Café and Restaurant
Honkapirtti Café and Restaurant, located on the tranquil Ruissalo Island in Turku, offers a unique blend of Finnish tradition and history. It serves a simple but satisfying lunch featuring classic Finnish dishes like pea soup, meatballs, salmon soup, and pancakes, while operating as a café outside of lunch hours. The rustic log building, surrounded by nature, provides a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy both the cuisine and the scenery.
Nestled in the scenic Ruissalo Island, Honkapirtti also serves as a rest stop for those exploring the surrounding nature. The combination of its rich historical roots and its peaceful setting makes it a memorable spot for visitors seeking a quiet retreat infused with Finnish heritage.
History
Honkapirtti was built by members of the Finnish Army’s JR 14 infantry regiment during World War II. Originally, the regiment was stationed in Uhtua, a municipality in the Finnish-Russian war zone and the building was intended to serve as a retreat and memorial for injured and fallen comrades. In 1943, it was relocated to Turku, with construction completed by war veterans and local craftsmen.
The building’s rustic log design reflects Finnish craftsmanship and wartime resourcefulness. Today, Honkapirtti stands as a historical monument to the camaraderie and perseverance of the soldiers during one of Finland’s most difficult periods.