Muhola: Lake District and Village History

The Muhola landscape area is hilly and largely open. In the village, settlement history and cultural life take centre stage. Small lakes, an early farmstead, a rare settlement type, archaeological finds and summer theatre performances give the area a variety of points of interest.

Muhola’s Landscape: Hills, Fields and Lakes

The regionally significant landscape area covers 1,082 hectares. It is hilly and largely characterised by open areas cleared for fields. The area’s small lakes include Häähköjärvi, Valkeinen and Lapinjärvi. At Häähköjärvi, the sequence of lake, river and bay can be traced: it drains via the Häähköjoki into Häähkölahtea Bay on Kivijärvi. The vegetation also distinguishes Muhola from the Suomenselkä region proper: the influence of the lake district is reflected in more lush vegetation. The landscape character therefore includes both open fields and this regional difference in vegetation.

Settlement History and Village Character

Settlement in Muhola began in the 1560s. At that time, the Savo-born Paavo Muhonen established his farmstead in the area of today’s Jokela farm, on former hunting grounds of the Häme region. Another chapter of the village’s history can be seen in Muholan mökkikylä near the village centre. It was established in the early 20th century as a residential area for smallholders, craftspeople and people on low incomes. The residential area illustrates a rare, socially significant settlement of crofters and cottagers, and is also important to the village’s landscape character. The two chapters differ both in time and in form: the early settlement is associated with the founding of a farmstead, while the mökkikylä represents a residential area for several social groups.

Theatre and Event Venues

Muttiteatteri is a professionally run amateur theatre in the village of Muhola. It stages plays in summer; the exact programme and individual dates vary by season. So if you would like to make a performance the occasion for your trip, check the specific dates in advance. The old village school building, constructed from logs, belongs to the Muholaseura association and serves as a multi-purpose venue, with suitable facilities for larger events as well.

Archaeological Finds and Historic Routes

More than 60 stone artefacts from the village of Muhola were taken to a museum from an area covering six square kilometres. These finds form a distinct archaeological aspect of the area’s history. Another historic transport route is the ridge that runs through Muhola: alongside the waterways, it was once one of the important routes. The finds and the area’s former transport significance add two further perspectives to its settlement history: archaeological remains and the historic routes through the area.

Planning a Trip to Muhola

When planning your trip, it is useful to distinguish between the landscape area and the village: the lakes, fields and vegetation describe the area, while Muttiteatteri and the village school building are located in Muhola village. If you choose your travel dates around a performance, check the specific dates for the relevant summer season. When looking for a hotel for a trip to Muhola, these highlights can help you decide whether the landscape, village history or a performance date will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Kajaani, Luhanka, Multia, Kinkomaa, Hankasalmi, Haapamäki, Kannonkoski, Pylkönmäki

Return to the regional travel overview: Central Finland.