The dream of Onnela
Imagine a world where mothers—often the unsung heroes of everyday life—could pause, breathe, and relax in their own paradise, far removed from daily responsibilities. This was the dream that inspired a brave group of women in Oulu in the early 1950s. They believed that mothers deserved a holiday where they could find refreshment and rest without the obligations of family life. This idea gave birth to Lomakoti Onnela—a safe haven for mothers, a place where they could unwind, enjoy delicious meals, and participate in carefully planned activities.
History and development of the Holiday Village
In 1954, the dream found its perfect location on the banks of the Kiiminki River in Haukipudas—a former estate called Moberg’s farm called Onnela, meaning ”place of happiness.” The tranquil setting by the river was ideal for the community-built sanctuary, where mothers could escape the whirlwind of daily life. In the early years, the women worked tirelessly, raising funds through bazaars and lotteries to bring their vision of a vacation home to life and watch it flourish.
The first holidays were packed with activities: tasty meals, massages, outdoor games, and household management workshops led by experts. Mothers enjoyed shared moments, excursions, and evenings that culminated in celebratory closing ceremonies where the holidaymakers presented their own programs. These vacations fostered meaningful friendships and created lifelong memories.
Over the years, Onnela expanded its operations. Its buildings were renovated several times with volunteer efforts, all while maintaining its cozy and welcoming atmosphere. When Onnela faced financial challenges in the 1980s, the community rallied to save it. In the decades that followed, the dream evolved, taking on new meanings and purposes. By the 2000s, Onnela had shifted its focus toward promoting well-being and preventing social exclusion.
Today, Onnela remains a living dream—a place where all weighed down by daily demands can find rest and their own moments of happiness in a serene, home-like environment.
The Taiga Resort area holds significant historical value. Onnela operates in the former residence of District Sheriff Moberg, a log-framed building constructed in 1906. In the same courtyard stands the house of former Civil Guard Chief Paloheimo, which was presumably built before the war. After Moberg’s death, his wife, Katri Moberg, continued living in the house and established a book shop there before the holiday village was established.
In 1974, the first accommodation building, Toivola, was constructed, and a year later, Onnela was connected to the water supply network. All construction was funded through volunteer work as well as money raised from lotteries and bazaars. Two decades later, in 1997, a second accommodation building, Unelma, was completed, further enhancing the holiday home complex.
Nowadays the place is called a Taiga Resort and the new owners continue respecting the spirit of the place by develop the place to serve all visitors even better. ”The names of the buildings alone reflect what we wish for our guests: peace, joy, and inspiration surrounded by nature.
Welcome to the place of happiness in Taiga Resort!