As the last hotel guests check out and the last wellness retreat has come to an end, we find ourselves saying goodbye to another beautiful summer at Hotel Hyppeis. The island is quieter now, and you can almost hear the trees exhale after a busy season. While most people pack away their summer clothes, we’re packing away garden chairs, tidying up the terraces, emptying fridges and making sure that our beloved old building is ready for a long winter nap. But what happens when an island hotel “closes for the season”? Spoiler alert: It’s not all about sleeping and relaxing, though there is a lot of that too!

closing time

First off, let’s talk about winter preparations. It’s not just flipping a switch and saying “See you next year.” Oh no. We’re more like squirrels, busy gathering and storing things away, except instead of acorns, it’s outdoor furniture, laundry and apples from the garden. The boats are brought up onto dry land and stored after we have cleaned them up.

One of the quirks of island life is how the landscape changes drastically with the seasons. During the summer, the archipelago is like a buzzing beehive—people who have summer cottages on the island, tourists, boats, and summer events are everywhere. But once autumn hits, everything slows down. The sea turns a steely blue, the days get shorter, and there’s this crisp silence that settles in. It’s almost as if nature itself is telling us, “Take a break you’ve earned it.” And we listen.

Embracing the dark months

When winter comes, some of the islanders do things a little bit differently. Some people head to the mainland for work or school, but many of us stay, embracing the slow pace of life. Here on Houtskär, there’s a sense of community that’s unique during the colder months. Local events, hobbies and game evenings become our social events. Honestly, winter is when we catch up with our neighbours and share stories, and maybe a bottle of wine too.

For us at Hotel Hyppeis, winter is also a time to plan. While the hotel may be closed, our minds are already on next year – chefs, new menu ideas, retreats, painting the walls, redecorating the rooms. It’s all about making sure that when the spring sun returns, we’re ready to welcome you back with open arms.

The beauty of nature in the off-season

Though we’re no longer buzzing with guests, nature is far from shutting down. In fact, the Finnish archipelago is stunning in autumn and winter too. Think about misty mornings, fiery sunsets that light up the whole sky, and starry nights so clear you could get lost just by looking up. The sounds in the nature change too — fewer birds, but more peaceful walks through the woods, where the only sounds are your boots crunching on fallen leaves.

And then there’s the sea. During the summer, it’s a lively place, full of boats. But in winter, it becomes something else entirely—calm, reflective, and, quite frankly, a bit mysterious and frightening. We won’t see many people out on the sea, but if we’re lucky, we might spot white-tailed eagles soaring above. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love living here, even when the days get short and the the darkness comes.

thank you!

So, as we lock the doors for the season, we want to thank you all — our wonderful guests, followers, and friends. Every summer, you remind us why we do what we do, and this year has been no different. Whether you came for a holiday, weekend retreat, a cozy dinner, or just a coffee with that unbeatable sea view, we’re grateful to have shared this little piece of paradise with you.

As winter approaches, we’ll be keeping the fire going (literally and figuratively) here on the island, dreaming of next summer and planning new ways to make your next visit even more special. 

Until then, enjoy the fall, stay warm, and don’t forget to dream about next summer!

Warm regards,
Outi and Sam

Our blog aims to guide and inspire your journey to Houtskär, highlighting the essentials for a fulfilling trip. Do you need further information on any specific aspect of traveling to Houtskär or wish to explore another topic? Just be in touch, we’re happy to help you: info@hotelhyppeis.fi.

📷: Jaska Poikolainen https://www.jaskapoikonen.com