SAUNA RETREAT OF THE LAKE MOTHERS 

Friday-Sunday, August 1-3, 2025

Korven Kota, Koli National Park, North Karelia, Finland

Sauna Treatments * Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna * Sauna and Dreamwork * Lake Mothers and Spirits

GUIDED BY HELENA KARHU

This sauna retreat invites you to the pristine nature and crystal-clear lakes of North Karelia, where forests and waters breathe profound peace. Here, far from the rush of everyday life, we journey into sacred silence and the realms of dreamers. Over the weekend, we immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of lake mothers and guardian spirits, sensing the timeless wisdom of water and the power of protection. The sacred northern lake, Pielinen, calls us. The retreat takes place at Korven Kota, home to Finland's Best Sauna of 2024. Its enchanting smoke sauna and one of the most beautiful lakeside spots on Pielinen create an extraordinary setting. Korven Kota is also one of Finland's most stunning kota structures, where we gather around the central fireplace. This retreat is limited to an intimate group of no more than seven participants.

The retreat’s core values—natural purity, warmth, love of nature, authenticity, and sensuality —infuse every moment. We breathe the calming warmth of the sauna, connect with our ancient culture in the soft shadows of the smoke sauna, feel the refreshing coolness of water on our skin, and hear the crackling fire weave together old tales and dreams. In the warmth of the steam, we open our hearts. In the presence of the lake mothers, we may feel gratitude and acceptance for our lives and let that flow outward as a healing and life-protecting force.

We meditate with the lake mothers and spirits, attuning ourselves to their strength and protection. The ancient wisdom of water mothers lives on, and over the weekend, we learn to sense their presence and messages. In Finnish folklore, mothers (emuu) are the primal creators of nature’s elements, guardians of places and natural forces. Lake mothers are seen as spirits or goddesses who protected the lake's ecosystem, fish stocks, and purity. If a lake became polluted or fish disappeared, it was believed the mother had been offended. These beings are deeply associated with femininity, symbolizing fertility, life, and nature itself. More than mere spirits, they represent the sacred and mystical power of nature, embodying both the physical lake and its spiritual guardian. They are seen as liminal beings, dwelling between the human world and the spirit world, uniting the forces of earth, water, and sky.

At the shores of Pielinen, we are held by the nurturing presence of these lake mothers. Helena leads exercises to help us listen to how water speaks to us. We tune into the vast spiritual power that resides in these beautiful northern waters.

The nature surrounding our sauna sanctuary enriches the weekend retreat. Guided by her grandmother's teachings, Helena shows us how to make sauna whisks (vasta) and collect plants suitable for the season to use in our sauna rituals.

Will you step with us into this sacred space where sauna, water, and fire unite with the spirits and powers of the lake mothers? This weekend offers peace, silence, strength, and a deep connection to the pure northern wilderness.

Our Schedule:

Friday:
Arrival: You can arrive anytime between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
5:00 PM: Shared fire, shared circle. Helena introduces the concept of lake mothers. A drum call welcomes us to the weekend.
Preparation for dreamwork and evening sauna.

Saturday:

Draw or write a pattern, feeling, or message from your dream, and share it during the circle. (If you don’t remember your dream, you’re welcome to simply listen to others.)

8:00 AM: Breakfast.
9:00 AM: Meditation. Sharing dreams.
We gather plants for the sauna ceremony.
We prepare flower- and herb-infused waters for the evening in special bowls.
12:00 PM: Lunch break.
Making sauna whisks and floral wreaths.
Silent walk along the lake shore or in the forest.
We observe silence together until the end of the sauna ceremony.
4:00 PM: Early light meal.
5:00 PM: Sauna ceremony.
We conclude with a small gratitude ritual for the lake mothers.

Sunday:

Draw or write a pattern, feeling, or message from your dream, and share it during the circle. (If you don’t remember your dream, you’re welcome to simply listen to others.)

8:00 AM: Breakfast.
9:00 AM: Morning meditation. Talking stick circle. Sharing dreams and reflections on the sauna ceremony. We enjoy the scents of the herbs used in the sauna.
11:00 AM: Opportunity to row on Pielinen and visit the nearby Purjesaari islands, a chain of narrow ridged islands resembling the tail of Pielinen’s dragon.
1:00 PM: Departure at your own pace.

Is this course for me?
The retreat does not require prior knowledge or experience. It is alcohol- and substance-free. Note that the retreat location requires normal mobility.
We work in a small group of a maximum of seven participants.

Retreat Venue:
We meet at Korven Kota, located along the Koli shoreline road at one of Pielinen’s most beautiful spots. Our retreat includes the exclusive use of the kota. Adjacent to the kota is a summer cottage where we will stay. Rowboats are available for trips to nearby Purjesaari Islands.

Korven Kota is situated in the Koli National Landscape, on the shores of Lake Pielinen, 10 km south of Koli.

Next to the kota is a traditional smoke sauna. As described on Korven Kota’s website: “The aroma, silence, shadows, and warmth of the smoke sauna with its soft, gentle steam provide an unforgettable, enjoyable, and authentic sauna experience. Sauna water comes from a spring-fed stream—spring water warmed for steam on Koli’s hot stones.”

How to get there? If not by (rental) car, the best way to reach this place by public transportation is to take a train or fly from Helsinki to Joensuu. From here, we will coordinate the car pools/transfers to the retreat location. I can help you to think about the travel options, if you like. You might like to stay an extra night in Joensuu before/after the retreat, if necessary. There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb in Joensuu. I recommend also to visit more of Koli National Park on your way.

Facilitator:

Helena Karhu

I am a native of North Karelia and a teacher and practitioner of shamanism, with sauna as a central element of my life. My late grandmother was the most influential figure in my sauna practices. In addition, I am a bloodletting therapist, trained by Sanna-Kaisa “Ratanaula” Ilmarinen, and I have studied sauna ceremonies under Lithuanian guide Justina Maslauskaitė.

My life’s work involves remembering and revitalizing traditional knowledge through Karhun Talo (The Bear’s House), which I founded. I am also pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Eastern Finland, further researching Finnish shamanism. I serve as the chairperson and a founding member of the Pielinen Knowledge Center Association. The sacred northern nature and its spirits call me to share insights about our heritage and to bridge archaic methods with contemporary possibilities. For me, the sacred sites of North Karelia are among the most hallowed natural places in the world—a source of endless learning about the world, consciousness, and the growth of the soul in connection with all living things.

Helena says: “I was first brought to Koli at seven months old, embarking on my first pilgrimage around Lake Pielinen in this life. Koli and Pielinen are the most sacred places in the world to me, and I look forward to sharing more about their power and significance with you.”

Registration:

You can register for the course by email: info@karhuntalo.com

Early bird: Register by the end of February 2025 to receive a discounted fee of €290 (incl. 25.5% VAT). This includes the retreat program and shared accommodation in the cottage.

From March onwards, the fee is €335 (incl. 25.5% VAT), including the retreat program and shared accommodation in the cottage or your own tent.

Participants are responsible for their own meals. The cottage has a fully equipped kitchen (with a gas stove) for cooking, and meals can also be prepared over an open fire or in the kota. Further details will be provided in the participant letter.
Note: Single rooms are not available (you may bring your own tent for privacy).

The course fee does not include travel or travel insurance. Please consider carefully before registering, as registration is binding. Review the Karhun Talo booking and cancellation terms and liability rules here: : https://www.karhuntalo.com/booking-and-cancellation-conditions

Wishing everyone a beautiful upcoming summer!