WELCOME TO
HOUSE OF BEAR
Connecting you with Nature, Spirit, and Tradition
Courses & Retreats | Guided Journeys to Sacred Nature Sites | Nature Pilgrimages | Finnish Sauna
Mentoring & Consultations | Culture Production | Cultural Research
Rooted in the Heart and Nature of North Karelia
With Helena Karhu
Welcome to House of the Bear
House of the Bear offers a unique range of courses, retreats, lectures, and nature-based spiritual ceremonies in the enchanting wilderness of North Karelia, Eastern Finland. Our services are deeply rooted in local culture and natural wisdom, designed to nurture well-being and spiritual growth. Our motivation is to connect with the deep-time traditions, respect our old ways, grow into nature-centered being, and walk in peace.
Our retreats and courses are crafted to help you reconnect with yourself and the natural world. The natural flow within each of us creates harmony with all of nature. A sense of belonging with nature and community is the foundation of true well-being. We understand the interconnection of local well-being and the planetary well-being.
Join us for an inspiring journey into nature’s wonders here in the North! Our special expertise is in our own ancestral lands of North Karelia, and especially in the Northern animistic-shamanic traditions of our land. Whether you’re seeking practical tools and methods to support your personal growth or simply wish to unwind and embrace freedom, our earth-centered courses provide just that.
Each of our events offers a space for deep connection and restoration, allowing you to trust in and rest with the world around you. Through practices such as meditative exercises, storytelling, song, poetry, dance, and nature walks, we invite you to embark on this journey boldly and gently. Our offerings include courses based on the animistic-shamanistic tradition, as well as retreats focused on silence and communion with nature.
Discover more about our courses and events on these pages, and feel free to contact us with any questions!
Upcoming Courses and Retreats
FOLK KNOWLEDGE | MYTHS AND MYTHOLOGY | ANIMISM & SHAMANISM | FOLK TRADITIONS | NATURE SPIRITS | SACRED PLACES IN NATURE | DEEP RELAXATION | COMMUNITY
27-30 March: Inner Visions Forest Retreat, guided by Sofia Stefansdottir and Helena Karhu. Yoga, sauna ceremony, guided meditation, drum journey and mindful nature walking.
30 April - 3 May: Beltane retreat of shamanism and dance at Frantsila Herb Farm.
4-8 June: Basic Course of Shamanism at Koli
10-15 June: Journey of the Bear, a shamanic pilgrimage
11-15 June: Advanced Sauna Healing Course
1-3 August and 15-17 August: Sauna Retreats of Lake Mothers
You can find all upcoming courses across Finland under "Courses & Events" in the top bar of this homepage.
CONTACT:
Helena Karhu
info@karhuntalo.com
Tel. +358405148788
WEBINAR & SHAMANIC GUIDED JOURNEY:
WOMEN AND BEARS: From the Cave to the Sauna Sanctuary
Online via Zoom
29th of January 2025 at 18.00 Finnish time (EEST)
(London time: 16.00-18.00, New York time: 10-12 am. ). The webinar is being recorded, so it is possible to watch it at another time as well.
Lecturer: Kaarina Kailo
Host and Guide: Helena Karhu
Welcome to an inspiring webinar where an introduction to ancient wisdom traditions is followed by a shamanic guided journey!
During this evening, Kaarina Kailo, one of Finland's leading experts in bear mythology, will take us deep into the world of bear mythology. She will explore its connection to the Great Mother and ancient women's spiritual traditions. What is the symbolic relationship between women and bears, and what can this timeless wisdom teach us today? We’ll hear about the bear’s role as a symbol of the life force and rebirth and the significance of the cave bear’s den to our ancestors.
The lecture will be complemented by a meditative guided shamanic journey led by Helena Karhu. She will take us deep into the bear’s cave, where we can rest in the symbolic embrace of the Mother Bear. The bear embodies healing and strength, and through this meditative journey, we can experience how the bear is interconnected with the balance and unity of all nature.
