mökit

Mökit are Finnish holiday cottages, typically wooden buildings used as seasonal retreats outside urban areas. The word mökki denotes a small, simple dwelling for rest and recreation, and mökit is its plural. They are commonly found along lakes, in forests, or on the archipelago, where families spend summers, weekends, and short breaks.

Most mökit are modest, wooden structures, often one or two stories, with a simple interior that includes a kitchen, a living area, and sleeping alcoves. Heating is usually provided by a wood stove or fireplace, and many modern ones have electricity and running water. A sauna is commonly found nearby or attached. In older or more remote cottages, water supply and sanitation may be limited, with outhouses or rainwater systems still in use.

Outdoor life and proximity to nature define the mökki experience. Typical features include a lakeside dock, a small boat, and space for barbecues or campfires. The surrounding landscape—shores, forests, and quiet hours—creates a distinct seasonal rhythm, particularly in summer.

Culturally, the mökki holds a central place in Finnish life as a family retreat, a weekend escape, and a link to nature. Many mökit are privately owned, while others are rented out as vacation homes or offered by tourist accommodations. The market ranges from traditional, preserved cottages to modern, architect-designed cabins, reflecting both heritage and contemporary leisure trends.