New mobile cabins trialed in Kolari, Finland, aim to address seasonal housing shortage

In the heart of Hannukainen, Kolari, a unique accommodation solution is being trialed: three innovative mobile cabins designed for seasonal relocation. These 18-square-meter cabins include a small dining area, a combined living and kitchen space, a sofa, a fireplace, a sleeping alcove, as well as a sauna and a shower.

The Finnish Forest Administration has leased the land to Lapelland Village, which received a five-year exception permit from the municipality of Kolari for these mobile cabins. Currently, the cabins are spaced approximately 30 meters apart, with plans to add two more from Pello, where they have been tested for fishing tourism.

Kolari’s municipal manager, Markku Vehkaoja, believes these mobile cabins could be a flexible partial solution to the ongoing housing shortage affecting seasonal workers in the region. He highlights their speed, ease, and mobility as significant advantages. The cost for acquiring a cabin ranges from €40,000 to €50,000 depending on its outfitting, with an additional €15,000 suggested for initial investments and technical setups.

In Finnish Lapland, some tourism businesses have successfully utilized mobile cabins for employee accommodation. For instance, Northern Lights Village Levi has operated four cabins for several seasons, serving as a temporary yet effective housing solution for approximately 80 seasonal workers.

However, Safartica, located in Ylläsjärvi, has faced challenges with its six older mobile cabins, including issues with condensation, insufficient heating during winter, and cramped spaces as they typically house two employees each. In response, Lapelland Village’s CEO, Jani Vihervuori, notes that newer cabin models have improved insulation, double-glazed windows, and better heating solutions.

The pilot project for the mobile accommodation village began in July, with a focus on testing municipal infrastructure connections and the optimal spacing of units to ensure functionality.