Experience an Authentic Piece of Finnish Rural History: Spend a Night in a Hay Barn

I’ve never felt more like a modern city dweller than when I found myself standing in the doorway of a small hay barn in Suomussalmi. The barn is filled with fragrant, clean hay, piled over a meter high even at the end of summer, and I have no idea what to do next. How do you sleep in a hay barn? Should I take off my shoes? I’ve slept in tents, lean-tos, boats, forest mounds, and beach rocks, but a hay barn is an entirely new concept to me.

Google Maps

On the side of Route 5 in Suomussalmi, there’s a well-known art installation called the Silent People (Hiljainen kansa). Few people know, however, that adjacent to it is the Meadow Café (Niittykahvila), which includes a hay barn where you can spend the night for free! This has been allowed for over twenty years, and no records are kept of the guests. When the barn is open, you can go in for a nap or an overnight stay. It’s highly recommended to combine your stay with an evening meal or breakfast, as the café offers delicious, heartfelt, and organic fare!

In its simplicity, a hay barn is just that—a barn with hay. You burrow into the hay, which compresses slightly underfoot like a springy mat, and find a spot to settle. This creates a nest-like little hollow that’s wonderfully comfortable and warm. The hay usually conforms nicely under your body, though a few stalks might stick out at odd angles. With a bit of adjustment, it becomes quite cozy, though you’ll likely find bits of hay in your hair for a day and in your clothes for days afterward. As an avid camper, I find myself wondering about the insulation value of a meter-thick heap of hay.

The parking area is right next to the barn, so there’s no long haul for your gear. At night, you can use the restroom located at the edge of the parking area. Staying true to cultural traditions, there are no showers, emphasizing the simplicity and authenticity of the experience. This isn’t glamping; it’s an experience from decades and centuries past.

You can bring a mosquito net or request one to be hung up in the barn. The number of flying insects varies, and the net mainly offers peace of mind. To keep out any human pests, you can secure the barn doors from the inside. The Silent People installation in the nearby field attracts visitors even late into the evening, so you might have some curious onlookers at the barn corners.

A night in the hay barn is atmospheric. It’s a bit nerve-wracking too, as I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It feels like I’m bridging the cultural gap that has always existed between me and hay barns. I would gladly spend another night in the hay—it’s warm and comfortable here.

Read next

Spend the Night on a Lighthouse Island – Isokari, Finland

A Gentle Foray into Finnish Wilderness Life: Nuuksio’s Tikankolo cabin is a Wonderful Glamping Destination and an introvert’s dream

A night in a real treehouse in Finnish forests

Sleep by the Flowing Waters: Cozy Glamping in a Laawu

Related Content

Sauna Hermanni

Sauna Hermanni: An Authentic and Heartfelt Piece of Finnish Sauna Tradition in Vallila

Located in between Helsinki’s Vallila and Hermanni districts, Sauna Hermanni offers its visitors an authentic and heartfelt sauna experience that combines respect for Finnish sauna traditions with a sense of community and atmosphere. The sauna has been a part of the city’s sauna scene since 1953, and its history is clearly visible in the seating […]

A Guide for Nature Enthusiasts: 10+1 Must-Try Experiences for Exploring Finnish Nature

Finland’s breathtaking natural beauty comes to life in the autumn season. If you’re a nature lover and eager to experience the Finnish wilderness while adhering to everyone’s rights, here’s a list of must-do activities and sights to behold. Hiking and Walking Trails Explore the extensive network of hiking trails that wind through Finland’s forests, national […]

Spend a night outside – Riuttaskorpi recreational forest

Autumn had arrived to Finland with it’s colorful touch. It was time to get together and spend a night outside. Suomen Latu Ry (a Finnish outdoor association) has decided a date for Finns to spend a night outside. The 17th of September is the day that thousands of Finns will be heading to the forests […]

Spend the Night on a Lighthouse Island – Isokari, Finland

A unique blend of maritime nature and cultural history awaits on Isokari Lighthouse Island 📍 Location: Isokari, Kustavi, Finland (Coordinates: 60°43.3′, 21°00.9′)🧭 Getting there: Boat transfer from the city of Uusikaupunki (approx. 1 hour) What to Expect on a Lighthouse Island Stay in Finland Spending the night on a lighthouse island feels like pausing time. […]

Time travel to a divided Europe: The Salpa Line Bike Route introduces Finnish military history and beautiful Nordic nature

In cooperation with Cursor Article by Mari Valtonen The Salpa Line bike route is located in southeastern Finland, in the province of Kymenlaakso, near the Russian border and close to the Finnish section of the Europe-wide EuroVelo13 or Iron Curtain Trail. The Iron Curtain Trail (9950 km in total) introduces European history from a time […]