Your Questions, Answered

Everything you need to know about staying at Hilltop Forest, from bookings and arrival to privacy, parking, and life in the forest.

Welcome to our FAQ corner

Here you will find answers to the most common questions about staying at Hilltop Forest, from bookings and arrival to privacy, parking, and how things work once you are here.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to reach out. You can always email us at hello@hilltopforest.fi and we are happy to help. If you already know your dates, you are also welcome to book directly online and secure your stay right away.

General

  • The Hideaway Cabins are available for stays between May and October. The booking calendar for each new season is usually opened in the spring.

    The exact opening date for the upcoming summer season 2026 has not yet been announced. Rest assured, as soon as we know, you will know too. We recommend following us on Instagram, where we will share the date ahead of time before the booking calendar opens, so you have a chance to plan and be ready to book.

  • Short answer: 14 overnight guests.

    Due to the layout and how the spaces are used, there are a few important details worth reading below.

    Individually, Hilltop House accommodates a maximum of 10 overnight guests. Hideaway South and Hideaway North are designed for two guests each.

    Hilltop Forest can also be booked exclusively as a private resort by renting all three spaces together. This includes Hilltop House, Hideaway South, and Hideaway North, giving your group full privacy across the entire forest. Together, this allows for up to 14 overnight guests across the resort.

    For stays with good friends, the full setup works well for up to 14 guests, with rooms shared by 2 to 4 people. For colleagues, leadership teams, or work related stays, we recommend a more comfortable group size of 6 to 10 guests, allowing for no more than 2 guests per room.

    For special daytime events such as PR gatherings or launches, it may be possible to host up to around 20 guests. These are day events only and are always agreed separately in advance.

  • We get this question a lot, and we get why. The Forest Spa is a real guest favorite.

    At the moment, it is not possible to book the Forest Spa on its own or as a day spa experience. The Forest Spa is always included as part of the Hilltop House rental and is not offered separately.

    If enjoying the sauna and outdoor hot tub is high on your wish list, the best way to experience it is by booking a stay at Hilltop House, where the Forest Spa is reserved just for you.

    If Hilltop House feels like more space than you need, we recommend also checking out Hideaway South during the summer season. With its outdoor soak tub and forest views, it offers a lovely forest bathing experience on a smaller, more intimate scale.

    With that being said, it is still worth following us on Instagram. Every now and then we may arrange very limited, one-off pop up day spa moments but these are rare and shared only there when they happen.

  • For Hilltop House, the booking calendar typically opens on a rolling basis around 7 to 9 months in advance. For special occasions, it is sometimes possible to book further ahead through our customer service.

    For the Hideaway Cabins, the full summer season is released at once each spring. The exact date for when the 2026 season booking calendar will open has not yet been announced. As soon as we know, we will share the details on Instagram.

  • Lovely to hear that you would like to come and check us out.

    At the moment, we do not offer any public or walk-in services. All visits to Hilltop Forest are by reservation only, and require a confirmed booking for Hilltop House or one of the Hideaway Cabins.

    For special reasons such as media visits, collaborations, or planning a private event, you are very welcome to get in touch with us in advance. We are happy to arrange a tour by appointment when possible.

  • At the moment, we are unfortunately not able to offer gift cards. We are hoping to bring gift cards back before the summer season, especially for Hideaway Cabin stays that work beautifully as wedding gifts.

    For now you are, however, welcome to book a stay as a gift and let us know if someone else will be using it.

    Follow us on Instagram to be the first to hear when gift cards become available again.

Booking info

  • HILLTOP HOUSE: arrival from 4pm, with check out by 11am. On Sundays, you are welcome to stay until 3pm at no extra charge.

    HIDEAWAY SOUTH & NORTH: arrival from 4pm, with check out by 12am.

    We kindly ask guests not to arrive earlier, as this allows us to ensure everything is carefully prepared for your stay. Subject to availability, an early check in can be arranged for an additional fee. Please contact us well in advance if you would like to request this.

  • Check-in is self guided. Hilltop House uses smart door locks, while the Hideaway Cabins use a key collected from a lock box. Your personal door or lock box codes, along with detailed arrival instructions, will be shared with you on the day of arrival.

    Arrival information is sent by email. For guests booking through Airbnb, the details will be shared via the Airbnb chat. For guests booking through Booking.com, the information will be available in your Booking.com messages.

