Hartola, which once declared itself a kingdom, is proud of its history, and visitors can experience the best of this in the beautiful forest and lake wilderness.
Hartola is located in the region of Päijät-Häme, and is an active municipality of just under 3,000 people. Hartola has a long history – it was first mentioned in a papal bull of 1398. King Gustav III declared Hartola an independent ecclesiastical district at the end of the 18th century. Inspired by this, Hartola later declared itself Finland’s only kingdom.
Begin getting to know the area on a short town break on Hartola's village road, and head towards the Itä-Häme Museum to the south of the town centre. The museum is housed in the green mansion building of Koskipää, and it offers a glimpse into the working lives of ordinary people and the life of people living in the mansion. Right next to the Itä-Häme Museum is the mansion’s former main building, which currently hosts the Maila Talvio salon with summer art exhibitions.
River Tainionvirta, flowing from Lake Jääsjärvi to Lake Päijänne, is suitable for canoeing, so get out on the water and follow the Tainionvirta canoe route. Head to Hartola for a cheap and easy riverside holiday – in addition to canoeing, you can fish with lures and flies on the river.
The Ekonkoski nature trail near the parish village is a short and easy route, and the trail is well marked and unobstructed. The Purnuvuori nature trail, four kilometres long, includes a few steep climbs, but has breathtaking views from the top as well as a network of caves. If you are travelling in the terrain around Hartola, keep your eye out for cup stones that mark ancient sacrificial events.
There is plenty more for active visitors to do in Hartola: the municipality offers summer and winter sports. Hartola Golf is a popular and well kept 18-hole golf course that also has a challenging nine-hole Disc Golf course. The Purnu skiing centre located in Vuorenkylä, Hartola, has five ski slopes offering plenty to do for skiers of all abilities.
Hartola is halfway between Lahti and Jyväskylä, just over 100 miles from Helsinki Airport, so it is suitable for a long holiday or a short stay. In the autumn, visitors should stop off at Hartola market at the beginning of September.
