About Us
A Bar In the Middle of the Forest
Along the ski trail at Saariselkä, two kilometres towards Laanila, lies a hidden gem of old log buildings with a colourful history. After a few years of quiet, the legendary place has been reborn under new ownership as Mettäbaari — perhaps the finest pancake café on the Viskitie (Whisky Road).
It’s like a journey back to the 1970s and 1980s, when Urho Kekkonen made his expeditions up north.
People behind the project
People keep asking who's behind the pancake magic at Mettäbaari – and for good reason. These guys are wanted on the fells! These fellows are tourism entrepreneur Mikko “Koistinen” and a local veteran — builder, safari guide and restaurateur Jarmo Viitanen, also known as “Lapin Eppu.”
“We’re swimming against the luxury trend in Lapland tourism. We wanted to create a place that’s authentic and approachable — somewhere you can step into straight after a ski trip, just as you are,” Koistinen explains.
Probably the best pancakes in the fell
Mettäbaari has quickly found its way into the hearts of both locals and travellers. Eppu and his team have been whisking pancake batter at full speed — last spring alone nearly 10,000 pancakes were served! And along the way, they also smoked whitefish from Lake Inari.
The natural surroundings, relaxed and nostalgic atmosphere, proximity to the ski trail, excellent service and strong sense of community have made Mettäbaari a new kind of meeting place in the Saariselkä area.
Finnish Ski Traditions at best!
One of Mettäbaari’s biggest attractions is “monotanssit” — traditional dancing in ski boots. This dance tradition, over 40 years old, is held twice a year, in spring and autumn. For the event, the old horse stable transforms into an atmospheric dance hall, and the Autumn Colours 2025 monotanssit drew crowds almost Woodstock-style!
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In addition we throw all kinds of night parties and other events with live-music and DJ's!
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WHAT NEXT?
Future plans include not only smoke saunas, but also bringing well-known artists to perform. According to the entrepreneurs, the goal is for Mettäbaari to become an expression of the Finnish soul — a place where nature, forest, skiing, social dancing, karaoke, pancake cafés, good food and a fully licensed bar all come together.
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Singing, skiing or dancing skills don’t matter — at Mettäbaari, everyone is encouraged!
“These are the small everyday things that make us the happiest nation in the world.”