    There is no staff on site, but our hosting team is ready to help and can be reached during your stay via a separate on-call phone number provided to staying guests.

  • Yes. Our Hideaway Cabins can be booked for one night stays directly online, with a few seasonal exceptions such as Midsummer.

    For Hilltop House, one night stays are not available on weekends or during the summer season from June to August. From autumn to spring, one night stays may be possible on weekdays by request through our customer service.

    For corporate and work related stays, one night bookings can also be arranged, often together with early check in or late check out options. Please contact us directly to discuss availability and the best setup for your stay.

  • Unfortunately, Sunday arrivals are not possible for the Hideaway Cabins.

    For Hilltop House, Sunday check in may be possible outside the summer season. From autumn to spring, we can occasionally arrange a Sunday arrival, but please note that this would be a late check in, usually from around 7 or 8 pm. This is because our weekend guests at Hilltop House are welcome to stay until 3 pm on Sundays.

    If you are considering a Sunday arrival outside the summer months, please contact us and we will be happy to check availability.

  • Yes! Long stay discounts are automatically applied when booking through our own booking channel.

    For the Hideaway Cabins, stays of two nights or more typically include a discount of around 20 percent. For Hilltop House, stays of three nights or more include discounts ranging from 10-30 percent, depending on season and length of stay.

  • Hilltop Forest is designed for calm stays in nature, and we kindly ask all guests to be mindful of noise levels and to respect the privacy of others. While there is no direct line of sight between the cabins, sound carries easily through the forest, especially during the summer season. Please be considerate of other guests who are enjoying a peaceful forest stay. If you experience any disturbances, do not hesitate to contact our hosting team.

    At Hilltop House, a relaxed atmosphere, shared meals, calm celebrations, and bubbly drinks are very welcome. However, loud parties are not allowed. To help maintain a peaceful environment, a noise monitoring device is in place. The device does not record conversations, but it alerts our hosting team if noise levels rise above an acceptable level.

    For safety and hosting reasons, all guests must be registered in advance. Only registered guests are allowed on the property.

    If you are planning a gathering or special occasion, please contact us in advance so we can confirm whether it is suitable for Hilltop Forest. For larger or more private events, we recommend booking Hilltop Forest as a private resort, or staying during November to April when the Hideaway Cabins are typically closed.

  • Hilltop House and the Hideaway Cabins are set privately within the forest, each tucked away in their own space. Our cabins are often chosen by guests who value quiet and privacy.

    Please note that sound can travel through the forest, especially when spending time outdoors. During the Hideaway season from May to October, we kindly ask all guests to be mindful of noise levels and to respect the privacy of others.

    Other neighbouring properties are located further away, at a distance of close to one kilometre.

    During the winter season, the Hideaway Cabins are typically not in use, meaning Hilltop House usually enjoys complete privacy.

  • Yes, absolutely. Children are very welcome at Hilltop Forest, and many families have enjoyed truly meaningful stays with us over the years. Even one night in the forest can make a big difference. Here, days are slow and simple, with no scheduled activities or noise, just time together. Exploring the forest, hiding inside the cabin, soaking in the outdoor tub, playing board games, reading storybooks, and grilling something easy are often what guests value most.

    It is important to note that Hilltop Forest is not a hotel or an activity resort. Stays are self guided, services are limited, and what we offer is a genuine and peaceful forest experience. Our spaces were not specifically designed as child focused properties, and families should consider whether this style of stay suits them.

    A few practical things to know when staying with children:

    • Hilltop Forest is a real forest environment. Paths vary and the terrain is often rocky, which is not suitable for toddlers or energetic young children without constant supervision.

    • The Hideaway Cabins have limited washing facilities, so cleaning small hands and faces requires a relaxed and flexible mindset.

    • The cabins are compact and best suited for short stays when travelling light.

    • If you prefer more space, proper bathrooms, and a larger kitchen, Hilltop House is the better option for families.

    • The Hideaway Cabins do not have curtains, meaning summer mornings can be very bright and early for light sleepers.

    At Hilltop House, we provide a high chair, travel cot, and children’s bedding to make family stays more comfortable. Please note that the house has open stairs leading upstairs without child safety gates, and the outdoor hot tub is easily accessible from the terrace and must always be used under adult supervision.

