Spend the entire Midsummer at Koli with an amazing group of people in an atmospheric island setting on Lake Pielinen!

Dancing the magic of midsummer at Tarina-aho in Koli, Finland

Friday–Sunday, June 19–21, 2026

Facilitators: Katariina Elonkehrä & Helena Karhu

Midsummer is an ancient celebration in our folk tradition, a time when the sun shines at its highest for us who live in the North. It is said that on this day, the sun rests in its nest, shining within the World Tree. The summer solstice and Midsummer have traditionally been a magical time, when we step into the enchanted circle of the nightless night. Many spells and rituals connected to harvest, fertility, love, and purification are associated with this time.

This Midsummer, we invite you to dance! No prior dance experience is required. We surrender to the wild power of free, authentic movement and expression, and through it, to enjoying summer and nature.

We invite you toward a good life — and therefore we create beauty. Our secluded island retreat sanctuary, Tarina-aho, located in the middle of the beautiful Lake Pielinen in peaceful natural surroundings, is a traditional heritage environment and a truly magnificent place for Midsummer celebrations. Our journey begins at the harbor of Koli, from where we travel by boat to Tarina-aho on Kelvänsaari island.

On this nature-centered retreat rooted in folk wisdom and dance, we will shake and awaken our bodies into summer dances by the Midsummer bonfire. We dance, sing, and rejoice in the light of the flames! Helena guides the magical preparation of the bonfire, and we build it together. We weave beautiful flower wreaths and perform traditional Midsummer rituals together. We sing together and allow our wild nature to flow freely.

Playfully, we will also create nature-spirit masks from natural materials, inspired by the local environment. Wearing these masks by the Midsummer bonfire, we surrender to sensing and experiencing the natural wisdom, expression, and movement flowing through our characters. Your character may free you to explore aspects of nature and yourself you may not have known existed. At the same time, merging with a character can liberate us into our most authentic selves, beyond the roles we have grown accustomed to through familiar reflections. In the end, we burn the masks in the Midsummer fire.

We allow the creative force of summer to awaken within us. As all movement rises from the cradle of creativity — the hips — we remember, through dance, our inner spark: inspiration, passion, vitality, and the boundless richness of being. The miracle of dance!

We open the treasure chest of our somatic wisdom and come into ever deeper connection with ourselves, one another, nature, and the universe.

Let the dancing begin!

Dance and Nature-Based Folk Wisdom

What is more liberating for a human being than dance? When you allow yourself to dance completely freely — without choreography or style — moving like wild nature itself, guided by music or the rhythm of a drum. On this retreat, we dance our inner nature and also carry movement into the outer wild landscapes. Together, we explore embodiment through dance.

We allow the enchantment of dance to lead us close to the nature spirits of Tarina-aho’s lush and enchanting environment — fairies, forest folk, water beings, Mother Earth, and lake goddesses. Helena guides us into this realm, telling stories and reading poetry about forest maidens and the animals and birds watching over us.

Katariina Elonkehrä guides us toward dance-based movement through gentle yet powerful somatic practices, step by step approaching our wild inner nature. Experiencing the inner wild through dance can help release physical, emotional, and mental tensions; ease stress or anxiety; support recovery from fatigue; awaken joy and inspiration; and free creativity and intuition toward a sustainable and joyful way of life.

Katariina inspires and encourages authentic movement with her loving and permissive holding, rich and passionate expression, and compelling, powerful, and emotionally resonant musical selections.

We dance with all of nature as we meet it. We bring dance outdoors into the radiance of midsummer.

This Midsummer retreat is open to everyone who feels a natural interest in the theme. No previous experience in dance or nature-based folk wisdom is required. Come boldly and joyfully along!

Retreat Facilitators

Katariina Elonkehrä

I am a passionate dancer from Oulu, carrying the roots and nature of Lapland and Koillismaa in my heart. I am a facilitator of dance and movement therapeutic methods, a body therapist, a cupping therapist, and a “wild mama” born into motherhood through two empowering home births. My path has led from multidisciplinary environmental studies (University of Helsinki and Aalto University) to grassroots-level work, seeking tools for inner growth and transformation through body awareness and dance/movement therapy before external structures change.

Currently, I work mainly in Pirkanmaa region, where I have created the popular Mindless Dances (free expression and movement) concept. A special calling of my heart is deep body- and movement-therapeutic work supporting rites of passage, cyclicity, birth, and womanhood, integrating nature-based and ritual elements — including powerful and ancient Closing the Bones ceremonies. More information about my work: www.gaiariina.fi

Helena Karhu

I am a nature-spiritual tradition keeper rooted in North Karelia, drawing from nature, northern wisdom traditions, and nature spirituality. I facilitate courses and retreats inspired especially by northern animistic and shamanic traditions. I have also guided mindfulness, silence, and Tibetan Buddhist retreats.

