Majatalo between Kuusamo and Oulu
A majatalo served a number of purposes in Finland in the 1800s. They were a combination of an inn, a tavern and a staging post.
Inn: Majatalos were a place for travellers to rest and stay overnight. The accommodations were often basic, consisting of simple rooms with beds. Travellers could enjoy a warm bed and a meal after a long journey.
Tavern: The local majatalo served as a social hub in their community, where residents could gather to socialize, eat and drink, share news and be entertained by musical performances, dances and other forms of amusement.
Staging post: Majatalos were staging posts for travellers, providing a place to rest, feed horses and continue their journey.
As travel by horse and carriage was replaced with railways and improved roads, the popularity of majatalos began to decline and slowly evolved into modern hotels, restaurants and bars.
Original Photograph
Click image to enlarge
Restored Photograph
Click image to enlarge
Photo Information
Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: J. A. Friis
Year: 1867
Link to original photo here
Copyright 2023 The Photo Record. All rights reserved. All digitally restored photographs and contents of this article may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the owner.