Inner Visions Forest Retreat
In the heart of Finland
With Helena Karhu & Sófía Stefánsdóttir
Rejuvenate your body and mind
Yoga, sauna ceremony, guided meditation, drum journey and mindful nature walking
Thursday-Sunday 27-30 March 2025
North Savo, Finland
JOIN us on a rejuvenating mind-body journey deep in the forest of central Finland. Ancient wisdom of Finnish and Nordic shamanic traditions meet the healing power of mindful body movement.
Our retreat takes PLACE in the beautiful, vast wilderness of the North Savo region of Eastern Finland. We have chosen the incredible wilderness resort Metsäkartano, in Tiilikkajärvi National Park, where you can really feel the deep mystery of Finnish nature.
YOU WILL BE GUIDED by Icelandic Sofia Stefansdottir and Finnish Helena Karhu, both long time practitioners of shamanism and yoga.
Step into the magic of spring with a retreat that combines shamanism, dance, and nature connection.
Beltane has traditionally been a time in our folklore to celebrate the awakening of spring, the beginning of a new season of fertility, and renewal in the light of the spring sun. The air fills with the fragrances of blooming flowers, fairies awaken from their winter slumber, and a special lightness and magic infuses the atmosphere.
Join our Beltane Retreat at beautiful Frantsila Retreat Resort by the organic herb fields and forests.
Wednesday-Saturday 30th of April to 3rd of May 2025
Guided by Katariina Elonkehrä and Helena Karhu
Welcome to the Journey of the Bear: A Shamanic Pilgrimage in the Sacred Lands of North Karelia
June 10-15, 2025
Join us for a profound, guided journey into the heart of nature’s wisdom, led by Helena Karhu, with special guest Miika Vanhapiha.
This sacred pilgrimage will take you through the ancient, mystical landscapes of North Karelia—lands revered by the shamans and sages of old. Here, in the cradle of poetry, ritual, and deep connection to the natural world, we will honor the Spirits of the Land through ceremony and celebration.
Feel the call of the Bear Stones and sacred nature sites as we embark on this transformative journey of stillness, listening, and reverence. Together, we will connect with the timeless energies that have shaped the wisdom of these lands for centuries.
Come and experience a deep connection to nature, spirit, and yourself.
Reserve your place today.
Sauna Retreats of the Lake Mothers in North Karelia
Fri-Sun, August 1–3, 2025, at Korven Kota, Koli National Park
Fri-Sun, August 15–17, 2025, at Kotakylä, by wilderness lake Vaikkojärvi
Smoke Saunas * Sauna Rituals * Dreams and the Spirit of the Lakes
Step into the sacred embrace of the Finnish wilderness at the Sauna Retreat of the Lake Mothers. Nestled in the serene landscapes of North Karelia, this retreat invites you to reconnect with nature’s purity and the timeless wisdom of pristine lakes and ancient forests.
Throughout the weekend, we’ll journey into deep stillness and explore places of dreams and sacred silence. Surrounded by the powerful presence of lake spirits and guardians, we’ll immerse ourselves in the healing warmth of the sauna, the cool touch of freshwaters, and the stories carried by the flicker of firelight.
At the heart of this retreat are values of authenticity, purity, and multi-sensory connection to nature. Through ancient sauna traditions and mindful presence, we open ourselves to the beauty of life and the protective, nurturing energy of the lake mothers—mythical beings from Finnish folklore. These spirits embody the essence of the natural world, offering wisdom, protection, and a bridge to the sacred.
Join us for a transformative weekend where we celebrate the union of body, mind, and spirit, honoring the timeless bond between humanity and the natural world. Let the Lake Mothers guide you toward gratitude, acceptance, and a deeper love for all life.
I offer these two weekends in August 2025—please choose your date and join us for a transformative experience.
Welcome to a sanctuary where the whispers of water, wood, and fire awaken your soul.
