On April 8, 2025, Stricken & Meer officially announced their winter journey to Finland, taking place from January 17 to 23, 2026.
As part of the programme, I will accompany the group as a cultural expert and speaker, offering insights into Finnish everyday life, traditions and contemporary craft culture.
The journey begins with a shared coach transfer from Frankfurt or Hamburg (or individually via Travemünde), followed by a ferry crossing to Helsinki and onward travel to Nurmes in North Karelia. The group will stay at the spa hotel Bomba, set within the snowy lake district of eastern Finland.
At its core, the concept brings together textile craft and cultural immersion. The programme includes visits to a Karelian sheep farm and local craft studios, opportunities to discover regional yarns, as well as excursions to husky and reindeer farms. Evenings are dedicated to talks, readings and shared knitting sessions, accompanied by Finnish cuisine and – weather permitting – northern lights.
Alongside me, further expertise is contributed by Kathrin Pohnke (Ocean Yarns), Kerstin Balke (Stine & Stitch), Johanna Hirvonen (Pirtin Kehräämö) – who is also a shepherd – and Torsten Duit (Duit & Knit). Together, they bring a wide range of perspectives from yarn production and textile design to hands-on craft and industry knowledge.
Cultural context and background on Finnish life and traditions will complement the creative programme curated by the Stricken & Meer team, adding depth to the overall experience.
The journey is open to knitters of all levels and designed as a shared experience connecting craft, landscape and regional culture.
Travel period: January 17–23, 2026
Destination: Nurmes, North Karelia, Finland
Organiser: Stricken & Meer