Midsummer Retreat at Koli

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.