Welcome to our experience farm in Ivalo!

You are warmly welcome to our experience farm with handicraft boutique and cafe services in Finnish Lapland, near Ivalo and Saariselkä!

Local collaboration, nature and the wellbeing of animals and people are at the heart of what we do. Based on these values we act every single day.

Mushing – Husky Sledding for children at Ilonka, Ivalo – Saariselkä, Finland

Huskies and kids’ dog sledding

At Ilonka, children and teenagers get to take the reins during winter season. We have sleds and routes in different sizes and the loveliest huskies you can imagine, so children get to drive the Husky sleds. Here you can’t stop smiling – just let the world wonder why!

We offer kids’ husky sledding activities during private guided farm visits and as an additional activity at the farm visits during public opening hours. Husky Walks, Farm Visits, Sauna Experiences, and other activities are for all ages and available throughout the year.

Check our activities for all ages!

Connect with nature and the huskies

Without connection, there can’t be love and affection.

Come and experience the connection with our beautiful huskies and other animals! You will get to know our family members and learn about their life on the farm. And feel the presence and connection with nature!

Book your Farm Visit, Husky Walk or Hike, Foraging Tour or Private Husky Safari, traditional Log Sauna Experienc or have an overnight adventure with us in the wilderness or on the farm!

Huskies and other animals at Ilonka Farm & Cafe, Ivalo

Handicraft Boutique at Ilonka Farm & Cafe, Ivalo – Saariselkä

Handicrafts and authentic souvenirs

In our small boutique, you can find unique products hand knitted by Lilli and her grandmother Liisa. Woolen sweaters, socks, mittens and beanies – pieces of art to wear! In addition, you can find other handicrafts as well as a selection of ecological products, authentic souvenirs to take home.

Welcome to Ilonka!

Do, be, sense and experience – not just another Husky Farm

Ilonka is not just another husky farm. At our farm you are on an adventure where folklore and mythology lead to the nature trail with story-based activities, learning opportunities and sensory experiences. The tasks and activities vary according to the eight Sami seasons and invite you to learn about life in the North, sense the season, feel the authenticity, do with your hands and find the connection with nature as well as yourself. Always respecting nature, animals and people.

We are open throughout the year. Please remember to book your activities in advance!

Experience farm in Ivalo, Finnish Lapland
Kota Cafe at Ilonka, Ivalo – Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland

Savor the moments by the fire

After the outdoor activities, it’s lovely to go inside one of the cozy Lappish huts or the main house for lunch or a snack. Sitting by the fire place warms up your body, mind and soul. The soups, pies, cakes and other delicacies, are cooked and baked at the farm using as local ingredients as possible. In addition to coffee, tea, juice and hot chocolate, you can also find Finnish herbal drinks in our assortment.

You are warmly welcome to Ilonka!

What our customers say

So viel Liebe zum Detail

Wir waren vor 2 Wochen zu Besuch auf der Husky-Farm und hatten so tolle Erlebnisse. Eine der Besitzerinnen begrüßte uns sehr freundlich und führte uns in eine der Hütten, in der ein Lagerfeuer brannte und bot uns etwas zu Essen und zu trinken an. Die Hütte war so wunderschön und detailreich gestaltet. Es hingen ganz viele Socken an der Wand, die die Oma des Hauses selbst gestrickt hatte. Zu Essen gab es für uns die hausgemachte Fischsuppe und eine Zimtschnecke, sowie leckeren selbst gesammelten Tee und Kaffee. Dann bekamen wir eine Einweisung von dem Familienvater, mit welchem wir die Tour machten. Er erklärte uns alles genau und kümmerte sich um unsere Ausstattung, die wir die nächste Stunde an unserem Körper trugen. Die Huskys haben sich bei unserem Ankommen riesig gefreut und jeder von ihnen wäre am Liebsten mitgegangen. Wir bekamen einen Männlichen und einen Weiblichen Husky (was ich sehr umsichtig fand, da meine Kraft für einen Männlichen Husky nicht ausgereicht hätte). Die Tour war super. Wie liefen in einem Waldgebiet und bekamen für die Dunkelheit Kopflampen. Unsere Fragen wurden geduldig beantwortet und wir hatten mehrmals die Möglichkeit die Hunde zu streicheln. Zurück an der Farm konnten wir noch in einer weiteren Hütte mit heißem Johannesbeersaft und Zuckerkuchen (nach dem Rezept vom Uropa) ein tolles Gespräch führen. Der Ausflug auf diese Farm war rundum sehr schön. Wir sind froh zu dieser kleinen familiären Farm gegangen zu sein, da diese mit so viel Liebe zum Detail arbeitet. Die Kommentare zu Kosten und Preisen kann ich nicht verstehen. Die Familie macht dies beruflich und lebt von den Einnahmen, die man von außen bekommt. Wir danken Euch liebe Familie der Ilonka Farm für die herzliche Aufnahme und tolle Tour und wünschen euch für euer Projekt alles Gute!

Luise und Peter

Wonderful and unique experience!

What an unexpected delight! Lilly was a gracious and friendly host when we dropped in for lunch and a husky walk. She’s an excellent baker and cook! We had the fish soup with arctic char, veggies, and potatoes, but the pie of the day looked out of this world. It was nettle and feta with a gorgeous pasty crust. The cafe has a beautiful open fire in the center to warm the place. It’s decorated with hand knitted wool socks and mittens which turned out to be quite warm and cozy. We took some home! The meal alone was worth the trip, but meeting her 17 sweet and friendly huskies was also a wonderful experience. Lilly’s lovely parents help with the farm. Her dad kindly led us on a walk through the forest with two of the dogs. We wore harnesses, and they pulled us up the hills. After our walk we sat in their experience hut by another warm fire and enjoyed tea and a baked sweet treat while Lilly sat and chatted with us. If you’re in Ivalo and looking for something to do, 100% check out Lilly’s farm. It’s a wonderful and unique experience!

Amanda M.

Friendly guide and awesome dogs

What an awesome tour this was! We took the 1h dog walking and cuddling tour. This contained a lovely walk in the woods with 2 of their dogs followed by a cuddling session with thee and some cake. The guide was very friendly and informative and the dogs were awesome. All in all certainly a must if you love dogs and have an hour to spare.

Thomas V.

”I want to share love and light –  my love for mushing, animals, nature and handicrafts.”

Lilli Nurmi

The Heart and Soul of Ilonka