Poetry finds its way north
Kolmatta kertaa järjestettävä Giellajohka Open Mic -runotapahtuma tulee taas! 🎙️
Join poet Harri Hertell and Giellajohka Holiday Village for poetry, spoken word, rap and storytelling at Finland’s northernmost open mic poetry club.
Two evenings of poetry and stories
Friday 13 November
Programme starts at 21:00
- Harri Hertell
- Mariterttu ja liki-ikiliikkujat
- Nicholas Francett
Admission is free. On Friday 13 November, Giellajohka’s Kielatupa hosts singer-songwriter Nicholas Francett from Inari, Helsinki-based poet Harri Hertell, and the band Mariterttu & Liki-ikiliikkujat.
Saturday 14 November
16:00 Lasse Rantanen – Images into Words and Words into Images
19:00 Guest poet Inger-Mari Aikio
Open mic performances
Karaoke
On Saturday 14 November 2026 at 16:00, award-winning graphic designer and illustrator Lasse Rantanen shares entertaining stories about the creation of hundreds of thought-provoking and provocative illustrations for Helsingin Sanomat editorials and essays by Finland’s leading writers. His subjects include Donald Trump, Päivi Räsänen and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government.
At 19:00, the evening’s headline poet is Inger-Mari Aikio, the author of nine poetry collections.
The stage is yours, too
The evening features open mic sessions, with each performer given around five minutes to present one or more original poems, songs, spoken word pieces or rap tracks. Everyone is welcome at the microphone, regardless of age, language or publication history!
To sign up in advance for the open mic session, email harri.hertell@gmail.com and include your stage name. The event is hosted by Harri Hertell. A warm welcome to an evening of poetry! ✍️✨
Meet the performers
Inger-Mari Aikio
I am a poet. I have also worked as a journalist, film director and translator, but I have always identified as a poet. I wrote my first poem at the age of ten, and my first poetry collection, Gollebiekkat almmi dievva, was published in 1989. To date, I have published nine poetry collections, two children’s books, a young adult novel and a non-fiction book. I may do all kinds of work, but only after writing a poem do I feel I have accomplished something.
Travelling the world brings me to life. I feel I am exactly where I belong when I step onto the stage at a poetry festival. My poems have been my ticket to Kenya, Colombia, Mexico, Morocco and dozens of other countries. Most recently, in June, I visited Honduras, where Otne lea mu maŋimuš beaivi (Today Is My Last Day) was published in Spanish.
Harri Hertell
A Helsinki-based poet and poetry event organiser who is always looking for new reasons to visit Sápmi. Hertell, who also hosts the Giellajohka Open Mic weekend, has published several poetry collections and organised hundreds of poetry events across Finland. His poems have been translated into more than ten languages.
Hertell’s poetry explores themes such as fatherhood, equality, relationships and nature. On Friday at Giellajohka, he will perform both previously published poems and new, unpublished work.
Nicholas Francett
A singer-songwriter from Inari whose music paints in poetic, sensitive and gentle tones. His songs echo longing, the fragility of life and consolation, alongside humour and a lightness like candyfloss. Francett’s music opens up a gentle space to pause and feel.
Tämä kylä syttyi tuleen, out on 17 April, is the first single from Nicholas Francett’s debut album.
Lasse Rantanen
An award-winning graphic designer and illustrator. In “Images into Words and Words into Images”, Rantanen shares entertaining stories about the creation of hundreds of thought-provoking and provocative illustrations for Helsingin Sanomat editorials and essays by Finland’s leading writers. His subjects include Donald Trump, Päivi Räsänen and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government.
Moments from previous Open Mic evenings.
A weekend at Giellajohka
Giellajohka is a small haven for hikers and travellers between the Muotkatunturi and Paistunturi wilderness areas (Karigasniementie 2920, 99910 Inari). The open mic club takes place in Giellajohka’s intimate lodge, where poetry is accompanied by hot food, cold drinks and friendly service. The evening ends with karaoke and lyrical conversations among fellow poetry lovers.
Getting here
You can reach Giellajohka by car; the roads are well maintained in winter too. Eskelisen Lapin Linjat also operates a daily bus that stops right outside Giellajohka at the Kielajoki stop, making it easy to arrive from Rovaniemi, Sodankylä or Inari. You can also ask Giellajohka about private transfers from Ivalo Airport.
Where to stay
Giellajohka offers accommodation for poetry lovers in a range of sizes and price categories. You can find details of the available rooms and cottages on Giellajohka’s website. Use the code “openmic26” for a 26% discount when booking directly through the website. Accommodation is limited, so book soon: previous editions have sold out!
We also offer affordable shared accommodation in Guesthouse Ahku: a bed costs €40 per person per night, including towels and bed linen, with separate rooms for women and men. Book by email or phone.
More information about accommodation and Giellajohka’s other services: info@giellajohka.fi · www.giellajohka.fi · 040 738 6825
For more information about the open mic evening: harri.hertell@gmail.com
Any questions?
Contact us!
- +358 40 7386825
- info@giellajohka.com
English 
Finnish