Hakoniemi Accommodation Northern Saimaa archipelago Contact
Hako Residency x Helsinki
Hakoniemi Residency has responded to the wishes of its guests and expanded its operations to Finland’s capital. The new residency is located in a charming design apartment in the very heart of Helsinki's Design District – a vibrant area where Finnish design, art, and urban culture meet in a unique way.
The inspiring and tranquil atmosphere familiar from the original Hakoniemi Residency in North Karelia can now also be experienced in an urban setting. Guests are welcome to combine stays at both residencies – from the buzz of the city to the peace of nature.
This recently renovated, compact yet fully functional 24 m² city apartment offers everything needed for both short and extended stays. It is designed especially for artists, designers, and other creative professionals: a peaceful space to work, an inspiring environment, and excellent amenities in the heart of the city. The apartment is suited for quiet, indoor creative work and includes a dedicated workspace and high-speed internet.
The interior is carefully furnished with classics of Finnish design – Artek, Iittala, and Arabia showcase the essence of Finnish aesthetic heritage. The atmosphere is further enriched with playful details inspired by Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomin stories.
Please note that there is no permanent staff living in the house, so the residency is best suited for guests who are used to working and residing in self-directed environment.
Design District Helsinki
Design District Helsinki is a lively and inspiring hub for the creative industries, known for its galleries, architecture, design boutiques, and art cafés. It is a cultural meeting point where new ideas, networks, and projects are born – an ideal environment for creative work. The area is within walking distance of Helsinki’s key cultural institutions, such as the Design Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Amos Rex, and countless exhibitions, events, and creative spaces.
Design District Helsinki
Design District Helsinki is a lively and inspiring hub for the creative industries, known for its galleries, architecture, design boutiques, and art cafés. It is a cultural meeting point where new ideas, networks, and projects are born – an ideal environment for creative work. The area is within walking distance of Helsinki’s key cultural institutions, such as the Design Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Amos Rex, and countless exhibitions, events, and creative spaces.
Open Call For Hako Residency
Application period:
Spring: January 6th - June 15th
Autumn: September 1st - December 21st
Duration of residency: 1 week – 5 month
Residence is open for applications. Please tell us your requested length and time of stay and attach a portfolio / cv to your application with a work plan for the residency period. Let us know if you have any specific needs or requests. If you are interested in combining your stay with a period at the North Karelia Hakoniemi Residency, please mention it in your application. You can find more information about the North Karelia residency.
The 24 m² city residency includes sleeping arrangements for two people, making it suitable for joint applications (e.g., creative duos). There is also a sofa bed, allowing a maximum of four guests. However, stays with more than two people are only recommended for short periods.
Please send an open application to residency@hakoniemi.com with subject ‘Application for Residency Helsinki’. We aim to respond within two weeks.
Families are also welcomed to apply to residency.
Facilities
The residence offers work space for artists and creators. The 82 square meter house has two bedrooms. Kitchen, living room, indoor sauna, bathroom and toilet facilities are all shared between the residents. The well-equipped kitchen, work space, piano, indoor sauna, bicycles, Kicksled “potkukelkka” (in the winter time) are at the guests' disposal free of charge. There is also a private beach, lean-to shelter laavu and barbecue facilities for the residents.
In the vicinity of the beach, the Quiet House offers a place for tranquility surrounded by birds and a lake. Outdoor sauna is available for an additional charge. There is a dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, television and a fast 30 Mbps internet connection in the residency.
Work Space & Barn Gallery
The use of the work space and the barn gallery is split between two residents. It is possible to work either in or outdoors. The old barn building has a 25 square meter heated work space with two work stations. The same building has a 50m2 barn gallery. For an additional fee, the loom can be found at the village house 3 km away.
Arriving To Hakoniemi
Hakoniemi is located in Oravisalo, Rääkkylä, North Karelia, Finland. The Northern Saimaa archipelago can conveniently be reached by a ferry or bridges. The airport, bus and train stations are within one hour radius.
All prices include pick up from train station, nearest bus stop in Rääkkylä or at Joensuu airport. Weekly trips to the grocery store will be arranged as well.
Nearest train stations: Kitee (46km), Joensuu (52km) www.vr.fi/en
Nearest bus stops:
Joensuu-Liperi-Rääkkylä-route: Oravisalo
Joensuu-Hammaslahti-Rääkkylä-route: Rääkkylä (village centre)
Nearest airport: Joensuu
Hakoniemi residency would like to support guests to think about environment when planning their travels - we are happy to help with planning environmentally friendly travels from Finland/abroad.
Residency fees
450 € one week,
700 € two week,
1 400 € per month
HAKO STUDIO 24m2
In the 12 square meter bedroom, you sleep sweetly in the coniferous forest. Bedroom amenities include a double bed, wardrobe, bedside table and a night light. Additional persions 150 € per week.
Temporary visitors to be agreed separately. Use of loom 55€ + materials cost.
Common Spaces
The atmospheric log house has a kitchen, lounge, an indoor sauna, a bathroom and a toilet. There is also a piano and a well-equipped kitchen in the main area of the house.
Studio & Gallery
The old barn building has a 25 square meter heated work space with two work stations. The same building has a 50m2 barn gallery. For an additional fee, the loom can be found at the village house 3 km away.
Yard
At Hakoniemi, at the tip of the coniferous headland, you are in peace and quiet. The yard has its own studio, barn gallery, sauna, barbecue area, lean-to and a private beach.