Ilonka was created on the former Kamisak Farm close to Ivalo and Saariselkä
At the end of 2023 it became real as the sale of the former Kamisak farm was actualised. Ilonka was to be opened in Ivalo. Ilonka is an authentic activity and experience farm where presence and connection with nature and animals are nurtured. The farm is open throughout the year. One of the attractions on the farm is the unique Husky Sledding activity for children and teenagers.
Wellbeing and strength through presence, authenticity and connection with nature
Here at Ilonka, we promote wellbeing, strength and wisdom by connecting with animals, the fragile arctic nature and the wisdom of our ancestors. The idea is to share our way of life with our wonderful guests. Our way of life has always been sustainable and in sync with nature, environment friendly, animal friendly, people friendly. We appreciate real things, real and natural food, real and natural way of life. We believe that being authentic, present and in connection with nature, keeping yourself active and nourishing yourself with authentic food, will bring you wellbeing and happiness.
When you come to the experience farm, you explore the farm and the short nature path with the help of story-based signs, learning about mystical folklore and heritage, doing tasks that activate your senses and help you connect. The tasks and activities vary according to the eight Sami seasons. In addition to the farm visits, we also connect with nature and ancient wisdom during our husky walks and hikes, traditional sauna experiences, foraging, berry picking and husky sledding excursions, kids’ husky sledding activities, and overnight adventures.
It’s easy to leave your mobiles behind when you come to Ilonka!
”I want to share my love for animals, nature and handicrafts”
Behind all this is Lilli. ”I want to share love and light – my love for mushing, animals, nature and handicrafts,” says Nurmi as she knits a sweater for her boutique. She goes on: ”The name of the farm, Ilonka, and the Kenaz rune both mean light or torch.”
Lilli grew up in southern Finland, in a family where taking care of the environment, nature and animals was self-evident, and where foraging and excursions into the wild were a part of everyday life. Recycling, self-sufficiency, avoiding unnecessary consumption, good and equal treatment of all animals and people, and also economic sustainability have always been a self-evident part of life. There has always been dogs in the family.
But why huskies and Lapland? Lilli found huskies as she was a student in an animal highschool in Stockholm. During the school years, she got to practice at a wonderful Swedish husky farm. It was love at first sight. When Lilli graduated, she went to work at a husky farm in Finnish Lapland, and stayed the following almost four years working in Muonio. At the end of 2023, the opportunity presented itself and Ilonka was born in Ivalo.
Lilli wants to serve the local community in Ivalo as well and is going to organize different kinds of courses, camps and retreats. ”It is important for me to get to know local people and become a part of this beautiful Northern Lapland,” says Lilli Nurmi, the young animal attendant, skilled craftsperson and entrepreneur who moved from Äkäslompolo to Ivalo.
At Ilonka children take the reins
Lilli Nurmi wanted to create a unique place where unforgetable memories through holistic experiences were to be made – in connection with nature, animals, mystical stories and the wisdom of our ancestors. We have invested especially in the needs of families with children. When children enjoy themselves, everyone is happy!
At Ilonka, the children and teenagers get to take the reins in multiple ways, not only driving the husky sleds but also doing with their hands and experiencing with their senses. Even though we invest in children, the activities, animals and experiences are loved by adults and every inner child, too.