    The Hideaway Cabins are designed for one to two guests. You are welcome to add a child at no extra cost if you bring your own travel cot or extra bed. The cabins are spread out across the forest, allowing both couples and families to enjoy privacy and quiet.

    Every family is different. For some, Hilltop is a deeply calming escape from everyday life. For others, it can feel a bit intense and rustic. The spaces are not designed specifically for children, and as always, children are the responsibility of their parents.

    What we offer is forest, thoughtful cabins, and outdoor bathing, all centred around uninterrupted time together.

  • Hideaway North is our pet friendly option and suits guests who would like to enjoy the forest together with their pet. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in Hilltop House or Hideaway South.

  • To make your stay easy and relaxing, final cleaning is included in every booking at no extra cost. This applies when the property is used responsibly.

    In cases of excessive mess, unauthorised parties, or failure to respect the property, an additional cleaning fee may apply, starting from €50 per additional cleaning hour.

    Guests are kindly asked to follow the simple check out instructions provided onsite and to leave the property tidy, including taking care of used dishes.

Booking Terms & Payment

  • HILLTOP HOUSE:

    Cancellations must be made by email at least 30 days before your arrival date to receive a refund, minus a €30 handling fee. After this period, bookings are non refundable and cannot be changed, including in cases of illness.

    HIDEAWAY SOUTH:

    Cancel up to 2 weeks before arrival for a refund minus a €15 processing fee.

    Up to 7 days before arrival, you can reschedule to another available date within the same season (price differences are not refunded). No changes or refunds after this point, including in case of illness.

    HIDEAWAY NORTH:

    Cancellations up to 3 days before arrival will be refunded minus a €15 processing fee.

    Up to 48 hours before arrival, you may reschedule your stay for another available date within the same season (price differences are not refunded). No changes or refunds after this point, including in case of illness.

    GENERAL:

    We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover any last minute or unexpected changes to your plans.

    For special bookings arranged through our customer service, different cancellation terms may apply and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

  • HILLTOP HOUSE:

    A 20% percent deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before your arrival. For bookings made within 30 days of arrival, the full amount is payable at the time of booking.

    HIDEAWAY SOUTH & NORTH

    Full payment is required at the time of the booking.

    GENERAL:

    If payments are not made by the due dates, Hilltop Forest reserves the right to cancel the booking. Please note that cancellation due to late or missing payment does not remove the guest’s obligation to pay according to the agreed booking and cancellation terms.

    For special bookings arranged through our customer service, different payment terms may apply and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

  • When booking through our own booking channel, payments are processed securely via Paytrail.

    Paytrail accept payments through major Finnish online banks, debit / credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as mobile payment options such as Siirto, MobilePay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Selected credit and invoice options are also available through Paytrail.

    Payments made at the time of booking are processed immediately.

    For Hilltop House bookings, the remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before arrival. A payment link to settle the final balance is included in your booking confirmation.

    For corporate customers, we are also happy to arrange payment by invoice. Please contact us to agree on the details.

    No cash payments are accepted.

arrival info

  • Due to our location, we highly recommend arriving with your own car or a rental car. There is no direct public transport connection to Hilltop Forest.

    If you plan to use a taxi, please book it in advance, ideally at least one day before arrival. There are usually no taxis available on demand in the area.

    If you prefer public transport, the closest bus connection from Helsinki brings you to the Inkoo town centre, which is about 10 km from Hilltop Forest. From there, a taxi is needed for the final stretch.

    In the summertime, some of our guests have included Hilltop Forest as a stop on a multi-day cycling tour, staying for one night along the way. This is absolutely possible if you plan your bike trip ahead of time.

  • It is good to know that taxis around Inkoo and Hilltop Forest usually need to be ordered in advance, as on demand availability is limited. Booking the day before is recommended.

    The main local taxi service is LähiTaksi, and Uber also works well when pre ordered. A pre ordered Uber from Hilltop to the airport is roughly 150 euros, while coming from the airport towards Hilltop you can usually get an Uber for around 70 to 80 euros without pre booking.

    If you are travelling as a group or prefer a more premium option, we recommend contacting Rolly, through which you can also pre-order an airport transfer.

  • Unfortunately, there is no public transport directly to Hilltop. If you prefer to travel part of the way by public transport, you can take a bus from Kamppi Shopping Centre in Helsinki to the town of Inkoo. From there you will be about 10 kilometres away, and we recommend pre booking a taxi for the final leg of the journey. Bus schedules can be found online at Matkahuolto.

