Inhabited birdhouses, recipes from the mother of Lyökki, and an “infinite lack of self-criticism regarding construction” make Herrankukkaro in Rymättylä what it is – different. This unique place is steered together by father and son, Pentti-Oskari and Karioskari Kangas with their families.
A set square, a spirit level, and architects are forbidden here, laughs tourism entrepreneur Pentti-Oskari Kangas. He gestures with his hand in a wide arc, sweeping over the area of the old fishing farm at Herrankukkaro. Located in the Turku archipelago, Herrankukkaro has served as a meeting and recreation place for groups for 27 years, and during that time, the place has expanded in every direction.
When operations began, there were three buildings and a boathouse on the plot. Since then, a considerable number of buildings have been created – in their own unique style and mainly from recycled, gray timber.
– Nowadays, we have 54 buildings here that have a door. Our style can be described as having an infinite lack of self-criticism regarding construction, says Pentti-Oskari Kangas and laughs again.
Pentti-Oskari Kangas, who turned 80 this summer, is one of the biggest attractions of the place. He is a storyteller who has a story for every topic imaginable.
Beside him, listening with a gentle smile, is his son Karioskari Kangas. He currently manages the family business and is the captain of both Herrankukkaro and the steamship Ukkopekka. Also involved in the family business are Pentti-Oskari's wife, all of the children, and Karioskari's wife.
Above all, Herrankukkaro's goal is to make people smile. Through a smile, we influence emotions and leave a lasting memory, summarizes Pentti-Oskari.
Stories have built Herrankukkaro into what it is, and new stories are created all the time. Local food, archipelago nature, and responsibility are all woven into the story. But how did it all start?
Pentti-Oskari originally bought Herrankukkaro with his wife as a family summer place. When it remained underused after the children grew up, they began to consider the place's potential for business operations.
They thought for a long time about whether to target groups or private customers.
– A friend of mine advised me to decide what you are doing and then focus on that. That was wise advice. We decided to focus on groups, which was the right choice. If we had invested in private customers, the summer season would be really busy, but otherwise it would be quiet. Now we have enough customers and activity all year round, says Pentti-Oskari.
Year-round operation is the dream of every company in the tourism industry, and a lot of work has been done for that at Herrankukkaro as well. Early on, the company set a goal that March and November, which are often quiet in the industry, would be the busiest months of the year.
They invested a lot in them. They didn't become the busiest, but they were still very good. The highest demand is in May-June and August-October.
A friend of mine advised me to decide what you are going to do and then focus on that. Pentti-Oskari Kangas
Karioskari emphasizes that the company's business is based on respect for nature. Sustainability and responsibility are taken into account in all operations. For example, the food offering focuses on local products and archipelago fish.
Pentti-Oskari, originally from Lyökki, warmly remembers the food of his childhood. In the archipelago, they ate simply: vegetables, fish, eggs, and forest produce. Salt, pepper, and honey were enough for seasoning. In these recipes
Pentti-Oskari believes, and food prepared according to them is enjoyed at Herrankukkaro. Pentti-Oskari also shares these recipes in his popular Friday Recipes.
The Friday Recipe is an email newsletter, the number of subscribers to which has at best been 96,000 across Finland. In the letters, Pentti-Oskari tells stories, shares recipes, and spreads awareness about news from Herrankukkaro. The letters are indeed one of the most important marketing channels for Herrankukkaro. Anyone can subscribe to these stories for free to their email at perjantairesepti.fi.
Another thing extremely important to us is the “jungle drum” (word of mouth). Every group must be handled as well as possible so that the customers are satisfied. Then they will tell others about us and want to come back here again, says Karioskari.
At Herrankukkaro, meetings, workplace wellbeing days, and retreats are held. The days may include lectures and programs, but also recreation, such as saunas, swimming, and a good night's sleep.
The venue welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors annually, half of whom come from the Capital Region. The rest arrive from Southwest Finland, Satakunta, and some from further away. About half of the customers are companies, and half are from the public sector. The groups are typically large, ranging from 80 to 200 people. Not many destinations in Southern Finland can accommodate and house such large groups, but it is possible at Herrankukkaro.
Karioskari and Pentti-Oskari summarize that the key feature of Herrankukkaro is its uniqueness—standing out from the rest.
– When a workplace wants to go for a staff wellness day to "somewhere a bit different, not just any regular meeting room," many remember us. Being different is our ace in the hole.
Another important asset is the beautiful archipelago nature, which can be enjoyed in all seasons. Nature is utilized in many versatile ways. Group programs often include, for example, yard games, fyke net boat rowing, and survival suit floating. It is also important to just be in nature. Even silence alone can make a powerful impression.
Although Herrankukkaro's style is that of an old fishing village, Pentti-Oskari emphasizes that exoticism and primitivism are two different things.
– A person can certainly enjoy exotic conditions, but they cannot hang their clothes on a pine branch when going to the sauna or attend to their business on an old-fashioned outdoor toilet. All modern comforts must be present. That is why we have, for instance, 28 flush toilets here.
Why are days focusing on staff wellness
important for a company?
1. Employees get away from the everyday routine and to a new place – preferably in the middle of nature.
2. The mutual connection and bond between members of the work community are strengthened through shared activities and discussions.
3. Feeling good and being in a good mood also help you cope better at work.
+ The archipelago oxygen ensures a good night's sleep – and turns even unpleasant things into something more positive!
Tips provided by Pentti-Oskari Kangas.
Herrankukkaro
Industry: meetings, recreation, and staff wellness
Founded: 1995
Employees: 12 permanent islanders, plus extras
Revenue: €1.1 M (2022)