KONGINKANGAS

– A Short Description and Some History

Konginkangas is a rural area situated in Central Finland in Finnish Lakeland. It is part of Äänekoski town.

Highway E75 (Finnish National Road 4) from Helsinki to Lappland, and Lake Keitele, 9th largest lake in Finland and part of the great Päijänne water route, are the important life lines of the area.

Distances

To Helsinki 335 km, about 4,5 h.

To Oulu 274 km, under 4 h.

Nearest airport in Tikkakoski, Jyväskylä (46 km, ca. 40 min).

Nearest railway station in Jyväskylä (65 km, 1 h)

Nearest bus station in Äänekoski (24 km), bus stops in Konginkangas.

Nearest passenger harbours in Matilanvirta (7 km), and in Suolahti (34 km).

Nearest excursion harbour at the centre of Konginkangas.

(Distances measured from the centre of Konginkangas.)

Residents

There are about 1500 residents living permanently in Konginkangas area. In addition, there are over 800 holiday houses. In summer the number of villagers doubles as the holiday dwellers arrive to Konginkangas.

Although Konginkangas is clearly rural there is little traditional farming. Most people get their livelihood by working elsewhere – or by pensions because of the age structure of the area.

Villages of Konginkangas

The area of Konginkangas has six villages:

Konginkangas: The old municipal service centre has good basic services.

Liimattala: A village with large field areas and a colourful history.

Laajaranta: A growing village popular by families with children.

Kalaniemi: A traditional village whre living is close to nature.

Räihä: A village with strawberries and caravans.

Riihilahti: An active village with only about 14 permanent homes

- but 140 holiday houses!

Some History

Konginkangas was an independent municipality from 1895 till 1993. The industrial Äänekoski town was joined by Konginkangas in 1993. Today's Konginkangas has a strong identity within the municipality of Äänekoski.

Konginkangas has always been active. The beautiful wooden church built in 1866 is the symbol of Konginkangas. It is one of the last churches in Finland built without an architect. In summer it is open to visitors. Opposite the church there is also a small museum, open in summer weekends.

The first grammar school in Central Finland was founded in Konginkangas in 1867 by the villagers. There are three historical layers of schools by the church, all situated around the same school yard. The oldest - and smallest - school building now acts as a youth centre, the second oldest building houses the kindergarden, and the newest school house is a well functioning primary school.