Midsummer in Konginkangas

Konginkangas, a small idyllic village located along Highway 4 about 60km north of Jyväskylä. Highway 4 used to run through the village, but nowadays it bypasses the built-up area to the west. Now, don’t just drive past—go straight to the heart.

I asked local heritage enthusiast Marjatta Huhta from Konginkangas, what is Midsummer in Konginkangas like? I intended to write this blog post entirely  myself, but because I received such a wonderful, beautiful, comprehensive and atmospheric answer, it would be downright criminal to edit it in any way and, since I have never experienced Midsummer in Konginkangas myself, I can’t conjure it out of thin air, so I’ll retreat here mainly into a reporter’s role. The impression I got of Midsummer in Konginkangas, however, is such that I would love to experience Midsummer in Konginkangas! 

Please enjoy, Midsummer in Konginkangas in the words of Marjatta Huhta:

”Konginkangas is at its liveliest at Midsummer, when summer cottagers take over the lakeshores, buy their flowers from the cemetery fence, make their last purchases at Sale, and boat/drive to their cottages. As evening falls, the lake echoes with the sounds of boating and cottage life; the glow of Midsummer bonfires lights the late evening. You can even hear the sound of a flute there, as in so many summers.

Konginkangas harbor. Photo: Mikko Suutala

Down at the harbor shore, 400m from the center, a whole fleet of boats has appeared. On the pier, one angler after another is fishing. Near the shore is Kömin Killan maintained heritage flowerbed, where old flower varieties relocated from houses are thriving.

Matilan Ankkuri; Photo: Mikko Suutala

The gathering places are Lintulahti’s renovated multi-purpose restaurant and service station and the lakeside café Matilanvirran Ankkuri, just on the Sumiainen side.

Pohjoishiekka beach, 800m from the harbor, is where children gather to build sandcastles and swim. Sausages sizzle in the shared grill shelter. Motor enthusiasts’ American cars, Yamahas and Hondas appear on the main street after winter storage.”

On that note.

Have a happy and safe Midsummer! 

Kind regards,

Heidi Hämäläinen @heidimaria_h #visitaanekoski ambassador 2020–2021, Äänekoski

Marjatta Huhta, local heritage enthusiast, Konginkangas 

Below is a video about Konginkangas Church and its cultural history, inspired by film director Mikko Niskanen.

#hiddenaanekoski ambassador Olga Kolari’s and author Marjo Steffanson’s video about Konginkangas Church