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Hattula
Municipality in Kanta-Häme, Finland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Hattula (Finnish: [ˈhɑtːulɑ]) is a municipality of Finland. It is part of the Tavastia Proper region and until 2010 it was located in the province of Southern Finland. Hattula is almost completely surrounded by Hämeenlinna, only in the north it shares the border with Valkeakoski and Pälkäne on the Pirkanmaa region side.
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History
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The Hattula parish and its first church were established at the end of the 1200s. The parish is definitively mentioned in documentary sources for the first time in the early 1300s. The Church of the Holy Cross in Hattula, built mainly of brick in Gothic style at the end of the 15th century, was an important pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Before its official establishment as a municipality in 1868, Hattula was a historic region with deep roots in medieval religious, military, and manor culture.[4]
Hattula, a municipality established in 1868 in the region of Tavastia Proper, Finland, has a long and rich history that revolves notably around its role as a church pilgrimage site and its military significance with the Parolannummi garrison and Armour Museum. The area has been settled since ancient times, with the oldest settlements concentrated around Lake Vanajavesi. Archaeological finds and manors reflect a deep manor culture, and old fortresses like Tenhola Castle Mountain in Hattula illustrate its importance in early regional defense.[4][5]
Historically, Hattula and surrounding areas were part of the Häme region, inhabited since the Stone Age. The region was under Swedish rule from the late 13th century before being incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1809. Key medieval and post-medieval landmarks include the Holy Cross Church, Hattula, from the 15th century, built mainly of brick in Gothic style, serving as an important pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. The Lion of Parola monument commemorates the 1863 visit of Russian Emperor Alexander II.[4][5]
The pastures of Häme Castle were located in the area of the village of Nummi at least as early as the reign of King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. During the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, the infantrymen and hakkapeliitta cavalry of the region were assembled at Parolannummi. The use of Parolannummi as a military training ground began in 1777.[4][5]
King Gustav III of Sweden visited the camp three times to observe exercises, and King Gustav IV Adolf once. After the change of power, Emperor Alexander I of Russia visited Parolannummi once, and Emperor Alexander II twice.[4][5]
At the summer camp of 1863, Emperor Alexander II of Russia and Johan Vilhelm Snellman met each other. As a consequence of this meeting, the Emperor signed, on 1 August 1863 in the County Government House in Hämeenlinna, a decree declaring the Finnish language equal to Swedish in Finland.[4][5]
In honor of Alexander II’s visit, a bronze lion - the Lion of Parola - made by the Swedish sculptor Andreas Fornander was erected at Parolannummi in 1868. The erection of the bronze lion was also meant to be connected to the language decree. At the centenary celebration of the language decree in 1963, a “Stone of the Rights of the Finnish Language” was unveiled in the same location.[4][5]
Hattula also features several old manors and estates and has ties to notable historical figures such as astronomer Anders Planman and nationalist writer Jaakko Juteini. Additionally, the municipality is recognised for its horticultural institute and Lepaa winery, producing Finnish wines.[5]
Hattula is also the birthplace of the Finnish cooperative movement, because Hannes Gebhard spoke the founding words of the cooperative movement on the shore of Lake Lehijärvi in 1899. Gebhard brought the British cooperative idea to Finland and served as the chairman of the Pellervo Coop Center from 1899 to 1918. A memorial dedicated to Gebhard was erected on the shore of Lake Lehijärvi in 1959.[6][7]
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Parola as the Centre of Hattula
Parola is the center and administrative seat of the municipality of Hattula. It is home to most of the municipality’s services, such as the municipal hall, schools, the library, and commercial services. Parola is also officially classified in statistics as part of the Hämeenlinna urban area, but in practice it serves as Hattula’s administrative center. Parola is located with good transport connections, including a motorway and a railway.[8]
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Population and Size
Hattula encompasses an area of approximately 427 square kilometers, of which about 70 square kilometers is water, mainly from Lake Vanajavesi. As of the end of 2024, Hattula has a population of around 9,362 residents, with a population density of about 26 inhabitants per square kilometer. The municipality is almost entirely surrounded by the city of Hämeenlinna, except for a northern border sharing with Valkeakoski and Pälkäne in the Pirkanmaa region.[9]
Language
The municipality is unilingually Finnish.
