Midsummer in Konginkangas

Konginkangas, a small idyllic village located along Highway 4 about 60 km north of Jyväskylä. Highway 4 used to run through the village, but nowadays it bypasses the built-up area on its western side. 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 response, it would be almost criminal to edit it in any way, and since I have never experienced Midsummer in Konginkangas myself, I can’t conjure it from thin air, so I’ll step back mainly into a reporter’s role. The impression I got of Midsummer in Konginkangas, however, is this: I want to experience Midsummer in Konginkangas! 

Here you go, Midsummer in Konginkangas in Marjatta Huhta’s own words:

”Konginkangas is at its liveliest at Midsummer, when summer cottage dwellers 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, and the late night is lit by the blaze of Midsummer bonfires. You can even hear flute music there, as in so many summers.

Konginkangas harbor. Photo: Mikko Suutala

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

Matilan Ankkuri; Photo: Mikko Suutala

Gathering places include Lintulahti’s renovated multi-purpose restaurant and service station as well as the lakeside café Matilanvirran Ankkuri, just on the Sumiainen side.

To the Pohjoishiekka beach, 800 m from the harbor, 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 phases, inspired by film director Mikko Niskanen.

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