Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge: A Tsar's Retreat

Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge offers a unique glimpse into the life of Russian Emperor Alexander III and his family in Finland. Completed in 1889, the lodge served as a summer retreat where the imperial family could escape the formalities of St. Petersburg. The Emperor enjoyed fishing and chopping wood, while the Empress took pleasure in cooking. The lodge itself is a modest yet elegant structure, designed by Finnish architects. Inside, visitors can explore the hall, kitchen, dressing rooms, study rooms, and bedrooms, furnished with original items and photographs that tell the story of the family's life at Langinkoski. The surrounding nature reserve features a small chapel built by monks in the early 19th century, a fish hatchery, a fisherman's cabin, and a shed for fishing gear. Langinkoski has been a significant fishing site for centuries, with salmon being the most desired catch. Today, visitors can still enjoy fishing in the rapids and explore the nature reserve's walking trails. The lodge was opened as a museum in the 1930s and is maintained by the Finnish Heritage Agency. It stands as the only preserved building outside Russia that was owned by the Emperor. A visit to Langinkoski combines a refreshing trip to nature with traces of the shared history of Finland and Russia.