The naturally beautiful village of Mallinkainen is located at the junction of the clay plains of the Vanajavesi valley and the uplands of East Janakkala. The landscape is characterized by the large, flat fields of Alimaa and Korpi in the southern and western parts of the village, and high gravel ridges, rocks, and hills that cut through the center of the village. Among them, Ilovaara forested hill, Kakarinkallio rock, Käärmemäki hill, Mäyränlamminkallio rock, and Lavankallio rock are worth climbing for their stunning views from the top. In the northern and eastern parts of the village, there are numerous clear-watered small ponds and lakes, many of which are still undeveloped and some protected from construction by zoning. On the map, you can find lake Sammaljärvi, pond Paha-Valkee, pond Saukonlammi, pond Haukilammi, and many more.

Mallinkainen has been inhabited since at least the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The estates of West Janakkala and Turenki had – and still have to some extent – extensive land ownership in the village. There were many cottages in the early 20th century.

In the 19th century, there was at least one mill operating in Sammaloja, and during the second half of the 19th century, the Alimaa plain was mostly cleared for fields. At the very beginning of the 20th century, the Mallinkainen primary school was established, which served as a school until 1974 and has since been the center of village activities. The picturesque log village school is currently owned by the Mallinkainen village association. The association was established in the early 1990s and has a diverse and active program at the school.

At its best, Mallinkainen had two shops. Of today’s services, the best maintained is the recently renovated and paved Mallinkaistentie from Turenki to Löyttymäki. It’s a pleasant route for cycling or driving to Mallinkainen. There are about 50 inhabited houses in Mallinkainen, and the population is around 150.

The wildlife of Mallinkainen is abundant. Bear sightings occur almost annually, and one year there was a winter den for a bear on the back slope of pond Löyttylampi. The lynx population is strong, and moose and deer are often seen; during winter, one can hear the call of the owl. In spring and autumn, Alimaa has become a resting place for thousands of geese and swans, where large flocks linger for weeks.

Mallinkainen village association

The village has a Mallinkainen Village Association, which was founded in 1992. The well-maintained former primary school of Mallinkainen, built in 1903, serves as a gathering place for villagers and as the heart of the village.

The village school also has a gym and various weekly activities such as exercise groups and clubs. The village association also organizes various events, such as rural markets, winter festivities, and summer biker cafés.

Rental facilities

Village School
The over 100-year-old village school owned by the Mallinkainen village association is located along Mallinkaistentie, about 10 kilometers from Turenki and about 30 kilometers from Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki. The building has two classrooms in the middle between two rented apartments. One classroom is a gym, and the other is rented out as a party and meeting room. The party/meeting room can accommodate about 50 people. The kitchen is equipped with coffee makers, a kettle, a refrigerator, a freezer, and an electric stove. Coffee service for 50 people, a piano, restrooms in the foyer, and an outdoor playing field that also serves as parking space.
p. 040 176 4779, mallinkaisten.kylayhdistys@gmail.com

Recreational opportunities

• The Mallinkainen Village School has a gym that is open to everyone with an annual membership fee of 30 €. The gym is open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
• There is also a new outdoor exercise and play area in the schoolyard.
• The Village School also hosts fitness groups, clubs, and a handicraft circle.

Other interesting facts

• Bikers’ Café
  On summer Thursdays, the Mallinkainen Village School hosts the Mallinkainen Bikers’ Café. The café is open in July and August on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 8 PM.
• Eastern Janakkala Mobile Route (in Finnish)
  The Eastern Janakkala mobile route introduces you to six villages in the municipality. Download the route and app to your phone – all you need is the Nomadi app.
• Lake Mallinkaistenjärvi Lean-to shelters and beautiful nature
  A forested hiking area with campfire sites and a swimming beach available to visitors. Along the lakeside trails, you’ll find scenic cliffs such as Valskerinkallio. In cape Saparonniemi, ash trees and small-leaved lindens grow — both protected under Finnish nature conservation law.