A Kingdom of authentic
experiences

Ski resort Purnu offers activities for the whole family in Vuorenkylä, Hartola, just a few hours’ drive from Helsinki. Our well-kept and safe slopes are ideally suited for families with children. Speed lovers will enjoy the elevation of 100 metres and street with boxes and rails. The surrounding Purnuvuori area has opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in peaceful natural beauty.

Designed by architect Josef Stenbäck, the grey granite church dates back to 1913. The church has characteristics of National Romantic and Art Nouveau styles. Its interior features an altarpiece titled ‘Teidän edestänne’ (For your sake), also designed by Stenbäck. Next to the church are the cemetery and commemorative statue for the wars of 1939-1945 and a memorial of those fallen left behind in Karelia. The cemetery also has a memorial for the veterans of 1918 and a cross for the memory of those forgotten, donated by author Maila Talvio.

The Museum of East Häme in Koskipää features aspects of manor culture, folk crafts and artefacts, exhibits on authors Maila Talvio and Mika Waltari and poet Uuno Kailas, a traditional, chimneyless hut and a museum on agricultural history. We also hold seasonal exhibitions during the summer.

The Harju heritage landscape farm specialises as a caretaker of traditional landscapes. The farm milieu is classified as a nationally valuable heritage landscape and was awarded as the heritage landscape of the year in 2013. Explore the farm’s beautiful manicured meadows, grazing lands and forest pastures and learn about our some 300 native species of plants. The spacious and biodiverse natural pastures found on the farm used to be commonplace in Finland, but urbanisation and agricultural reform have caused them to become rare and endangered.

A tour and activity operator in Hartola and neighbouring areas, including the Tainonvirta river and Leivonmäki National Park. We provide rental canoes and kayaks and their transport and arrange guided canoeing and hiking trips. We also offer wilderness meals, pot-brewed coffee and trained masseur services.

The summer art exhibition organised by the municipality of Hartola features a rich collection of paintings, graphic art, sculptures and other works by both established artists and young talents.

The Vanha-Koskipää manor has hosted the exhibitions since 1983. The art exhibitions are named in homage to author Maila Talvio, who was born and lived in Hartola and in her time had influenced the history of the manor.

The exhibition features works by around a dozen invited professional artists each year.

The Tainionvirta river flows from lake Jääsjärvi to the great lake of the region, Päijänne. On the Hartola side, the river has five rapids with a total drop in elevation of around seven metres.

Tainionvirta is a calm river that meanders through diverse terrain. Fishing is possible without wading, and good fishing spots are easily accessible. Both lure and fly fishing are possible along the river. The fishing season on Tainionvirta begins early in the spring. The stream is slow enough to allow fishing also in cold waters. The river is particularly well-suited for springtime fly fishing with February red stoneflies.

Tainonvirta also offers great opportunities for canoeing. The canoe route stretches all the way from lake Jääsjärvi in Hartola to lake Majutvesi in Sysmä. The 40-kilometre course includes 24 kilometres of river and 16 kilometres of lake canoeing.

Built in 1923 on the site of an old barn at Koskipää manor, the red log cabin Jokiranta was once the headquarters of the local Civil Guard. Situated along the Tainonvirta river, the building is today owned by the municipality of Hartola and is suitable as a venue for parties, banquets and clubs. In the summer, Jokiranta hosts the Outolintu (‘Oddball’) film night.

A suspension bridge built by Civil Guardsmen in the 1930s crosses the Tainionvirta river at Jokiranta.

A monument has been erected in the place where Hartola’s old wooden church built in the 17th century used to stand before being closed down due to its state of disrepair. Later in 1928, it was moved to the neighbouring Pertunmaa where it remains today. The monument is a six-metre tall, six-ton slab of stone. It was designed by Ilmari Wirkkala, father of Tapio Wirkkala. The monument was unveiled in 1929 by president Relander.

The wide range of education services and historically prestigious milieu at East Häme Institute provide opportunities for self-improvement through studies and affordable dormitory accommodations. The local Tainonvirta and Jääsjärvi nature and trails offer options for recreation during all seasons.