Geography and Nature
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Hattula is located in the Vanajavesi Valley. The valley has a microclimate that extends the harvest and the natural growing season in autumn.[10]
A central element of the landscape in Hattula is lake Vanajavesi by which most of the oldest settlements in the area are concentrated. Villages in Hattula include Kivijoki, Kouvala, Lepaa, Tenhola, and Parola. A notable monument is the Holy Cross Church in Hattula.[5]
The terrain of Hattula features low rocky hills typical of Southern Finland's ancient Svecofennian geological formation, dating back around 1.8 to 2 billion years. The highest peak in the area is Koivistonmäki, reaching 182 meters above sea level, located near villages south of Hattula. The elevation in the municipality ranges from 79 meters to 163 meters above sea level, with an average altitude of 121 meters.[11]
In southern Finland, where Hattula is located, the growing season allows for cereals, potatoes, and grasses, which thrive in loamy and clay soils rich in organic matter. The terrain and climate conditions together support traditional Finnish field crops, such as barley, oats, wheat, and rye, as well as forage grasse.[11]
The nature in Hattula is verdant. The area features lush woodland forests and lakeside cliffs, such as those found in the Vanajanniemi Recreation Area, which remains in a natural state and provides rich greenery and a variety of plant species all year round. The forests are a mix of pine and deciduous trees, including some magnificent old pines, and the landscapes include beautiful parklands, gardens, and green recreational areas especially around places like Lepaa Manor and its surrounding parklands. The diverse vegetation includes ferns, wood sorrel, wetland plants, and other species common in a verdant Finnish forest environment.[12][13]
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Military
Hattula has strong military connections due to the Parolannummi garrison located in its seat, Parola. The municipality hosts the Finnish Defence Forces' Armour Brigade and the adjacent Armour Museum, which showcases the history of Finnish armored and anti-tank troops. The Parola Armour Museum has a wide selection of American, German, French, Russian, and British tanks. A notable monument there is the Lion of Parola, a bronze lion statue commemorating Emperor Alexander II’s 1863 visit. This lion motif is also featured on the Finnish Army’s Armour School flag. The Parola area has been a military training ground since 1777 and historically hosted infantry and cavalry men during the 17th century.[5]
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Churches
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The municipality has three Evangelical Lutheran churches: the medieval Holy Cross Church, the 19th-century Hattula Church, and the Tyrväntö Church built between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Aside from these, the Pentecostal Church’s Home Church operates in the municipality center.[5]
The Holy Cross Church in Hattula, Finland, is the oldest church in the former Tavastia (Häme) province and a significant example of medieval Finnish architecture. The Gothic-style church was an important pilgrimage destination for Catholics during the Middle Ages, known for its rich religious and artistic heritage. It houses about two hundred frescoes dated from 1510. Uniquely, the church's original ceiling paintings survived the Reformation without being whitewashed, preserving the vivid original colors.[14]
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Manor Culture
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Hattula is also distinguished by its manor culture, with several historic estates such as Ahlbacka, Ellilä, Metsänkylä, Lepaa, Lahdentaka, Suontaka, and Vesunta. The Vesunta Manor was once the personal property of King of Sweden Gustav Vasa. Lahdentaka Manor has one of the oldest English landscape gardens in Finland.[15] The founder of Nokia Fredrik Idestam was born at Lahdentaka Manor.[16] Suontaka Manor breeds organic cattle, and it was the first farm in Finland, which bred Ayrshire cattle.[17][18] The region's historical significance is further evidenced by the Iron Age Tenhola Castle Mountain and numerous archaeological finds. The historic Hämeen Härkätie road, an ancient trade route connecting Hämeenlinna to Turku, passes through parts of the municipality in the villages of Kivijoki and Kouvala.[19][20][5]
King Gustav Vasa of Sweden founded Helsinki in 1550. The Vesunta Manor was the king’s private property. He ordered the peasants of Vesunta Manor to go to Helsinki to build the city’s first buildings.[21]
Vesunta Manor later passed from Gustav Vasa to the noble Tawast family. Vesunta Manor was also called Vesunta Castle, as it was a three-story stone castle with hundreds of windows. At the height of its power, Vesunta was the wealthiest manor in Finland. The upkeep of the stone castle was neglected during the Great Northern War and afterwards. In the late 19th century, the owner of Vesunta Manor had the castle ruins demolished. Local residents opposed the demolition because it was a historically valuable landmark in Finland.[21]
In the nature of Hattula, one can encounter pheasants. In particular, the Aulanko and Vanajanlinna manors in Hämeenlinna introduced pheasants into the wild so that the manors’ hunting parties could go pheasant hunting. The pheasant population in Hattula is partly due to businessman Karl Fazer, as he donated pheasants to the owner of Vanajanlinna, business magnate Carl Wilhelm Rosenlew.[22][23]
In 2024, the Wesunda Dressage equestrian center was opened by entrepreneur Heidi Taipale in the area of Vesunta Manor. The equestrian center features modern horse stables, an indoor riding arena and riding hall, and a competition arena meeting international standards.[24][25][26]
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Education
Hattula has four daycare centers, and the municipality provides preschool education. Hattula has five primary schools and one lower secondary school. The schools are Juteini School, Parola School, Parola Joint School, Lepaa School, Pekola School, and Nihattula School. Hattula also has Parola Upper Secondary School. The municipality is also home to Häme Vocational Institute, Vanajavesi Community College, and the Sibelius Institute, which focuses on music and dance.[27]
At Häme Vocational Institute, one can study the production of liqueurs, country wines, craft beers, carbonated alcoholic beverages, and distilled spirits. Degrees can be completed in Lepaa.[28]
