Vision Quest
Koli National Park and Lake Pielinen, Finland
Thursday-Sunday 27.-30. August 2026
GUIDED BY
Helena Karhu & Susanna Nyman
they said they were waiting for me
and i believed
that evening i was an invited guest
around the green table
i listened to all the stories
in the pale light of the morning i returned
and i lacked nothing
poem: ari jäntti
We gather by the sacred Lake Pielinen.
We greet the spirits of nature, asking permission to enter and sit within this lake landscape.
At the turning point between summer and autumn, we come together and take courageous step on our shamanic path. We prepare for a shared vision quest — a shamanic journey of seeking visions on the islands of Pielinen. Through the night, from sunset to sunrise, we practice by observing both our inner and outer nature.
The purpose of the vision quest is to surrender to our shamanic path; to deepen our understanding of the power of nature and our own inner power, to ground it, and ultimately to use it wisely and in service.
The only thing you need to bring with you on the vision quest is your own shamanic staff. You may already have one, or it may come to you at the right moment, before or in connection with this journey.
The intention of this journey is to strengthen our path in service as shamanic practitioners or wisdom keepers, to deepen our connection with nature spirits and guides, and to build a strong experiential foundation for shamanic practice in a safe and guided setting.
This course invites you on a deep, inner, and quiet journey, supported by the powerful nature of Pielinen Karelia. What do you wish to come here to ask? What guidance will you receive for your path?
Welcome to a journey that begins at Koli harbor. Our base will be the Tarina-aho heritage environment on Kelvänsaari Island, in the middle of Lake Pielinen. There, we will enjoy excellent nourishment and the warmth of the sauna before and after our overnight shamanic session in nature.
We will meet on Thursday, August 27, between 16:00–17:00 at Koli harbor.
Where we are:
Tarina-aho, Kelvänsaari, Koli. Tarina-aho is a unique accommodation and retreat destination on Lake Pielinen, located in the heart of the Koli national landscape on Kelvänsaari Island. Our courtyard consists of three traditional log buildings, originally handcrafted in North Karelia and later relocated to Kelvänsaari.
For the young entrepreneurial couple behind 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 – the rush of everyday life and worries are left behind on the mainland as you step into the boat.”
More information: https://www.tarinaaho.com/
“No photos can truly capture the uniqueness and charm of Tarina-aho. It must be experienced. The buildings rich in cultural history, the two-part smoke sauna, the peaceful bay location, and the magical objects all leave a lasting impression.” – Helena
How to get here?
You may come by train or fly to Joensuu via Helsinki. We will help with transfers or car pools from Joensuu to Koli Harbor (about 1 hour drive) and back, from where we have the boat transfer to the island.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is arranged in three different buildings located within the atmospheric Tarina-aho courtyard. Guests bring their own bed linens, but they can also be rented for €15/set (including fitted sheet, pillowcase, duvet cover, and towel).
We will also have the chance to experience the largest smoke sauna in North Karelia. Sauna bathing and swimming in Lake Pielinen offer an excellent way to relax.
Boat transport:
We travel from Koli harbor to the island off the coast of Koli. Boat transport will be arranged to suit your group’s schedule. Our route passes in front of the Koli peaks, following the rugged chain of islands in the national park while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Lake Pielinen.
The boat can carry 10 people at a time; if exceeded, multiple trips will be arranged.
Guides:
Helena Karhu:
I am a fellow traveler from North Karelia, rooted in nature, northern wisdom traditions, and nature spirituality. I lead courses and retreats inspired especially by northern animistic-shamanic traditions. I have also guided mindfulness, silence, and Tibetan Buddhist retreats.
My life’s work takes place in my company Karhun Talo, whose purpose is to remember our deep connection to nature as a source of awareness, wellbeing, and connection for all in the community. I am a mother of twins, and maternal love is at the core of my heart.
I am trained as a cultural researcher. My passion is to bring forward the cooperative and empowering aspects of the traditions carried by my ancestors. It is important to me that everyone can rest as they are, and that we have the freedom to become who we are. As a guide, my aim is to be an inspiring and positive companion, emphasizing simplicity and naturalness.
Susanna Nyman:
I am Susanna – a coach, therapist, and explorer of the inner world. At the core of my work is connection to self, body, and the quiet wisdom within each of us.
My shamanic path began in Koli in autumn 2017, when I made my first drum and immersed myself in the basics of shamanism under Helena’s guidance. Since then, this path has been part of my growth and way of meeting life – as a deepening connection to nature, the unseen, and my inner landscape.
My professional work is based on decades of experience in being human and studying humanity. I integrate coaching, integrative therapy, NLP, IFS, and somatic approaches. What matters most to me is helping people recognize their inner parts and create safety to face even vulnerable or difficult aspects.
On this journey, I bring the ability to meet the inner world clearly, honestly, and safely. I believe that when a person learns to stay connected to themselves – even in uncertainty, fear, and silence – a true connection also emerges with nature and what supports us.
As a guide, I am present, direct, and gentle. I walk beside you and support you in pausing with what within you wants to be seen, heard, and experienced.
For me, this path is ultimately a return home – to oneself, to nature, and to something greater than oneself.
Costs:
The Vision Quest participation fee is €390 (incl. 25.5% VAT).
Accommodation in a shared room with full board for 3 days: €299/person.
Includes boat transport between Koli harbor and Kelvänsaari, trips to Pielinen islands, shared accommodation, and meals from Thursday dinner to Sunday brunch. Prices assume you bring your own linens. Rental linen set: €20/person.
If you prefer to stay in your own tent or hammock, full board with transport and sauna is €269/person.
Single room supplement: €20/person/night.
Booking:
Please book by sending e-mail to Helena to info@karhuntalo.com
Please let us know your special diets or allergies, if you have any. Please let us also know, if you want to stay in a shared room, single room or in a tent/hammock. Also, please inform, if you need help with car transfers to the Koli harbor.
Program:
Thursday:
16:00 Departure from Koli harbor and accommodation at Tarina-aho
17:30 Welcoming circle
18:30 Dinner
19:30 Sauna
Friday:
08:00–09:00 Breakfast
09:00 Morning meditation / Preparation for the vision quest
12:00 Lunch
Afternoon: rest and preparation (choosing location, instructions)
17:30 Dinner
Meditation / Preparation
Ceremony in the kota before departure
At sunset: Vision quest begins
Saturday – REST DAY AND SILENCE:
Return to civilization
08:00 Morning sauna and breakfast in silence
Full day of rest, silence, integration, creative work, etc.
12:00 Lunch
18:00 Dinner
Evening sauna
Sunday:
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Sharing circle
12:00 Lunch break
13:00–14:00 Closing ceremonies
14:00 Departure and return to Koli harbor (or option to continue stay in Koli)