mökki

Mökki is the Finnish term for a small countryside cottage or holiday home, typically wooden and located in rural areas near forests or lakes.

Traditionally built as a modest, single-story structure, mökit are designed for seasonal use, often in summer, though some are used year-round today.

A typical mökki features simple interiors—a living area, a kitchenette, and sleeping spaces, sometimes in a loft. A separate sauna is commonly part of the property, reflecting the importance of sauna in Finnish culture. Outdoor spaces such as a terrace or a lakeside jetty are common.

Location and lifestyle: The setting emphasizes access to nature and outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, berry picking, and hiking.

Modern developments: While traditional wooden cottages remain popular, contemporary mökit increasingly incorporate modern amenities and prefabricated construction. Ownership often involves local building permits and zoning requirements, especially for expansions or adding a separate outbuilding.