A Warm Welcome from Helena Karhu, Founder of House of the Bear
Welcome to my website! I’m Helena Karhu, and I’m delighted to share a glimpse of my work and passion with you. Rooted in the heart of Karelian heritage, House of the Bear is dedicated to offering genuine, friendly, and grounded connections to my ancestral homeland.
My surname, “Karhu,” means “bear” in Finnish, which is the inspiration behind the name of my company. The bear, a revered totem in Finnish culture, symbolizes strength and our deep connection to all that exists. In Finnish folklore, the bear is celebrated and honored, reflecting a sacred bond between humans and nature.
The natural beauty and cultural richness of North Karelia are central to my work and the joy we find in it. Our team holds dear our cultural roots, the heritage of our ancestors, and the sanctity of our local landscapes. From the serene lakes like Pielinen, Pyhäselkä, and Höytiäinen to the majestic Koli mountain with its ancestral spirits, these places are sources of inspiration and strength for us.
My mission is to help you connect deeply with the traditions of North Karelia and Finno-Ugric culture. We offer experiences in sauna traditions, Finnish oral poetry, herbal knowledge, traditional crafts, and ancestral ways of connecting with nature. I believe that ancient animistic and shamanic traditions offer profound pathways to peace and well-being.
Based in Joensuu, I travel across North Karelia and Finland for my work. Feel free to contact me at info@karhuntalo.com for inquiries about courses and retreats while you are in Finland.
Warmest welcome to North Karelia!
Kind regards,
Helena Karhu
M.Soc.Sc., cultural producer and researcher, retreat guide, and founder of House of Bear
CONTACT:
Helena Karhu
info@karhuntalo.com
Tel. +358405148788
Mythical Koli – The Shamans, Witches, and Wise Ones of the Sacred Mountain
Koli Mountain, located in the North Karelia region of Finland, has long been revered as a sacred place of power for shamans, healers, and wise figures. Historically, Koli was known as Mustarinta or Mustarinda, meaning "the Bear," which is the most venerated ancient totem of the region. The Bear’s mythologies are deeply intertwined with the spirit of Koli, making it one of the most potent and enduring symbols.
To learn more about the mythical Koli and its mystical significance, please visit our blog page.
TRADITIONAL FINNISH SAUNA TREATMENTS
I offer traditional Finnish sauna treatments.
I have been learning about sauna culture and therapy since a little girl from my grandmother Tyyne, who lived in Liperi in North Karelia. My grandmother was born in a sauna, and she knew all about it. My childhood circle of life at my grandmother's cottage was strongly centered around the sauna. I am offering traditional Finnish sauna treatments based on this lived experience and knowledge that has been naturally part of all my life.
My sauna-therapeutic work is simple, down-to-earth, intuitive, and based on tradition. I trust the relaxing world of the sauna, which promotes holistic well-being and cultural traditions.
CONTACT:
Helena Karhu
info@karhuntalo.com
Tel. +358405148788
Helena Karhu is vitalizing the roots of the old Karelian traditions of healing, handcraft, language, songs and runes, ancient places, rituals and ceremonies. She is continuously planting new seeds for a golden future of peace and understanding and coming together. She is offering amazing courses in many places in Finnish Karelia.
Anna Katariina Hollmérus, a shamanic wise woman, artist and sound healer
What is the Ancient Cultural Tradition in North Karelia?
The oldest form of Finnish culture and folklore is rooted in Northern shamanistic and animistic wisdom. By studying ancient rock paintings and carvings, we can trace these traditions back thousands of years. The most recent evidence of shamanistic practices includes a 4,400-year-old shaman wand discovered in Humppila in June 2021 by archaeologists from the University of Turku. This ritual artifact dates back to the Neolithic Stone Age.
North Karelia is an archaeologically significant region, home to sites such as the Heinävesi rock paintings, as well as numerous footprints and table stones. The ancient power of Koli Mountain and the sacred Lake Pielinen are renowned destinations for spiritual awakening and renewal.
