Kannusjärvi: Village History, Windmill and Lakeside Landscape

Kannusjärvi combines a distinctive lakeside landscape with historic village structures and several sites of cultural and historical interest. The village roads around Lake Kannusjärvi and Little Kannusjärvi offer views of cultivated shorelines and farmsteads. Other highlights include the buildings and memorial sites at Tykä Farm, as well as opportunities for hiking and seasonal cross-country skiing. When planning your visit, you can choose from a range of themes: village history, cultural landscapes or outdoor activities.

Lakeside Landscape and Village History

The historic village settlements were located around a chain of lakes running from north to south: Kannusjärvi, Pieni Kannusjärvi and Haukjärvi. Small rivers connect the lakes. The present-day landscape is a separate feature, best seen from the village roads: they wind around Lake Kannusjärvi and Little Kannusjärvi, offering views of cultivated lakeshores and farmsteads. Kannusjärvi was first mentioned as a highland village in 1525; the historical record also includes the names Hasula/Cannisyervi and Timperi.

Windmill, Museums and Arboretum at Tykä Farm

The three-storey windmill was built by Hannu Tykä himself and completed in 1993, modelled on an old windmill. It is a landmark of the village. The Tykän Riihimuseo is housed in a more than 120-year-old barn preserved at the same location. The museum focuses on old agricultural objects. The small Tykän Maitolavamuseo is located between the Riihimuseo and the windmill. The farm grounds also include a small arboretum with more than 80 tree species. The grounds bring together historic architectural styles, agricultural objects and a diverse collection of trees.

Memorial Sites and Historical Dates

The Pakokivi is a memorial stone at a hiding place, erected by forest refugees on 23 April 1918 under the leadership of Erik Tykä (1866–1948). The date 20 April 1918 is carved into the stone—the day the men fled there. The two dates therefore mark different events: the escape and, three days later, the erection of the memorial stone. Another historical trace is the crash site of a Soviet bomber in a field at Tykä Farm; the aircraft crashed in the summer of 1941.

Hiking and Seasonal Activities

Portimon polut is a network of hiking trails running through Ruissalo, Kannusjärvi, Kitula and Metsäkylä, with a total length of more than 60 kilometres. This distance refers to the entire network across several villages. For specific planning, check the latest route details, as they may change. A local alternative in Kannusjärvi is a 2.7-kilometre illuminated fitness and cross-country ski trail. Cross-country skiing is seasonal. The extensive trail network and the shorter ski trail offer different route lengths to suit your plans.

Refreshments on the Alpaca Hike

The Aholafarm alpaca hike package includes refreshments by the campfire: Takaladon-Lihas sausages with mustard, salad or savoury pastries, coffee brewed in a pot, tea, juice and homemade sweet pastries. As package inclusions may change, check the current details before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Rekola, Kotka, Mäntlahti, Jaala, Kouvola, Verla, Hamina, Virolahti.

Go to the regional travel overview: Kymenlaakso.