Hossa’s Weekend of Gentleness – A Retreat for Women at Jatkonsalmi

At the end of October, the peaceful silence of Hossa National Park invites women to pause and breathe. Heta Keränen and Anna Latvakoski are hosting the Hossa’s Gentleness Retreat on 24–26 October 2025 at the Jatkonsalmi wilderness lodge. The weekend combines the tranquility of nature, poetry, gentleness and togetherness – offering participants the chance to slow down from everyday life.

Heta Keränen – gentle presence for yourself

From Suomussalmi, Heta Keränen is the founder of Pohjoisen Lempeys, a community and youth worker as well as a creative writing instructor. She found her way to retreat work through her studies in bibliotherapy, during which she met Anna.

“Mental wellbeing is extremely important, and I hope to bring gratitude, love and forgiveness towards oneself into participants’ lives – and a more peaceful mind,” Heta says.

Her long-time dream has been to organize a weekend of gentle practices, nature, and community. Cooperation with Hossa Nature Centre made it possible to realize the idea at Jatkonsalmi, where she has also previously led a wellness program for staff.

“Jatkonsalmi lodge is in a beautiful and peaceful location in Hossa. The landscape soothes both mind and eye, and in the quiet soundscape the soul finds rest,” Heta adds.

Anna Latvakoski – connecting with nature and gratitude

Anna Latvakoski, entrepreneur behind Sielun Kaiku from Kemijärvi, has previous experience organizing retreats in Kemijärvi, Oulu, and soon Savukoski.

“A retreat is a moment of shared experience, where one can take a break and forget everyday worries. I want to offer people these moments in the best way I can,” Anna explains.

This is Anna’s first retreat in Hossa, but she trusts Heta’s choice of Jatkonsalmi as the perfect setting.

“The rugged peace of Hossa – stored in its majestic cliffs, steady flowing waters, and the balancing hum of the forest – gives us the perfect setting to rest and care for ourselves.”

What does the weekend include?

The program consists of gentle practices: forest bathing, sound bowl relaxation, gratitude writing, and moments of poetry. In the evenings the lakeside sauna will be heated, and the bravest can dip into the water by lantern light.

According to both Heta and Anna, the essence of the retreat lies in the silence and the calm pace of nature. Each participant can join the activities according to their own energy – with plenty of space left for private reflection.

“I hope participants will take home concrete tools for improving their wellbeing,” Heta says.
“And that they will discover peace, relaxation, and gratitude for their lives,” Anna adds.

The heart of the retreat

When asked to describe the retreat in three words, Heta answers:
– Gentle presence for yourself.
Anna sums it up as:
– Peace, relaxation, gratitude.

📅 Hossa’s Gentleness Retreat 24–26 October 2025
📍 Jatkonsalmi Wilderness Lodge, Hossa, Suomussalmi, Finland
💶 Early bird price €289 (until 30 Sept), after that €329
📩 Registration closes 15 Oct – maximum 15 participants

More information & registration:
Heta Keränen, +358 40 651 5616, pohjoisenlempeys @ outlook.com
Anna Latvakoski, +358 400 254 207, sielunkaiku @ gmail.com