Nature-mindedness involves a deep respect for the natural world. Every aspect of nature has its own purpose, life, and soul, just as every human being does. Discovering one’s own nature and true essence is a journey towards wholeness, achieved through honoring and nurturing the well-being of the body, emotions, spirituality, and mind.
CONTACT:
Helena Karhu
info@karhuntalo.com
Tel. +358405148788
Photo: Lingonberry flowers at Kontiolahti, Finland. Photo by Helena Karhu.
Connecting Your Uniqueness – Trusting Your Nature – Being Yourself
Discover the beauty of your true self through earth-honoring methods and explore the rich wisdom culture of North Karelia.
House of the Bear is deeply rooted in the ancestral heritage of North Karelia. Our work is grounded in both Karelian and Finnish nature-based cultural traditions, offering time-tested practices for natural well-being and wisdom. We embrace cross-cultural and contemporary approaches to shamanic practice, honoring the diverse ways of connecting with nature and self.
Have the Courage to Be You
“This was the first time that I tried a shamanic consultation. I didn't expect anything, was just open to whatever might come, and was so deeply touched and gifted. It is impossible to put in words what I experienced during our session. Afterwards, I felt lighter, freed, and touched in the soul. I got a lot of strength and support for my life path from our session. Also, the words and energies that came up have been etched in my mind and are a compass for my path. From the bottom of my heart thank you!”
- Feedback from a German client
“I hope that our retreat time together will bring you closer to the essence of this land, the beauty, and balancing strength of North Karelia. The purpose of retreat is that the effects and practices can be integrated to your home environment and everyday life.”
TESTIMONIALS OF OUR WORK:
“I am grateful for the work you do, it is valuable and wildly inspiring. Things suddenly start to fall into place and I feel like I'm on the verge of something bigger and amazing in life. For the first time, I dare and trust more than ever before. Thank you for your warm and authentic way of dealing with people, as well as your wisdom and courage.” - A Finnish participant for a retreat
“Captivating teacher, who delivers from the depths of the heart. The contents of the retreat were wide-reaching. I discovered the joy and freedom of being, that everything necessary is already here and now. I feel relaxed and inspired. ”
“Helena is magical teacher, who is able to guide everyone the way they need.”
House of the Bear is official partner of Koli National Park.
More feedback for the work of House of Bear:
“I still haven’t sent you feedback about the Summer Retreat. It is hard to put into words all that it meant to me. The weekend brewed for a long time in my mind and body afterwards. And I still feel it. It was great and gentle program. I was impressed with the tasks and everything we did. It was wonderful, and really important to be able to see and experience how attentively and with gentleness and at the same time comfortably you guided the course and what we did. I enjoyed how different traditions came together over the weekend. I found it really empowering to be among two sensitive and powerful sages. I am happy and grateful that I found you. Thank you for being there and doing your valuable work. ”
“The retreat weekend gave me more than I could have expected. Clearly I was supposed to be involved in this and right now! My self - knowledge and also my self - esteem got a completely huge boost and this has brought big things into my own life right now. Also my life mission and what I want to do got more confirmation. That's the way I am, but now that too was further confirmed and reassured that I am on the right road. I'm not in the goal, but now I enjoy this trip and whatever it brings to me. :) It felt like the forces and energies in us moving over the weekend could have even move the mountains! Now I feel liberated and grateful as well as happy! thanks thanks thank you!"
“We were like flying in the air the whole return trip to Helsinki, we were in such wonderful feelings and sensations. Thanks for a memorable weekend! This will continue to live in our hearts and lives forward. Grateful. Thank you both, wonderful shaman women. It was lucky to be involved, I really hope the roads still meet. ”
CONTACT
Helena Karhu
+358 (0)40 5148788
info@karhuntalo.com
Based in Joensuu, Finland.