Mukkulan Kartano

There’s plenty to do around the historic Mukkulan Kartano manor, from the two beaches and sauna to tennis, volleyball, playgrounds, and campfire spots. It’s a lovely place to sunbathe in summer or just explore any time of year. The area is one of the more well-known spots outside Lahti center, and the manor can also be booked for celebrations. It serves as a hotel and conference venue too.

We really enjoyed the food at our First of May brunch, and the place itself was stylish. The pop music was the one thing that didn’t fit. It sounded like a radio tucked into the fireplace, coming from one small spot instead of filling the room, and it didn’t do the setting justice. Jazz or classical might suit it better, or maybe an open window so the birds can be heard. We were very happy otherwise and will definitely come back.

The views were amazing, and the setup was lovely. It’s a peaceful beach spot for a weekend, without the big tourist crowds. Service was just too slow. Still, the stay is meant to be stress-free, so I’m giving it four stars.

The parties were great, and so were the hosts. The service at the venue was another story: checking in and even ordering a drink felt surprisingly difficult. Paying was slow and complicated almost every time, and I watched them try several times to squeeze a half-liter beer into a 40 cl glass. The staff weren’t especially welcoming either.