Welcome to our Kingdom
Did you know that the Kingdom of Hartola is named after a six-year-old little prince of Sweden, Gustav Adolf?
By the 18th century, Hartola had grown to become a prosperous village with many impressive manor houses in the area. A collection of Hartola’s most powerful men led by Adolf Tandefelt, provincial governor and lord of the largest local estate of Koskipää, set out to claim self-rule from the neighbouring parish. To this end, a petition was drafted directly to His most merciful Majesty King Gustav III of Sweden. After studying the matter with his councillors, the King decreed that Hartola become an independent parish on August 31, 1784. Thus it came to be that Hartola was named Gustav Adolfs Socken, after the prince who would later become King Gustav IV Adolf. For a long time, the parish was known to locals as Kustavus.
The King of fishermen’s tales
The Tainionvirta river offers splendid opportunities for fishing, canoeing and hiking in the clean forest air. Activities in Hartola also include golf, disc golf, bowling, traditional social dances, and cycling with the Kingdom’s loan bikes. In the winter, you can choose your favourite pastime from downhill and cross-country skiing to ice fishing.
Experience local history and gentry culture
Culture enthusiasts will find plenty of things to explore in Hartola. Travel through time in the Museum of East Häme exhibit on old daily life and customs, gentry culture and agricultural history. The Museum also features exhibits on the lives of authors Mika Waltari, Uuno Kailas and Maila Talvio. During the summer, art lovers are treated to the modern art exhibition organised by Salon Maila Talvio at Vanha-Koskipää manor. Built in 1913 in the National Romantic style, Hartola’s magnificent granite church offers a calm and quiet environment to unwind.
Hartola market days
Market traditions in Hartola go back to the harvest markets of the early 19th century. Even today, Finland’s largest farmer’s market days are held here annually on the first Saturday of September. On market day, the town centre is filled with 30,000 visitors and 500 shopkeepers.
Come enjoy our pleasant and peaceful town!