Finnish Baking Workshop – Joulutorttu Experience

Join us for a warm and welcoming workshop where you’ll learn to bake one of Finland’s most iconic pastries – the joulutorttu (the Christmas Star). In this hands-on experience, we’ll bake the pastries both in their traditional form and with playful twists. Guided by our instructor, you’ll try creative shapes and explore different fillings.

While your pastries are in the oven, you’ll taste local specialties such as traditional rye bread, pine tar bread, rönttönen (a local sweet-savoury delicacy), and other seasonal treats. Alongside the tasting, you’ll hear stories about Kainuu’s food culture and the Finnish tradition of kahvileipä (sweet pastries served with coffee). Finally, we’ll enjoy the freshly baked pastries together – with coffee, of course!

Welcome to Bakery Pekka Heikkinen, a family-owned bakery that has been operating in Kajaani for over 110 years. Founded in 1913, the bakery is now run by the fourth generation. True to Grandma Saima’s saying “Hyvvää sen olla pittää!” which translates to “It has to be good!”, the bakery still opens its shop and café doors every single day of the year.

Christmas baking workshops open for everyone in December 2025.
Price: €35 per person, children under 10 years €20 per person.

Fri 5 Dec at 5 p.m.
Mon 8 Dec at 5 p.m.
Fri 12 Dec at 5 p.m.
Mon 15 Dec at 5 p.m.
Fri 19 Dec at 5 p.m.
Mon 22 Dec at 5 p.m.
Fri 26 Dec at 4 p.m.

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Baking workshop for groups

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours. Schedule by agreement – evening and weekend workshops are also possible.

Who it’s for: International visitors, families, groups of friends, work teams, and anyone interested in Finnish food culture. The workshop is suitable for everyone who wants to experience Finnish traditions in a fun, practical, and delicious way – all year round!

Includes: Baking workshop, all materials, tasting, and coffee/tea/juice. Special diets available with advance booking.

Group size: 15–30 participants.

Optional add-ons: Combine your workshop with a generous porridge breakfast (before 11 a.m.) or a hearty soup meal served with a wide bread selection.

Location: Välikatu 7, Kajaani. The bakery shop and cafe is located right in the center of Kajaani. 

Contact leipomo@pekkaheikkinen.fi for more info and scheduling for groups.