Hartola

Hartola is a town and municipality in Päijänne Tavastia.

Understand

Hartola has a Swedish name too, Gustav Adolfs, though it's rarely used. This has historical reasons. In the late 18th century when Finland was part of Sweden, Hartola was administratively part of Sysmä parish but the town's population wanted to establish their own parish, so they wrote a petition to King Gustav III. The king approved, and named the town after his son, Gustav Adolf. Due to this, Hartola also markets itself as "Finland's only kingdom".

The least populous municipality of Päijänne Tavastia, Hartola has about 2600 inhabitants as of 2023. Nevertheless, it's next to one of the busiest north-south roads in Finland, Highway 4, so a lot of people pass through.

Get in

Hartola is on Highway 4 between Lahti and Jyväskylä. You can get in by car or bus.

See
  • 🌍 Itä-Hämeen museo, Koskipääntie 2. The Museum of Eastern Tavastia, opened in 1929 on the grounds of Koskipää Manor showcases the culture and history of Hartola and other towns east of Lake Päijänne. (updated Jul 2023)
  • 🌍 Hartola Church (Hartolan Kirkko), Keskustie 57. Quite unusual for a Finnish countryside church, this is a massive building built in grey granite in National Romantic style and finished in 1913. The organ and altarpiece are from the former wooden church that was demolished and partially rebuilt in Pertunmaa. (updated Jul 2023)

Do

Buy
  • 🌍 Hartolan Markkinat. first Saturday in September. Hartola's fair is the largest in Finland, with over 300 vendors. There are food products, handicraft, art etc. for sale. (updated Jul 2023)

Eat
  • 🌍 Kuninkaan Portti, Keskustie 2 (next to Highway 4). Usual roadside restaurant; schnitzels, meatballs, chicken and the like on the menu as well as buffet lunch. (updated Jul 2023)
  • 🌍 Jari-Pekka, Yhdystie 2 (next to Highway 4). 24h. Service station with a restaurant on its own as well as a Hesburger, Subway and Kotipizza counter. (updated Jul 2023)

Sleep

Go next
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