Enjoy the moments of exuberant floor hockey (sähly), the taste of warm cardamom bread (pulla) and quiet reflection by the lake sauna as you learn the language and culture of Finland.
Salolampi meals are served family style and feature typical Finnish cuisine. You will taste Finnish favorites served in many Finnish homes and restaurants, both historically and current day options. Everyone loves the makaronilaatikko (Finnish macaroni casserole) and karjalanpiirakat (Karelian pastries). Other typical foods include a variety of soups and stews, meat or vegetable pastries and casseroles. Learn more about the food you’ll enjoy at Salolampi.
Finnish will be incorporated naturally into every daily activity — from summer camp favorites like canoeing, swimming and soccer, to culturally authentic Finnish activities like mölkky (Karelian skittles), sähly (floor hockey) and kankaankudonta (loom weaving). And, of course, you’ll enjoy frequent visits to our two saunas. Learn more about sports and activities you’ll experience at Salolampi.
Sing, act or dance at the tanssilava (dance pavilion). Large and small group singing time is sure to send you home with songs in your head. Hands-on evening programs will incorporate new vocabulary and fun opportunities as you learn history, events and practices of Finland. Learn more.
No matter what the month, as a villager at Salolampi you’ll have the chance to celebrate juhannus (midsummer), joulu (Christmas) or simulate a traditional Finnish kesämökkipäivä (summer cabin day) at the lake. Learn more about festivities you’ll experience at Salolampi.
Although our curriculum offers additional challenges and opportunities to villagers year after year, learning really happens through activity at Salolampi. Small group language learning offers direct instruction in order to meet the specific language needs of each villager. This method incorporates creative and innovative teaching methodology that increases your understanding and retention year after year. Read more about Finnish language learning at Salolampi.
Spend quality vacation time relaxing and laughing in another language with your family. Attend a Family Fun Weekend or Family Week.
Did you know Angry Birds came from the Finnish company Rovio and that the Nokia phone you may be playing it on is also from Finland? Finland and Finnish companies are increasingly becoming more global. The Finnish education system has also created much conversation due to its highly effective methods over the years. Read more great reasons to learn Finnish!
The dean is the on-site director of the Language Village. Amy Iida Tervola Hultberg is dean of Salolampi. Iida has been a villager and staff member at Salolampi since 1991. She has served and works closely with the Salolampi Foundation, Finlandia Foundation National and the Minnesota Finnish American Historical Society. She is a teacher and works with children in Detroit Lakes, Minn. during the academic year.