[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Page Header” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_image=”off” parallax=”on” animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Luonto, hiljaisuus ja el\u00e4v\u00e4 yhteis\u00f6 tekiv\u00e4t vaikutuksen saksalaisiin vieraisiin” background_overlay_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” admin_label=”Hero Section” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Allerta|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#ad4d35″ title_font_size=”65px” title_line_height=”1.4em” content_font_size=”19px” subhead_font=”||||” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_image=”off” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_size=”16px” button_one_bg_color=”#6eba01″ button_one_border_width=”2px” button_one_border_color=”#6eba01″ button_one_border_radius=”0″ button_one_letter_spacing=”2″ button_one_font=”Montserrat|||on|” button_one_use_icon=”off” custom_button_two=”on” button_two_text_size=”16px” button_two_border_width=”2px” button_two_border_color=”#ffffff” button_two_border_radius=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing=”2″ button_two_font=”Montserrat|||on|” button_two_use_icon=”off” background_layout=”light” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” animation_style=”fade” title_font_size_tablet=”” title_font_size_phone=”34px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” title_letter_spacing_tablet=”” title_letter_spacing_phone=”-3px” title_letter_spacing_last_edited=”on|phone” button_one_text_color_hover=”#6eba01″ button_two_text_color_hover=”#6eba01″ button_one_border_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_two_border_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_one_border_radius_hover=”0″ button_two_border_radius_hover=”0″ button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”2″ button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”2″ button_one_bg_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_two_bg_color_hover=”#ffffff” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_text_color__hover=”#6eba01″ button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_text_color__hover=”#6eba01″ button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_border_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_radius__hover=”0″ button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_border_radius__hover=”0″ button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”2″ button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”2″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_bg_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_bg_color__hover=”#ffffff” header_font_size_phone=”45px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”65px”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/visitkerkonkoski.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG20250831135733-scaled.jpg” alt=”Kerkonkoski Saunamaraton” title_text=”oplus_2″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1208px” min_height=”2200.4px” custom_margin=”-7px||||false|false” custom_padding=”9px||42px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Armata||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
At the end of August, Kerkonkoski welcomed some eagerly awaited guests from Germany, from the Westliches Weserbergland Leader group. The Kerkonkoski Travel Project working group visited Germany in March, and now it was time to welcome their new partners on a return visit to the heart of Savo.<\/p>\n
The group of five included employees of the Westliches Weserbergland Leader group, board members, and one municipal manager. Accommodation was arranged in a large cottage on the shore of Palvalahti, whose tranquility and lake views immediately impressed our guests.\u00a0<\/p>\n
First encounter with Finland \u2013 salmon soup, sauna, and rowing boat<\/strong><\/p>\n The first three guests arrived in Kerkonkoski late in the evening on August 27. The volunteers had prepared a warm welcome for them: traditional salmon soup, fresh rye bread, pickled cucumbers, and berry jelly. Markku heated up the wood-burning stove, and the guests immediately got to experience the essence of Finnish relaxation.<\/p>\n Thursday's program began in Vanham\u00e4ki, Suonenjoki, where we set off on an off-road trip to the trails of Lintharju on electric bikes led by Tatu Laine. The forest landscapes, berries, and traces of the Ice Age aroused a lot of interest. The day was otherwise quiet, as the rest of the guests did not arrive until the evening. We had time for lunch in Vanham\u00e4ki, did some grocery shopping, and in the evening Astrid picked up the last two guests from the airport.<\/p>\n In the evening, we enjoyed Karelian roast prepared by a former school cook at the cottage. The atmosphere was warm, and the guests were impressed by both the food and the hospitality of the villagers. At the end of the evening, J\u00f6rn and Marco were excited to try rowing on the dark lake.<\/p>\n Official meetings and culinary experiences<\/strong><\/p>\n Friday was reserved for the more formal parts of the program. At the Rautalammi municipal office, we were welcomed by communications and culture coordinator Tiina Laitinen, municipal manager Anu Sepponen, and representatives of the Mansikka Development Association, executive director Kirsi Manninen and project advisor Elina Huerta. We heard about life in the municipality, Mansikka's projects, and Finnish association activities. The discussions also touched on the differences between Finland and Germany in terms of Leader work and the challenges of EU funding.<\/p>\n Next, we headed to the K\u00e4pyl\u00e4 hut to learn about the forest kindergarten's activities under the guidance of Pekka Sepp\u00e4l\u00e4. In Germany, similar daycare centers are commonplace, so the visitors were interested to see how the concept has been implemented in Finland.<\/p>\n We also had time to buy souvenirs: we visited a few flea markets and stopped by Artteli, a gift shop in Rautalammi. Lunch at Restaurant Ehdo was a culinary delight \u2013 the menu included vendace brioche, apple risotto, and blue cheese ice cream. We also heard stories about the history of the restaurant and the building.