  • Yes. Complimentary parking is available on site for all staying guests.

    Hilltop House guests can park directly in front of Hilltop House. Hideaway Cabin guests use the larger parking area located at the start of the property, just after you make it up the steep hill, on the left hand side.

    In the summertime, carts are available to help you move your belongings from the parking area to your cabin.

  • Hilltop Forest does not have electric vehicle charging on site. The closest charging point is the ABC Inkoo charging station, located in the parking lot of S-Market Inkoo, about a 10 to 15 minute drive away.

  • Due to the steep hill, driving all the way up to Hilltop Forest without four wheel drive (4WD) depends on winter conditions. When the hill is snowy or icy, access is only possible with a 4WD vehicle.

    If you arrive with a 4WD car, you can drive up the hill and park directly in front of Hilltop House. If you arrive without 4WD in winter conditions, we recommend parking at the bottom of the hill. Driving up the hill in winter conditions is at the driver’s own discretion and risk.

    There is a small winter parking area located at the bottom of the hill (space for max. 2 cars). From this point, the remaining distance to Hilltop House is accessed on foot - the walk is about 5 minutes and ca. 500m.

    Please make sure to check weather conditions before arrival and read our winter arrival instructions sent ahead of your stay to ensure a smooth and safe arrival.

  • While there is no staff on site, our hosting team is always just a call or message away. A separate on-call phone number is shared with your arrival information and is available from 9am to 9pm.

    Each cabin includes a house guide with practical information about your stay. If you are planning to arrive after 9pm, please let us know in advance so we can make sure everything is in order.

food & services

  • Hilltop Forest is a self catering place. We do not have any on site services available without pre booking, and there are no shared or public facilities on the property.

    Each accommodation is rented privately to one party at a time. There are no shared indoor facilities such as reception areas, common lounges, meeting rooms or yoga studio on site.

    That said, we do offer a selection of dining options and activities on a pre order basis, especially for group stays. These can be arranged in advance and enjoyed privately during your stay. You can read more about the available options on our website here.

  • We do not have an on site restaurant at Hilltop Forest, and there are no cafés or restaurants within walking distance of the property. Hilltop Forest is primarily a self catering destination, where guests cook and dine at their own pace.

    There are several lovely cafés and restaurants a short drive away, and we share our favourite nearby dining spots in our area guide to help you plan ahead.

    If you are staying at Hilltop House and would like to treat yourself, we also offer private dining options on a pre order basis. This includes a private chef alternative and group catering, which can be arranged in advance for a relaxed and special dining experience during your stay.

  • There are no restaurants or cafés within walking distance of Hilltop Forest. However, there are several great dining options a short drive away.

    Many of these places are seasonal, so we recommend checking opening hours in advance, especially during quieter periods and in the winter season. We share our favourite nearby cafés and restaurants in our area guide to help you plan ahead.

  • The closest and nicely stocked grocery store is S-market Inkoo, about a 10 to 15 minute drive away.

    For a wider selection, the largest supermarkets are in Lohja, ca. 25 minute drive away. K-Citymarket Lohja and Prisma Lohja both offer a wide range of groceries, household goods and cosmetics. Citymarket has a slightly more premium food selection, while Prisma Lohja is open 24 hours a day.

    If you are arriving from the airport or the Helsinki region, it is easiest to stop on the way, with several well stocked Citymarkets along the route, including K-Citymarket Kirkkonummi.

  • In Finland, wine and stronger alcohol are only sold at the state owned alcohol shops called Alko.

    The closest is Alko Inkoo, about a 10 to 15 minute drive away. Opening hours and selection are fairly limited, so it is a good idea to check ahead. Larger Alko stores with a wider selection can be found in Lohja and Kirkkonummi.

    Beer and cider are available in grocery stores, but note that alcohol sales in grocery stores end at 9 p.m. in the evening.

  • During the summer season, roughly from May to October, we have two bicycles available for guests to share. The bikes are free to use and offered on a first come, first served basis, and we do not take advance reservations for them.

    To find the bike shed, simply follow the dirt road from the parking area. The bikes are located just before Hilltop House, at the woodshed, where they are placed outside under cover. We kindly ask guests not to continue past the woodshed, in order to respect the privacy of Hilltop House guests.