My life’s work unfolds through my company, Karhun Talo (Bear House), whose purpose is to remember our deep connection to nature as a source of awareness, well-being, and connection for everyone in the community. My other part of the company is an art management company and art gallery called KAARNA, where we promote nature-centric art from East Finland. I am a bear mother to twins, and maternal love is the core of my heart. I am trained as a cultural researcher.

My passion is to bring forth the cooperative and empowering aspects of the traditions carried by my ancestors. It is important to me that everyone can rest as they are — that we have the freedom to become who we truly are. As a facilitator, my aim is to be an inspiring and positive companion, where simplicity and naturalness are key.

The Retreat Power Place in Koli

Tarina-aho, Kelvänsaari, Koli
Tarina-aho is a unique accommodation and retreat destination on Lake Pielinen, in the heart of Koli’s national landscape on Kelvänsaari island. The courtyard consists of three traditional log buildings, originally handcrafted in North Karelia and later relocated to Kelvänsaari.

According to the young entrepreneur couple of Tarina-aho:
“Tarina-aho is a place that brings together nature, Lake Pielinen, peace of mind, simplicity, and North Karelian tradition. Arriving at Tarina-aho is like traveling back in time — busy everyday life and worries are left behind on the mainland as you step into the boat.”

More information: https://www.tarinaaho.com/

“No photographs can truly capture the uniqueness and magic of Tarina-aho. It must be experienced. The culture-rich buildings, the two-part smoke sauna, the peaceful location in a sheltered bay, and the magical objects all leave a deep impression.”
— Helena

Accommodation

Accommodation is arranged in three different buildings within Tarina-aho’s atmospheric courtyard. Guests bring their own bed linens; however, linens can be rented if needed for €15/set (includes sheet, pillowcase, duvet cover, and towel).

You may also choose to stay in your own tent or hammock.

We will also experience the heat of North Karelia’s largest smoke sauna. Sauna bathing and swimming in Lake Pielinen are a wonderful way to relax during Midsummer.

Tarina-aho is a pet-friendly accommodation.

Meals

The accommodation package includes full board, starting with Friday dinner and ending with Sunday brunch. The experiential nature of Tarina-aho extends to the meals prepared by Siiri and Osku. Food is made with special care, and you may experience some of the best retreat meals you’ve ever had. Ingredients are local and high-quality, perfectly suited to a Midsummer celebration.

The tables are decorated with wildflowers, and the dining hall is filled with hand-carved wood and Karelian handicrafts — a unique atmosphere and culinary delight! On Sunday, Midsummer Day, we enjoy a generous brunch together before departure.

Boat Transfers

We travel from the harbor of Koli to the island by boat. The route passes in front of the peaks of Koli, following the rugged island chain of the national park while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Lake Pielinen. The boat holds 10 people at a time; if exceeded, multiple transfers will be arranged.

Is This Midsummer Retreat Right for Me?

The retreat is suitable for anyone who feels naturally drawn to it. Unfortunately, the retreat location is not accessible, so participants must have normal mobility. The retreat is alcohol- and substance-free, and meals are vegetarian (local lake fish may be served).

If you wish to bring family members while you attend the retreat, please inquire about this possibility.

Registration & Pricing

Participation fee (program & facilitation): €350 

Accommodation with full board (shared rooms for 2–5 people, incl. evening sauna, one smoke sauna evening, and boat transfers):
€248 (incl. VAT) / 2 nights / per person

Single room supplement: +€20/night (limited availability)

Tent or hammock accommodation with full board:
€228 (incl. VAT) / 2 nights / per person
(Limited tent spots available)

Registration form:

Questions & info:
info@karhuntalo.com

The course fee does not include travel to/from Koli Harbor or travel insurance. Participants are required to review Karhun Talo’s liability waiver and cancellation terms:
https://www.karhuntalo.com/varaus-ja-peruutusehdot

Preliminary Retreat Schedule

Friday, June 19 – Midsummer Eve

14:00 Meet at Koli harbor & departure to the island
15:00 Opening circle • Midsummer rituals • Nature-spirit mask making • Bonfire preparation
18:00 Dinner
19:00 MIDSUMMER BONFIRE DANCES

Saturday, June 20 – Midsummer Day

08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Sunrise morning meditation (Helena)
10:00 Gentle morning movement & dancing nature magic (Katariina)
Break
Midsummer celebration with nature spirits & seasonal rituals (Helena)
12:00 Lunch
Rest & relaxation, swimming, paddling, etc.
15:00 Drum journey dance (Katariina)
17:00 Midsummer Day drum journey (Helena)
18:00 Dinner
19:00 Sauna

Sunday, June 21

08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Gentle morning movement & dancing nature magic (Katariina)
10:00 Brunch
Packing break
11:30 Mindless closing dances
13:00–14:00 Closing circle & farewell ritual (Helena)
14:00 Boat transfer back to Koli harbor
(Optional independent hiking in Koli National Park)