Vanhamäki: Muinola’s history and experiences with Finnhorses

Vanhamäki combines a long family history with horse-related activities and craft courses. In the village of Vanhamäki in the Järvisuomi region, Muinola stands on a high drumlin ridge; the house has been owned by the Muinonen family since at least 1541. Luonto-Taipale organises rides on Finnhorses and workshops with horses, while Akkain Woima offers courses in making a Woimarumpu drum. The landscape, history and range of activities give you concrete points to consider when deciding whether Vanhamäki could be a travel destination for you.

Landscape and family history

A drumlin ridge is an elongated landform shaped by the continental ice sheet. At Muinola, this landform and the elevated location come together. If you also choose travel destinations based on their landscape, the drumlin ridge offers a concrete point of reference.

A land register from 1541 records the earliest documented settlement of the Muinonen family in Vanhamäki. Muinola has been owned by the family since at least 1541. There were up to five historical family homes in the land-allocation area near Vanhamäki; today, only Muinola is still inhabited. The history of the area thus brings together an early settlement, Muinola’s long family history and the house’s present-day status.

Horse activities and drum courses

Luonto-Taipale is a company in Vanhamäki offering nature and wellness services. These include trail rides on Finnhorses and workshop days using the constellation method with horses. The formats differ: the trail ride focuses on outdoor activity, while the workshop explores the constellation method with horses.

Akkain Woima offers courses where participants can make their own Woimarumpu drum. This adds a craft activity to the horse-related offerings: the course is about making a drum yourself. If making your own item appeals more to you than a horse activity, this difference is one factor to consider when choosing a travel destination.

Weighing up Vanhamäki as a holiday cottage destination

When travelling with several people, comparing interests can help: Muinola represents local history, Luonto-Taipale offers rides and workshops with horses, and Akkain Woima offers the chance to make your own drum. This can help you consider what you would like to focus on during your stay and whether Vanhamäki suits you as a holiday destination before narrowing down your search for a holiday cottage.

Planning your transport

Rural public transport can also be assessed for a specific period. For the period from 3 August 2026 to 6 June 2027, a route via Mikkeli, Kovala, Harjumaa and Vanhamäki to Otava and the city centre is listed on school days. The route operates on school days; check the timetable for your travel date before setting off. If you plan to rely on this connection, take both the school-day restriction and the stated timetable period into account.

Discover more destinations: Hirvensalmi, Rahula, Majavesi, Hietanen, Ristiina, Otava, Mäntyharju, Haukivuori.

For the broader travel overview: Mikkeli.