    The lock code for the bike locks can be found in your cabin. Once you are done with the bikes, we kindly ask that you return them as soon as possible so other guests can enjoy them too. In our experience, guests rarely need the bikes at the same time, and they are usually available.

    The bicycles are offered as a small complimentary extra for our guests. While we do our best to keep them in good condition and available, we unfortunately cannot guarantee their availability at all times.

  • Hilltop Forest is all about slow stays and quiet time. We are not an activity led destination, and most guests come here to unwind rather than follow a set programme.

    Many of our guests enjoy simple pleasures such as wandering in the forest, going for short walks or bike rides, cooking and eating together, playing board games, and spending unhurried time relaxing and soaking in the surroundings.

    For group stays, we do offer a small, curated selection of forest based activities that can be arranged in advance. Other than that, the forest itself tends to do most of the work.

  • If you would like to swim at a public beach, there are two lovely options about a 10 minute drive away. Mustion Ruukki Beach is a calm and scenic spot, while Björnviken Beach is the most popular swimming beach among locals in Inkoo.

    Very close to Hilltop, about one kilometre away, there is a beautiful pond that locals consider a hidden gem. It is not a public beach and swimming is done directly from the rocks, which makes it especially lovely for a calm morning or evening dip. As the spot is not suitable for small children and is something of a local treasure, we share the exact location only with your arrival information.

cabin ameneties

  • The Hideaway Cabins do not have Wi-Fi.

    Hilltop House has a fast, high speed fibre internet connection, and the Wi-Fi works well for work related stays, remote work, and video calls.

    Mobile data works well in the area, and both 4G and 5G connections are typically strong and reliable.

  • With the exception of Hideaway North, where no firewood is needed, plenty of firewood is provided for Hideaway South and Hilltop House at no extra cost.

    Firewood is ready and stored on site for your arrival, and we also provide kindling and lighters so getting a fire going is easy. There is no need to bring your own.

  • All of our cabins are prepared with our Hilltop Signature linen, so there is no need to bring your own bed sheets. Bedding is always included at no extra cost.

    For towels, please note the following. Hideaway North does not have a shower, so we provide hand towels only. If you plan to go swimming during your stay, we recommend bringing your own towels.

    For Hideaway South and Hilltop House, bath towels are provided and included at no extra cost.

  • Complimentary bathrobes are provided for Hideaway South guests as part of the outdoor soak tub experience.

    For Hilltop House guests, bathrobes can be added as a pre order extra for a small additional fee. This can be selected during the booking process and is a popular add on for bridal sauna moments, wellness weekends, and relaxed group stays.

    Hideaway North does not include bathrobes, and unfortunately they are not available for that cabin.

  • At Hilltop House, we provide a curated, premium selection of bathroom amenities, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash, and body lotion.

    In the Hideaway Cabins, we provide a premium hand wash. For Hideaway South, if you wish to use products in the outdoor soak tub, we kindly ask that you bring your own biodegradable and environmentally friendly bathing products.

    Hair dryers are provided in both Hideaway Cabins as well as at Hilltop House.

  • At Hilltop House, the kitchen is fully equipped for self catering. This includes basic spices, oils, coffee, and tea, so in most cases you only need to bring your own food items. You can find the full kitchen equipment list on the Hilltop House page.

    In the Hideaway Cabins, we provide coffee, premium instant coffee, tea, and a small carton of oat milk. Please note that salt, spices, and cooking oils are not provided, so we recommend bringing those with you if you plan to cook.

    You can find the full cooking and kitchen equipment lists on the Hideaway South and Hideaway North pages.

    Please make sure to check the “For cooking” list for your chosen accommodation, as there are differences between each space.

  • At Hideaway South and Hilltop House, the tap water is clean, high quality, and suitable for drinking, so there is no need to bring bottled water.

    At Hideaway North, we provide two one litre bottles of drinking water in the cabin. If you plan to cook or need additional water during your stay, we recommend bringing extra water with you.

  • All three accommodations at Hilltop Forest, Hideaway North, Hideaway South, and Hilltop House, are equipped with a gas grill. A gas bottle is provided and ready to use for your stay.

    Very occasionally during the summer season, a gas bottle may run out. If this happens during your stay, a spare gas bottle can be found in the woodshed by the bike shed, located just before Hilltop House.