Finland Wild Swim Retreat

YOUR FINNISH WILD SWIM ADVENTURE

Four days of beautiful lakes, woodland swims, traditional saunas, delicious Finnish food and plenty of time to slow down, breathe deeply and enjoy the company of like-minded people.

🌿 DAY ONE — ARRIVE, UNWIND & TAKE YOUR FIRST DIP

Arrive at Pekkala in the afternoon, around 4pm, and settle into your accommodation. There’s no rush — make yourself at home, meet your fellow swimmers and enjoy a cup of tea with a slice of traditional Finnish cake.

Then it’s time for your first taste of Finnish lake life. Wander down to the sauna and the beautiful waters of Pekkalanlahti for your first dip — with the sauna waiting to warm you afterwards.

In the evening, come together for a delicious welcome feast at Pekkala Manor and your first evening of Finnish hospitality.

🌲 DAY TWO — WOODLAND SWIMS & FINNISH LAKE LIFE

Start the day slowly with a relaxed breakfast around 8am, taking in the beautiful views from the dining room.

Around 10am, we’ll head out for our first swim — a magical woodland gorge where the scenery is every bit as memorable as the water.

Afterwards, enjoy a hearty picnic before taking a gentle stroll along the sandy shores of a beautiful inland lake. And, of course, there’ll be another opportunity to swim!

Back at Pekkala, enjoy a Finnish-inspired evening meal before discovering more about your beautiful surroundings. The owners will share the fascinating history of this special peninsula and take you on a tour of Pekkala.

🧖‍♀️ DAY THREE — RUOVESI, SAUNA & FINNISH CULTURE

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading into the local town of Ruovesi for a morning swim and a little exploration.

You’ll have some free time to wander, browse the local shops or perhaps discover one of Finland’s oldest bookshops — a perfect opportunity to pick up a little Finnish treasure to take home.

Then it’s onwards to Tampere, known as the Sauna Capital of the World, for a quintessential Finnish experience: sauna followed by a bracing dip.

In the evening, settle in for a special celebration of Finnish food and culture, hosted by Petri. Expect good food, stories and a warm taste of local life.

💙 DAY FOUR — ONE LAST SAUNA & SWIM

Make the most of your final morning at Pekkala. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take one last sauna and savour a final swim in the peaceful waters of the lake.

There’ll be time to soak up the views, enjoy the stillness and perhaps reflect on a few days of wild swimming, Finnish adventures and new friendships.

Departure is around midday — although you may find yourself wishing you could stay a little longer…

ESSENTIALS

• Getting there: Your Finnish adventure starts the moment you arrive. Make your own way to beautiful Pekkalan Kartano — hire a car from Helsinki Airport and explore at your own pace, or take the scenic train to Tampere, where we’ll collect you.
• Getting around: Once you’re with us, everything is taken care of. We’ll transport you to our beautiful swim spots, saunas and adventures throughout the retreat.
• Food & drink: Come hungry! All your meals, drinks and snacks are included, with plenty of delicious Finnish food and treats to enjoy along the way.
• Wild swimming: Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer or relatively new to open water, you’re very welcome. Our swims are relaxed and flexible, so you can swim for as long — or as little — as feels right for you.
• September in Finland: Expect refreshing lake water around 15°C and crisp, beautiful days with air temperatures typically in the mid-to-high teens. Bring your wetsuit, neoprene boots and gloves if you’d like them. We’ll provide a full kit list when you book — all you need to bring is a sense of adventure!

PRICING

Price per person: £895

Included in the price:

• Three meals a day, plus snacks and refreshments throughout (we can cater for all dietary requirements)
• Transport to and from the swim spots, saunas and local places of interest for the duration of the retreat
• Three nights' accommodation at Pekkala Manor in twin rooms
• Access to the sauna at Pekkalan Kartano every day
• Entry to the public sauna in Tampere
• Local history talk and tour
• Evening of Finnish food and storytelling with Petri
• Guided swims with fully qualified and insured instructors

Not included in the price:

• Flights to and from Finland
• Transfers to the retreat venue
• Alcoholic drinks - you are welcome to bring your own. We do expect responsible drinking and not before any swimming or sauna sessions.

Booking will open on 1st October 2026. Anyone who has registered their interest before this date will get the first opportunity to book. You can register your interest here.