Honkala
Turku, FinlandHonkala is a charming 1927 wooden villa on Ruissalo Island in Turku, where timeless character meets modern comfort. With its original details, Scandinavian design touches, and carefully chosen vintage pieces, the villa creates an inviting atmosphere for families, friends, and anyone seeking a memorable stay.
A traditional wood-fired sauna offers an authentic Finnish experience, while outdoors you can enjoy the patio, gather around the firepit, or relax in a hammock with the sea breeze around you. The large natural grounds stretch to the shoreline, creating a peaceful setting that feels close to nature yet within easy reach of Turku’s cultural life.
Ruissalo itself is known for its oak forests, historic lace villas, and scenic walking and cycling paths. In summer, the island comes alive with cafés, events, and warm evenings by the water. In winter, it transforms into a calm retreat with opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice swimming, and quiet moments surrounded by nature.
Sleeps
Up to 8 guests.
Features
- Wood-fired sauna
- Backyard
- Patio
- Underfloor heating
- Fireplace
- Work space
- Sound system
- BBQ (Please note that charcoal is not included)
- Bikes
- Firepit
- Hammock
- Boardgames & Playing cards
- Smart TV
- Books & Reading material
Arrivals and Departures
Arrival Time: 5pm
Departure Time: 11am
If you’d like to request an early check-in or late check-out, this is available for an additional fee and is subject to availability. Let us know the day before your arrival, and we will confirm if it is possible.
Practicalities
Guest Access: Guests have exclusive access to the estate, including private outdoor spaces, free Wi-Fi, and parking. Complimentary coffee is provided to enjoy at any time of the day.
Respecting The Neighbourhood: We are committed to responsible hosting and respecting our local community. We kindly ask guests to keep noise at a considerate level to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for everyone. To support this, the property is equipped with noise monitoring devices that measure sound levels only. Your privacy is fully respected.
Other things to note: Please note that the property does not have curtains.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
- Master bedroom: 180 king sized bed, can’t be separated
- Bedroom 2: 1 single bed
- Bedroom 3: 2 single beds
- Bedroom 4: 2 single beds
- 1 bathroom
Pets
Families
Children and families are welcome.
Stay North Provides
We endeavour to provide the best to our guests. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a memorable stay. From premium-quality linens to selected essentials, we offer comforts to make your time here feel special, allowing you to settle in and enjoy your stay.
- High quality steam pressed linen
- Toiletries by Sees
- Comprehensive guidebook with local knowledge
- Firewood
- Complimentary pantry basics
- Practical conveniences
Guest Book
Guest Book - Your Property & Destination Handbook
Our guest books are created to help you feel at home and make the most of your stay. Inside, you’ll find clear information about the property, along with local tips on where to eat, shop, and explore. We’ve also included useful insights about the area and important contacts, so that you can enjoy your time with ease and peace of mind.
Price & Availability
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Location
Property Name
10 Guests • 10 Bedrooms • 10 Bathrooms €100/ Night • €1000 TotalRuissalo
Ruissalo is located just outside Turku, connected to the city by a bridge but known for its island character. The area is defined by old oak forests, historic wooden villas, and long stretches of shoreline. Guests can enjoy sandy beaches, cycling and walking paths.
The island combines protected nature reserves with cultural landmarks, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. With Turku’s centre only a short drive away, Ruissalo makes it easy to combine city life with the nature of the archipelago.
From The Owner
Honkala was built by Olavi Honka around 1926. Honkala's architecture is a so-called transitional architecture, on the border between national romanticism and 20th-century classicism.
Olavi Honka (born 1894, nee Berner) was a jurist, attorney, administrative counsellor of the Supreme Administrative Court and Chancellor of Justice. He was a prosecutor in several political trials in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1941 he was a legal assistant to the Commander of the Military Administration of the Headquarters, or C.G.E. Mannerheim. President J.K. Paasikivi appointed Honka Chancellor of Justice in 1956.
