The Church of the Holy Cross in Hattula
The Church of the Holy Cross in Hattula is the oldest in Häme. The first documented mention dates from 1324, but current estimates suggest the church was built between 1472 and 1490. The church has been known as a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. The walls of the nave are adorned with original frescoes from the 1510s, the largest of their kind in Finland. Painted using the ‘al secco’ technique, the frescoes depict biblical events and the lives of the saints. Speaking from personal experience, we can say that the paintings and the atmosphere of the church are breathtakingly beautiful. One might say that a sense of the sacred is present in the place.
Anneli Kanto’s novel *The Saint of the Rats* is a fictional story set in a church, centring on the church’s painters. The book has also been adapted into popular stage productions. Although the story itself is fictional, its depiction of the period is certainly accurate in many respects, which is why reading the book can serve as a good introduction to the medieval world of Häme. We therefore recommend this reading experience, which is written in rich, evocative language.
The church is open during the summer season from around mid-May to mid-August. During this time, guided tours of the church are available for a small fee. Admission is free. On Sundays during the summer, Mass is held at 10.00. A small craft shop is open in the summer next to the car park, in the granary. Address: Vanhankirkontie 41, Parola. Further information: Hattula Parish
Tenhola Hill Fort
Tenhola Hill Fort is an ancient fort that forms part of the chain of ancient forts in Häme, alongside Rapola, Aulanko, Matereenlinna and Hakoiset. Culturally, they represent a time when society was organised along tribal lines. They were built during the Iron Age, around 1,000–1,500 years ago, and served as places of refuge and shelter for the population against attacks by external enemies. The highest hilltops, offering the most favourable strategic positions, were chosen as hill forts, and they were linked to one another by smoke and light signals. The Tenhola hill fort is a gravel ridge approximately 100 metres long, rising more than 65 metres above the surface of Lake Vanajavesi. The hill was surrounded by a high timber fence, known as a ‘rintavarustus’; based on research, a small replica of this was constructed on the hill in the 1960s. Otherwise, understandably, nothing remains of the old wooden ancient fortress.
Tenhola Hill is part of the Häme Ilves Trail. As a destination for day trips and for those who enjoy a few hours’ hike, Tenhola is a lovely spot! The paths are well-maintained and mostly quite wide, and the terrain is easy to walk on. New steps have been built up to the castle hill, which makes the climb a little easier. The paths are also well suited to mountain bikers. It’s worth noting, however, that the terrain varies considerably in places and the climb up to Linnavuori itself requires some effort. At the foot of Linnavuori there’s a shelter, two campfire sites and a composting toilet. You can reach Linnavuori from Rauha via Marttaristi or Merve, but you cannot drive right up to it. Ask Kirs and Harri for more information – we’ll be happy to advise you! Further information: Hattula Municipality
Lepaa Winery, Pottery Studio and Manor House
Lepaa Winery in Hattula is a lovely destination for a day trip. The wine shop sells all the wines and ciders produced at Lepaa Winery. Alongside the estate’s own produce, the range prioritises products and produce from local producers. Seasonal items on sale include, for example, tomatoes from Lepaa’s greenhouses, as well as churned butter and cheese from Sairio Dairy. The café next to the shop has a display case offering sweet and savoury treats, and the café is licensed to serve alcohol. For larger groups, various activities can be booked, such as historical and park tours, as well as wine tastings. Address: Viinitilantie 12, Lepaa. Further information: Lepaa Winery
Lepaa Pottery is a workshop located within the grounds of Lepaa Winery, specialising in high-fired, handmade ceramics crafted ‘between earth and sky’. The workshop, which also produces humorous art and functional items, is a fun place to pick up unique souvenirs. Further information: Lepaa Pottery Workshop
The oldest parts of Lepaa Manor date back to the 17th century, and it is considered a site of cultural and historical interest. The manor offers accommodation all year round, and the waffle café is open during the summer. The Lepaa area is also home to a garden museum and a golf course. Further information: Lepaa Manor
LatoSpa – the region’s best traditional sauna in Hämeenlinna
Peace and tranquillity.
Gentleness and strength.
Relaxation and wellbeing.
Myllytalo’s LatoSpa was conceived with all this in mind. At the heart of LatoSpa lies the Aitokiuas, a single-heating traditional sauna in the old courtyard that takes around five hours to heat up; its gentle, long-lasting steam relaxes even the most stressed body. Leave the hustle and bustle behind as the black stove’s pipes chime. From the warmth of the sauna, you can plunge into a six-person hot tub beneath the starry sky and let the water soothe your limbs. The lounge area, built in an old wooden barn and equipped with patio heaters, offers a place to relax – complete with a fridge and barbecue – both during and after your sauna session. Authentic experiences in an authentic setting, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Hämeenlinna.
Further information and bookings: Myllytalo
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