Hattula

Municipality in Kanta-Häme, Finland
Hattula
Municipality
Hattulan kunta
Hattula kommun
The Holy Cross Church of Hattula
The Holy Cross Church of Hattula
Coat of arms of Hattula
Coat of arms
Location of Hattula in Finland
Location of Hattula in Finland
Coordinates: 61°03′N 024°22′E / 61.050°N 24.367°E / 61.050; 24.367
Country Finland
RegionKanta-Häme
Sub-regionHämeenlinna
First records1318
Charter1868
SeatParola
Government
 • Municipal managerPekka Järvi
Area
 (2018-01-01)[1]
 • Total
427.39 km2 (165.02 sq mi)
 • Land357.8 km2 (138.1 sq mi)
 • Water69.55 km2 (26.85 sq mi)
 • Rank214th largest in Finland
Population
 (2025-06-30)[2]
 • Total
9,348
 • Rank103rd largest in Finland
 • Density26.13/km2 (67.7/sq mi)
Population by native language
[2]
 • Finnish97% (official)
 • Swedish0.4%
 • Others2.7%
Population by age
[3]
 • 0 to 1417.4%
 • 15 to 6459.3%
 • 65 or older23.3%
Time zoneUTC+02:00 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+03:00 (EEST)
Websitehattula.fi

Hattula (Finnish: [ˈhɑtːulɑ]) is a municipality of Finland. It is part of the Kanta-Häme 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.

History

The Grand Duke of Finland, Alexander II, met Senator Johan Vilhelm Snellman at Parolannummi in 1863. The Finnish language was elevated to equal status alongside the Swedish language.

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.[5][6]

Population and size

Hattula encompasses an area of approximately 427 square kilometers. Hattula has a population of around 9,500 residents, with a population density of about 27.2 inhabitants per square kilometer.[7]

Language

The municipality is unilingually Finnish.

Geography and nature

Mierola marina next to Lake Vanajavesi.

Hattula is located in the Vanajavesi Valley. The valley has a microclimate that extends the harvest and the natural growing season in autumn.[8]

The nature in Hattula is verdant. The area features forests and lakeside cliffs, such as those found in the Vanajanniemi Recreation Area. The forests are a mix of pine and deciduous trees.[9][10]

Military

Parola Armour Museum.

Hattula has strong military connections due to the Parolannummi garrison located in its seat, Parola. A notable monument there is the Lion of Parola, a bronze lion statue commemorating Emperor Alexander II's 1863 visit. The Parola area has been a military training ground since 1777 and historically hosted infantry and cavalry men during the 17th century.[11]

Churches

Frescoes at Hattula Holy Cross Church.

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.[11]

Manor culture

Inkala Manor.
Wesunda Dressage at Vesunta Manor.

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.[12] The founder of Nokia Fredrik Idestam was born at Lahdentaka Manor.[13] Suontaka Manor breeds organic cattle, and it was the first farm in Finland, which bred Ayrshire cattle.[14][15] 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.[16][17][11]

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.[18][19]

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.[20][21][22]

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.[23]

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.[24]

At Häme University of Applied Sciences' Lepaa campus, one can study bioeconomy, horticulture, and the built environment.[25]

Lepaa Horticultural Institute

Lepaa Horticultural Institute.

The Lepaa Horticultural Institute was founded 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. Teaching began in 1912. A horticultural school was founded alongside it in 1923.[12] Today, the Lepaa Horticultural Institute operates as part of Häme University of Applied Sciences.[12]

Lepaa Winery and Brewery

Lepaa Wiinery,

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.[26][27][28]

Industries

Hattula's main industries include a combination of historical tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Agriculture in the region complements this, particularly horticulture and fruit and berry wine production at Lepaa.[29]

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.[30][14]

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.[31]

Transport

Hattula is served by the Parola Railway Station since 1876, one of Finland's original railway stations, located along the Helsinki–Tampere railway line.[32]

Famous people

Statue of Jaakko Juteini.

Prominent cultural figures associated with Hattula include Jaakko Juteini, a Finnish nationalist writer born in 1781, and astronomer Anders Planman.[33][11]

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.[34][35]

Attractions

Mierola marina pictured from the Mierola Bridge.

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.[36][11][37]

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.[38][39][40]