The Honka League intended Honka to be an opponent to president Urho Kekkonen in the 1962 presidential election. The Honka Alliance was a project organized by six parties to prevent Kekkonen from being re-elected (including the Social Democratic Party, the Coalition Party, the Finnish People's Party, the Finnish Peasants' Party, and the Liberal Party). Honka withdrew his candidacy during the 1961 note crisis, a political crisis between Finland and the Soviet Union, in which the Soviet Union demanded that Finland participate in a common defense if the Federal Republic of Germany or its allied states attacked the Soviet Union. Honka was also a lawyer for the Rettig family.
The Rettig family is a Finnish business family known for their tobacco factories, ironworks, and shipbuilding industries. The family originally came from Germany, from where they immigrated to Finland at the end of the 18th century. The family was ennobled in 1898 under the name von Rettig.
After Honka gave up Honkala, the villa was owned by the City of Turku. At that time, the villa housed, among other things, a children's summer camp, where children of poor parents could spend their summers. After this, the villa was a recreation place for members of the Turku Mental Health Association.
Our Recommendations
Discover the favourite spots that bring this area to life: places to eat, walks to remember, and hidden corners that add colour to your stay.
Ruissalo Nature Trail
Ruissalo offers beautiful hiking trails and a chance to experience its unique nature and wildlife. Ruissalo Nature Trail is approximately 18 km total, often split into two loops - the western Kuuvan Reitti and eastern Kansanpuiston Reitti. The track takes you through oak forests, historical villas, and the University of Turku’s botanical garden.
Sandy Beach, BBQ Area and Winter Ice Swimming
During summer the area around Villa Saaro is lively and the Saaronniemi sandy beach, as well as BBQ areas are in close distance. Playgrounds, volleyball nets and other popular amenities offer a great mix of fun and relaxation for visitors of any age. The trail to the beach starts right behind the yellow cabin at Honkala. Walk follow the trail on the left side of the orange storage, pass the red barrier and you are on the track.
Moomin World
Located in Naantali, Moomin World is a fun day trip for families, especially with children. The island theme park brings Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories to life with character meet-and-greets, the famous blue Moominhouse, and outdoor activities. It’s an easy and memorable visit during the summer season.
Private Chef & Catering
For any occasion, from small gatherings to large events, our recommended chef service has you covered. Contact the chef directly to discuss your needs and receive a personalised quote. To ensure the freshest ingredients, they will source everything from the market on the morning of delivery.
Wellbeing by Blumo
Book a professional massage for yourself or the entire group. This service is perfect for holiday properties, helping you truly relax. They also provide a variety of wellness services, including personalised treatments and yoga / Pilates sessions.
JukuPark Turku
JukuPark Turku promises a fun summer day for families and friends. With 16 water slides and Finland’s largest water play area, there’s excitement for everyone. Besides the water fun, kids will love the bouncy castles, climbing frames, and games. The terrace restaurants have tasty treats to offer. Whether you’re plunging down slides or relaxing in the sun, JukuPark is the perfect spot for a lively summer day.
Coffee Tasting Workshop by Johan & Nyström
Embark on a journey into the world of coffee. This workshop is for those who are curious about coffee and want to know how it can taste in different ways. In this 1.5–2 hour workshop, held by coffee roaster and tea merchant Joakim Dyhr, you will taste several different coffee styles that have been carefully selected and roasted by Johan & Nyström.
Café Villa Saaro
The bakery and café is a popular place to visit while spending time in Ruissalo. It is only appr. 500m away from Honkala. Weekend brunch, cakes, pastries and other delicacies are on the menu.
Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral is Finland’s national shrine and one of the country’s most treasured landmarks. Built in the 13th century, it stands at the heart of Turku and showcases centuries of Finnish history through its architecture, chapels, and museum. The cathedral remains an active place of worship and a symbol of the city’s heritage.
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