Etikoissas

Etikoissas is a small municipality situated in the southeastern part of Finland, within the region of Kymenlaakso. The locality lies on the southern shore of Lake Päijänne, connected by a cluster of quiet farm villages and dense boreal forests. The resident population recorded in the 2021 census was approximately 1,200 people, with a demographic distribution that is largely homogenous, consisting primarily of Finnish speakers and a small, growing number of immigrants from neighboring Baltic countries.

The earliest known settlement in Etikoissas dates back to the early 18th century, when small logging camps were established along the lake's shoreline. During the 19th century the area became an important node for the timber trade, and a network of roads linked the hamlet to the larger industrial towns of Lappeenranta and Kouvola. Although the timber industry has declined in recent decades, forestry remains a central part of the local economy, supplemented by sustainable agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and a modest but growing eco‑tourism sector that capitalizes on the region's natural beauty.

Cultural life in Etikoissas is marked by an annual midsummer festival that celebrates the region's folk music traditions and local crafts. The community also maintains a small museum dedicated to the history of logging and the development of rural Finnish life. The municipal administration is headquartered in the central village, and public services are supplemented by a regional health clinic and a primary school that serves children from the surrounding area.

Transport links consist mainly of county roads 741 and 761, with seasonal bus services to the nearby city of Lappeenranta. The closest railway station is located in Hanko, approximately 35 kilometres away. Etikoissas enjoys a reputation for its tranquil lifestyle and high living standards, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a quieter rural setting within reach of Finland’s coastal and industrial centers.