Kipansalon maja
Huts
Description: The Kipansalo lodge is located on the Riistavesi-Vehmersalmi boat route at the southern tip of Kipansalo. The property has a sauna cabin completed in 2003, a water pump for the saunas and a separate porch. There is a firewood service on site. There is no waste management, everyone carries their own waste away. The boat channel runs right next to it on the east side. The channel draft is 1.2 m at low water. Attachment: paddling dock, jetty, stern buoys, anchor, to shore Equipment: desert cabin, sauna (wood heating), log cabin, firewood, toilet, jetty, kayaking jetty, buoy places, information board
Type of Hut:: Autiotupa / Varaustupa / Vuokratuvat
At the location:: Overnight stay allowed, WC
Is it free?: Free
Website: https://www.kuopio.fi/laavut-ja-kalamajat
Region:: Pohjois-Savo
City:: Kuopio
Neighborhood:: Riistavesi
Other names:: What type of hut is this? This is an Autiotupa / Autiotuvat. Other names are Tupa, Maja, or kämppä. The basic meaning of all these in Finnish are “Open Wilderness Huts." But, because the name includes the finnsih word "Maja" or "majat" at the end of the name it is also probably a very small basic hut. These are basically a free cabin in the middle of the wilderness where you can stay overnight for 1-2 nights. Yes, they are free. Yes, they are rugged. The big difference between this and rental huts (other than being free) is these free huts you share with other hikers. There usually is one room everyone stays in. And a second big difference is there is no reservations. It all depends on how many people are there if you can sleep overnight. Usually there is enough room for everyone, but not always. Some people might leave as you come to make space for you. Some people bring a tent just in case it is full. An Autiotupa can accommodate 2-4 hikers or 10-20 depending on the size. They are meant for hikers, skiers or paddlers who need a place to crash. Usually on hiking trails in national parks in the north. Usually they have a wood burning fireplace & stove inside with some basic cooking equipment & bunk beds (usually no mattresses or sheets) and an outdoor toilet. Every now and then a Autiotupa will have a sauna. If you see the word “kämppä” in the name of an Autiotupa it usually means it is a very small rugged cabin. Kämpät were originally used by reindeer herders or working men. However, the Finnish government has renovated many into Autiotupa. Tupa just means hut or shelter. To find these on huts.fi use the advanced filter called “Type of Hut” select “cabin” and use the advanced filter “Can I sleep overnight” select “YES” and the advanced filter “Is it free” and select “YES.” You could also add the filter “At the location” and select “sauna” to find ones with a sauna. If you are looking for a small Autiotupa, try the advanced filter "Beds / Max People" and choose a number. To read the difference between an Autiotupa and other types of huts like a Varaustupa, Vuokratuvat, eräkämppä, Kammi, Vuokrakammit, lomamökki, or mökki go this link: https://www.huts.fi/page/types-of-huts-in-finland