This is first post about various trips in the region of Ikaalinen looking at them from outsider’s perspective and more specifically from foreigner’s point of view.
Together, with two international friends we visited the Huopio market in Luhalahti. This is reoccurring event taking place four times in the summer – once a month, always on Saturday! Idea behind the market is to bring permanent and summer residents, as well as market traders together. Here we would like to share thoughts of the market and why this market or other similar event taking place in Ikaalinen area might be just the right place for you to visit as well!
This was perfect day for it, warm and sunny, an hour drive from Tampere via scenic routes to our destination. First impression of the place was that it’s not too big yet filled with people and lively. We weren’t sure what to really expect – there were both ends – from people selling their lifetime collections of random items, through local meat producers ending with craftsman. From conscious consumer point of view, such place can be real opportunity to learn about the products journey, especially when it comes to food.
Market itself didn’t keep us busy too long, we spent around an hour there and decided to explore what else there is to do in Luhalahti. Just minutes-walk away from the marketplace, we found a swimming spot, with small beach with unique amber like shade of water. There was enough space to have a picnic and outdoor lunch – if you brought one yourself.
We saw a sign suggesting there would be a café/flea market in the old mill nearby and we found it open even google maps said it’s permanently closed – a bit room to improve marketing. Place itself felt authentic and had nice mix of old items, mostly dishes, household items, pots, some furniture, home textiles etc. Extra points for not being poisoned with cheap modern disposable items, like fast fashion clothes for example.
Bonus at the location were the rapids that powered old mill in the past. Rapids are not the most common sight in southern Finland as there aren’t many fells in that region, hence this spot make a must visit when passing through the area.
We were wondering where one should look for information about markets like this, yes, we know that Ikaalinen city provides information about events in the area, but how many foreigners know what Ikaalinen is? We believe that Finnish countryside in the south has much to offer, yet it falls under the radar of most foreigners due to overwhelming fame of Lapland.
Specific idea how to engage foreign tourists is to organize visits to different farms for food tasting with a chef who could explain the story behind the work and choices made which result in high quality agricultural products.
Written by: Kamil Wojcik