  • Hattula Holy Cross Church.
    Hattula Holy Cross Church.
  • New Church.
    New Church.
  • Library is located at the Juteini House.
    Library is located at the Juteini House.
  • Ahlbacka Manor.
    Ahlbacka Manor.
  • Lepaa Manor.
    Lepaa Manor.
  • Inkala Mansion.
    Inkala Mansion.
  • Institute of Horticulture in Lepaa and vineyard.
    Institute of Horticulture in Lepaa and vineyard.
  • Armour Museum.
    Armour Museum.
  • Mierola Bridge.
    Mierola Bridge.
  • Mierola Marina.
    Mierola Marina.
  • Mierola Marina.
    Mierola Marina.
  • Lepaa Garden and Wine Shop.
    Lepaa Garden and Wine Shop.
  • The Lion of Parola.
    The Lion of Parola.
  • Wesunda Dressage's Riding Hall.
    Wesunda Dressage's Riding Hall.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Area of Finnish Municipalities 1.1.2018" (PDF). National Land Survey of Finland. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Population increased most in Uusimaa in January to June 2025". Population structure. Statistics Finland. 24 July 2025. ISSN 1797-5395. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Population according to age (1-year) and sex by area and the regional division of each statistical reference year, 2003–2020". StatFin. Statistics Finland. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Luettelo kuntien ja seurakuntien tuloveroprosenteista vuonna 2023". Tax Administration of Finland. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  5. ^ Sanomat, Hämeen (16 June 2006). "Osuustoiminnan siemen iti Hattulassa". Hämeen Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  6. ^ "Osuustoiminnan syntysanat lausuttiin Hattulassa". www.op-media.fi (in Finnish). 2 May 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Briefly in English - Hattula.fi" (in Finnish). Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  8. ^ Oksala, Sari (22 June 2025). "Hattulassa Vesunnan vihreä keidas kertoo ihmisen ja luonnon vuosisataisesta yhteydestä – Hämeen Sanomat oli mukana kartanon kesäisellä luontokierroksella". Hämeen Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  9. ^ "Vanajanniemi Recreation Area". Visit Lakeland Finland. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  10. ^ "In English". Hämeen virkistysalueyhdistys (in Finnish). Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d e Museovirasto. "Parolannummi". www.rky.fi. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  12. ^ a b c Museovirasto. "Hattulan keskiaikaiset kartanot ja Lepaan puutarhaopisto". www.kulturmiljo.fi. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  13. ^ Laitinen, Vesa (25 April 2019). "Nokia-imperiumin perustajien jälkeläiset ovat kulkeneet hyvin erilaisia polkuja – Löysimme Fredrik Idestamin, Eduard Polónin ja R.E. Westerlundin perillisiä, kukaan heistä ei tunnustaudu Nokia-miljonääriksi". Nokian Uutiset (in Finnish). Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  14. ^ a b ""Meillä ei jauhelihapula vaikuta" ‒ Rosenlewin suvun perijä muutti takaisin maalle ja ryhtyi kartanon emännäksi". Maaseudun Tulevaisuus (in Finnish). 29 May 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  15. ^ ""Meillä ei jauhelihapula vaikuta" ‒ Rosenlewin suvun perijä muutti takaisin maalle ja ryhtyi kartanon emännäksi". Maaseudun Tulevaisuus (in Finnish). 29 May 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  16. ^ Ojanen, Eero (2022). Vesunnan kartano 700 vuotta. Maatalousyhtymä Kare ja Ketolat.
  17. ^ "Lepaan puutarhaopisto toimii keskiaikaisessa kartanossa", Kansanuutiset 7 August 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2019
  18. ^ Silfverhjelm, Eric: Aulanko - Pohjolan kaunein turistikeskus ja suurin puisto - Eversti Hugo Standertskjöld ja hänen elämäntyönsä. Helsinki: Tekijä, 1963.
  19. ^ Aalto, Leena (23 January 2024). "Vanajanlinnan kiehtova menneisyys on saanut oman historian kirjansa". Ikkunapaikka (in Finnish). Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  20. ^ "Hattulassa järjestetään ratsastuksen aluekoulukilpailut: luvassa sata starttia". Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 20 September 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  21. ^ "Hattulaan nousi pyhättö kouluratsastukselle". Maaseudun Tulevaisuus (in Finnish). 2 March 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  22. ^ "Premises". Wesunda Dressage Center. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  23. ^ "Lapsiperheille - Hattula.fi" (in Finnish). Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  24. ^ "Koulutukset Archive". HAMI (in Finnish). Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  25. ^ "Koulutushaku". HAMK (in Finnish). Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  26. ^ "Lepaa Winery". HAMI. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  27. ^ "Lepaa Country Winery - Wine from Local Fruit and Berries". Discovering Finland. 9 July 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  28. ^ "Lepaan Panimo". Suomen pienpanimot (in Finnish). Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  29. ^ "Hattula is full of history and activities". Visit Häme. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  30. ^ Sanomat, Hämeen (6 March 2012). "Hattulalainen lähiliha käy kääntymässä Hyvinkäällä". Hämeen Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  31. ^ "Kunnanjohtajan kuukausikatsaus: maaliskuu - Hattula.fi" (in Finnish). Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  32. ^ "Sanomalehti Hämäläisen rautatieuutisia 1874-1876". vaunut.org. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  33. ^ "Planman, Anders (1724-1803)" (in Finnish). Kansallisbiografia. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  34. ^ "Tuntematon sotilas". www.finna.fi.
  35. ^ Varjus, Seppo (6 December 2021). "Puolustusvoimat ei halunnut antaa panssarivaunua kuuluisaan Tuntematon sotilas -kohtaukseen – Matti Ranin kertoi ennen kuolemaansa, miten ovelasti asia hoidettiin". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  36. ^ "Briefly in English - Hattula.fi" (in Finnish). Retrieved 11 August 2025.
  37. ^ "Mierolan Silta Cafe - Hattula.fi" (in Finnish). Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  38. ^ "Hattula Golf". hattulagolf.fi. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  39. ^ "Lepaa Golf | Lepaa Golf | Golfkenttä, Etelä-Suomi, Hämeenlinna, Tampere". www.lepaagolf.fi. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  40. ^ "Tiilaakso - neljä golfkenttää 15 minuutin säteellä". Hämeenlinna (in Finnish). 9 April 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.

Media related to Hattula at Wikimedia Commons

  • Municipality of Hattula – Official website
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