<\/p>\n In the afternoon, museum lecturer Liisa Paakkunainen led the guests on a history tour of the Rautalammi Museum in German. The garden, created in collaboration with the local Martha Organization, was of particular interest. The tour continued to Rautalammi Church, guided by Jaana Lehtolahti, and from there to the Orthodox Church, where Esko Nikander talked about the church's traditions in German.<\/p>\n We enjoyed pizza for dinner at Kerkonkosken Keita. We had a bit of luck during our walk in the harbor: the locals were fishing, and one of our guests, J\u00f6rn, got to try fishing for the first time in his life. After that, we stopped by the village hall in Seurala, where project worker Johanna Koponen told us about the village's projects and events.<\/p>\n On Friday evening, Kerkonkoski celebrated Venetian carnival. The village was filled with light art and atmosphere \u2013 even an ancient figure appeared at Mylly to greet us. At the end of the evening, we told our guests to keep an eye on the night sky. Soon we received a message: the northern lights had been seen and captured on camera!<\/p>\n Art, local delicacies, and ancient fires <\/strong><\/p>\n On Saturday, we headed to Pirkko Toiviainen's, aka Anna Wildrose's, art gallery. Pirkko told us about the background and techniques behind her works, after which the guests also got to try their hand at art. The men in particular laughed at their own attempts, but received lavish praise from Pirkko \u2013 and quite deservedly so.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Armata||||||||” custom_margin=”5px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After the art, a culinary experience awaited us at the Kiesim\u00e4 village association's cottage, where Seija, Saara, and Anna-Liisa served freshly baked Karelian pies, smoked vendace, and homemade berry juice, not to mention coffee and berry pie. During the coffee table discussions, a desire to visit a farm arose, and soon we were at the Markkanen farm getting to know the cows.<\/p>\n In the evening, the program included a cruise to the South Konnevesi National Park. There were 15 of us volunteers and Germans in the group. During the trip, we stopped at Lapinsalo Island to admire the sunset. After returning to H\u00e4yryl\u00e4 Harbor, we continued the evening at Kerkonkoski Keita, where we danced, told stories, and laughed late into the night.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Hiking, church boat rowing, and the secrets of the Northern Lights<\/strong><\/p>\n On Sunday, we returned to Etel\u00e4-Konnevesi National Park, this time to go hiking with our guide Teijo Haapakoski. Although the previous evening's revelry weighed a little heavily on us, the climb up the mountain was rewarding and the views were magnificent.<\/p>\n At the T\u00f6rm\u00e4l\u00e4 community center, we enjoyed a hearty lunch prepared by Sirpa, after which we headed to the shore for some church boat rowing. First mate Mikko Vauhkonen set the pace, and although there was little room for conversation while rowing, there was plenty of laughter.<\/p>\n In the evening, another special program awaited us at Seurala: local northern lights expert Michael Passarge gave a talk about the northern lights. Michael lives with his spouse for part of the year in Kerkonkoski, on the shore of Lake Kiesim\u00e4j\u00e4rvi. He particularly enjoys Kerkonkoski during the dark season, as the Northern Lights are his passion. His enthusiasm was evident in his presentation to his fellow countrymen on the origins of the Northern Lights. We also saw a wonderful slide show of the Northern Lights seen in Kerkonkoski and elsewhere in the world.<\/p>\n The last day \u2013 art and farewells<\/strong><\/p>\n On Monday, we headed to the ITE Aulis Museum in Suonenjoki. The collection produced by Aulis was breathtaking, and the guides brought the artist's world closer to us. It is wonderful that the artist's home has been converted into a museum, as it is truly unique. After the tour, we enjoyed lunch at the Vanham\u00e4ki restaurant and went souvenir shopping in Suonenjoki.<\/p>\n The last dinner together was held at the Koipiniemi lean-to. Markku and Sirpa prepared a kotia dinner, and the villagers of Koipiniemi helped with the coffee brewing.<\/p>\n The farewell was joyful but wistful, and there were tears at the departure. We are both grateful for everything we have experienced together this year \u2013 first on our project group's study trip to Germany and now on the Germans' return visit to Kerkonkoski.<\/p>\n One of our guests said that they had come to Finland without any particular expectations, but soon realized that they had experienced something they could never have imagined. The beauty of nature, the surrounding silence, and the hospitality of the villagers made a real impression. For those of us who live here, it can sometimes be challenging to notice, let alone understand, what a paradise we live in.<\/p>\n The visits gave us fresh perspectives, new ideas, and, above all, more enthusiasm for rural development. New friendships were formed along the way, and interest in rural areas in both Finland and Germany grew stronger. These are things that are difficult to measure, but whose value is all the greater for that.<\/p>\n A warm thank you to the entire Matkaillen Kerkonkoskelle project team and everyone who participated in the program in any way! We have a wonderful region and wonderful people!<\/p>\n You can read about our trip to Germany here. <\/a>Our partner's account of the same trip in German here<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The text was written by project worker Johanna Koponen.<\/em><\/p>\n The Traveling to Kerkonkoski project has received EU rural development funding through the Mansikka Development Association.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”3490,4944,4945,4941,4946,4947,4948,4949,4950,4951,4952,4953,4954,4955,4956,4957,4958,4959,4960,4961,4962,4963,4964,4940,4965,4966,4943,4942″ posts_number=”16″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Elokuun lopulla Kerkonkoski sai odotettuja vieraita Saksasta, Westliches Weserberglandin Leader-ryhm\u00e4n alueelta. Matkaillen Kerkonkoskelle- hankkeen ty\u00f6ryhm\u00e4 vieraili Saksassa maaliskuussa ja nyt oli aika saada tuoreet yhteisty\u00f6kumppanit vastavierailulle Savon syd\u00e4meen. Mukana viiden […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4939,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1139","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogi"],"yoast_head":"\n