Wilderness Cafe in the heart of the fells
Our Story
Beyond the fells of Kätkä and Pyhä, in the heart of the Lapland wilderness, you’ll find Hanhipirtti. Step inside a cozy log cabin where the fire crackles in the hearth, the scent of fresh coffee fills the air, and homemade treats are prepared in the kitchen. All around you lies the silence and peaceful calm of Lapland nature.
The story of Hanhipirtti began in 1952 on the shores of Lake Pyhäjärvi, when a small cabin was first built on the site. The current buildings were constructed through community effort in the 1970s. Over the decades, Hanhipirtti has served as a camp, hiking destination, and resting place for countless wilderness travellers.
In 2010, Hanhipirtti was brought back to life as a cross-country ski café — a place to warm up and enjoy homemade treats in the heart of the wilderness.
Café Hanhipirtti has no street address. Located deep in the Lapland wilderness, the café can be reached by cross-country skis, snowmobile, or as part of a guided safari. On arrival, a warm cabin, friendly service, and the tranquillity of the wilderness await you.
“A wonderful, authentic Lapland atmosphere in the heart of nature, with truly friendly staff. My personal favorite was the savory reindeer waffle, enjoyed by the fireplace.”
-Minna from Finland
From Our Kitchen
At Café Hanhipirtti, we serve freshly baked homemade donuts, blueberry pie, savoury pastries, warming daily soup, and other seasonal treats inspired by the surrounding wilderness. Our waffles are served both sweet and savoury — with cloudberry jam and whipped cream, or filled with reindeer or salmon.
To drink, you can choose from freshly brewed coffee, tea, hot chocolate or warm berry juice. Soft drinks and juice boxes are also available for children.
Our aim is to offer our guests authentic Lapland flavours, using local ingredients and simple, traditional recipes — the kind that taste best after a journey through the wilderness.
Daily soup
Each day, we serve a warming daily soup, such as reindeer soup or salmon soup. The soup is served with bread, spreads, cheese and pickles. As part of the meal, we also offer juice or water, followed by a warm drink and a sweet bun for dessert. A comforting and nourishing meal, perfect after a day spent outdoors.
Meet the People
Piia – The warm heart of Hanhipirtti
Piia Sorvisto is the host of Café Hanhipirtti. Originally from a small village in Kainuu, she grew up close to nature, learning the value of handmade work, calm surroundings and a slower rhythm of life. After moving to Lapland for work, the peace of the wilderness made such an impression that it soon became home.
At Hanhipirtti, Piia’s goal is simple: to make every guest feel welcome. She loves serving genuine Lapland flavours in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where time slows down and warmth is shared.
Reetta, Jenny & Emmi –The winter team
During the winter season, Piia is joined at Hanhipirtti by Reetta and Jenny from Kuopio, as well as Piia’s daughter Emmi. All of them have a strong background in customer service, which is reflected in the warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of Hanhipirtti.
The Hanhipirtti team often receives curious questions about their working environment — not many people work in such authentic, tradition-honouring surroundings or travel to work by snowmobile. They feel that this unique setting, together with meeting visitors from different places, is one of the best parts of working at Hanhipirtti.