At Häme University of Applied Sciences’ Lepaa campus, one can study bioeconomy, horticulture, and the built environment. Degrees can be completed in both Finnish and English.[29]
Lepaa Horticultural Institute
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The Lepaa Horticultural Institute was founded in 1912 on the former lands of the Lepaa Manor, whose history dates back to the Middle Ages in the 1400s. The manor’s owner, Karl Fredrik Packalén, bequeathed the estate to the state in 1902 on the condition that an agricultural or horticultural school would be established and maintained there. The decision to establish the school was confirmed in 1909, and teaching began in the autumn of 1912. The manor’s fields were transformed into apple orchards, greenhouses were built, and the manor’s parks were expanded for the institute’s use. The Lepaa Horticultural Institute has continuously served as a center for horticultural education for over a hundred years, and a horticultural school was founded alongside it in 1923.[15]
The institute’s activities have also been enriched by its culturally and historically significant environment, which includes old buildings and an English landscape garden. The Lepaa area is part of the valuable landscape of the Vanajavesi Valley. The institute has played a key role in training horticulture professionals in Finland, and since 1975 it has also hosted the Horticultural Museum, which presents the history and teaching of the field. Today, the Lepaa Horticultural Institute operates as part of Häme University of Applied Sciences, offering comprehensive education in horticulture as well as related tourism and green sector activities.[15]
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Lepaa Winery and Brewery
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Lepaa Winery produces wines and ciders from locally grown fruits and berries. The winery and brewery are located on the Lepaa campus and operates in an historical building from around 1910. It produces about 15,000 to 20,000 liters of berry and fruit-based wines annually, including sparkling wines, ciders, and liqueurs. Lepaan Panimo (Lepaa Brewery) produces beer. The winery also offers wine tastings, a wine shop, a café, and wine production education. Lepaa Winery is a popular destination and part of the horticultural tradition at Lepaa.[30][31][32]
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Industries
Hattula's main industries include a combination of historical tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The municipality is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, attracting visitors to sites like the medieval Church of the Holy Cross, the Parola Armour Museum, and the Lepaa Winery area, where berry wine production is notable. Agriculture in the region complements this, particularly horticulture and fruit and berry wine production at Lepaa.[33]
Hattula is known for its extensive and high-quality cattle farming. The high-quality Hereford and Ayrshire production of Hattula is recognised beyond the locality.[34][17]
Hattula is involved in ongoing renewable energy projects that could significantly boost local revenues. There are efforts to attract new residents and businesses, with new construction zones being developed. The nearby Parola garrison and the Finnish Army's Armoured Brigade also contribute to the local economy through defense-related activities.[35]
Transport
The Russian Empire noticed after the losing Crimean War that the country was unable to transfer troops quickly enough to defend the coastal area. For this reason, Finland's first railway project was launched between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna. Hämeenlinna was a large garrison town from which soldiers could be sent to defend the capital of the Grand Duchy, Helsinki. The railway was opened in 1862, but the railway connection reserved only for military use extended as far as the garrison at Parola. However, railway traffic opened for passenger use started in 1876.[36]
Hattula is served by the Parola Railway Station since 1876, one of Finland’s original railway stations, located along the Helsinki–Tampere railway line.[37]
Finnish national road 3 (Finnish: Valtatie 3 or Kolmostie), which is part of the European route E12, passes through Hattula. This highway runs from Helsinki to Vaasa via Hämeenlinna, Tampere, and several other towns. Specifically, it goes right next to the city center of Hämeenlinna and also through Hattula near Parola, making it an important road connection for the municipality.
Famous people
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Prominent cultural figures associated with Hattula include Jaakko Juteini, a Finnish nationalist writer born in 1781, and astronomer Anders Planman.[38][5]
In Popular Culture
The film The Unknown Soldier, produced by Suomen Filmiteollisuus and directed by Edvin Laine, was partly shot in Parola. Prime Minister Urho Kekkonen granted permission for the use of a tank, which the production team obtained in Parola. The scenes in which Urho Hietanen destroys a tank, as well as the scene of Vilho Koskela's death, were filmed there.[39][40]
Attractions
Hattula also features the Mierola Bridge, one of Finland’s early concrete bridges constructed shortly after the Finnish Civil War in 1919. Next to the Mierola Bridge is the Mierola marina, which also has a café-restaurant. The municipality boasts a multipurpose center and a municipal library named after Juteini. Additionally, Lepaa has a notable horticultural institute and winery producing domestic Finnish wines, alongside a gardening museum and clay workshop. Parola Tank Museum has a vast collection of tanks, and the Lion of Parola is nearby. Recreational opportunities in Hattula include boating, horseriding, football, golf, frisbee golf, theatre, swimming, hiking, skating, and other outdoor activities.[41][5][42]
In Hattula and its surroundings, golf is a popular hobby. Hattula has two golf courses, namely Hattula Golf and Lepaa Golf. In Hattula’s neighboring municipality of Hämeenlinna, there is the so-called "Tiilaakso" (“Tee Valley”), which has four golf courses.[43][44][45]
Gallery
Hattula Holy Cross Church.
New Church.
Library is located at the Juteini House.
Ahlbacka Manor.
Lepaa Manor.
Inkala Mansion.
Institute of Horticulture in Lepaa and vineyard.
Armour Museum.
Mierola Bridge.
Mierola Marina.
Mierola Marina.
Lepaa Garden and Wine Shop.
The Lion of Parola.
Wesunda Dressage's Riding Hall.
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See also
References
External links
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