed too.

Through us, you can also arrange experiences such as:

  • meeting reindeer
  • bear watching in summer
  • husky rides
  • wilderness dining
  • guided tours and outdoor adventures