Suinula: History, Cultural Landscape and Nature

Suinula is shaped above all by the history of Markkula Manor, a protected manor-house ensemble and an open cultural landscape. When planning a stay, you can distinguish between these highlights: Markkula and the memorial offer an introduction to local history, Siitamantie provides views across the fields, and Lapinsaari and the sports field offer different ways to enjoy outdoor activities.

Markkula and the History of Suinula

On January 31, 1918, the first major and consequential confrontation between the Reds and the Whites in the Finnish Civil War took place at Markkula in Suinula. Following a siege and surrender, 17 people were killed and 26 injured in the so-called Suinula massacre in front of the stable at Markkula House. The Suinula memorial stands on the old road between Kangasala and Orivesi, which is valuable for its transport history.

The protected buildings at Markkula Manor include the new and old main buildings, a sauna and bakehouse, two granaries, a stable and a barn. The manor park also includes a garden and two gates with pillars. Together with the nearby Franssila military allotment cottage and the surrounding agricultural land, the manor-house ensemble and its courtyard form a valuable cultural landscape. Two historical perspectives meet at Markkula Manor: the specific event of 1918 and the architectural character of the estate.

Landscape and Views

Suinula’s village hill, with its old buildings and still-open agricultural land, is part of the Haralanharju valuable landscape area. The cultural landscape therefore consists not only of individual buildings: the open fields are also part of the described local scenery. A walk along Siitamantie in Suinula-Haviseva offers views across the fields to Lake Vesijärvi. The focus here is on the landscape, while Markkula and the memorial offer other points of connection to local history.

Guided Tour to the Historic Site

The guided tour “Tampereen taistelut 1918” visits the site and memorial of the Suinula massacre in Suinula, near Kangasala. The tour around the wider region lasts about four hours. It takes place either on a bus equipped with video technology and arranged by the association, or on the visitors’ own bus. The Suinula stop is part of a guided group tour and does not offer unrestricted, spontaneous access to the site. Check current availability with the tour operator.

Lapinsaari and Outdoor Activities

The Lapinsaari recreation area has a lean-to shelter, a campfire site, a rest shelter, a woodshed, a toilet and a boat dock. Some facilities may be maintained seasonally. Lapinsaari is connected to the mainland. When the ground is free of snow, the lean-to shelter and campfire site are accessible with a stroller or wheelchair. In winter, Lapinsaari is popular with tour skaters. These seasonal details differ: the two destinations mentioned are accessible when the ground is free of snow, while tour skating is described as a winter activity. When planning your visit, bear in mind that some facilities may be maintained seasonally.

The Suinulan kenttä sports field on Riihenkorventie also offers specific opportunities for physical activity. The grass field measures 65 × 45 metres, and an unofficial athletics track surfaced with brick grit runs around it. The outdoor fitness area at the sports field includes step platforms, a balance beam, ropes, cross-lifting bars, an abdominal bench, a dip station and hanging bars. The facilities offer distinct options: the grass field and track are part of the sports grounds, with exercise equipment available alongside them.

Discover more destinations: Virrat, Nokia, Pirkkala, Terälahti, Parkano, Metsäkansa, Siuro, Punkalaidun.

For the wider travel overview: Pirkanmaa.