Harviala: Manor House History and Experiences by the Hiidenjoki

Harviala brings together the historic cultural landscape of Harvialan Kartano and the proximity of the Hiidenjoki. Here, insights into the history of a manor house meet a river that is popular with paddlers and boaters. The area also offers a café, play facilities for children, and places to play padel and pétanque. Which of these will shape your stay may influence your choice of a holiday apartment in Harviala.

Manor House History and Cultural Landscape

Harvialan Kartano is significant for more than just its buildings. Its industry and the cohesive landscape also contribute to the importance of the cultural landscape. Visitors can explore historic buildings on the grounds, including the 19th-century office building. This is distinct from the 20th-century office building, which now houses Café Konttori.

The manor house’s history goes back a long way: its first owner, in the 13th century, was Pentti, the son of Birger Jarl. For nearly 500 years, Harvialan Kartano passed from one family to another. Its owners included influential warlords, knights, field marshals, and barons. If you would like to learn more about this history, tours of Harviala are also available in English; further information is available on request.

The grounds also include a garden and park, where several rare deciduous trees still grow. Together with the historic buildings and the old cultural landscape, they make for a visit focused not only on individual buildings but also on the manor house’s historic surroundings.

By the Hiidenjoki: Paddling and Boating

The Ämmännokka shelter, completed in 2021, is located on the bank of the Hiidenjoki in Harviala and makes a suitable rest stop for paddlers. One important point for planning your trip: you must bring your own firewood. The Hiidenjoki near Harviala is also part of a marked boating route that leads all the way to Tampere. Those who choose Harviala for its waters will find both a specific rest stop and a route with a named destination; these offer different ways to plan your stay.

At Alikartano in Harviala, the Harviala-Kölikerho rents out a boat launch and equipment for hauling boats ashore. This information is particularly useful for visitors planning a boating trip. The shelter and the rental service offer different points of reference: Ämmännokka is described as a rest stop for paddlers, while the service at Alikartano is for launching and hauling out boats.

Activities, Café, and Play Facilities

Those looking for activities beyond spending time on the water will find places to play padel and pétanque in Harviala. The padel court is right next to Harvialan Kartano and the Harviala tennis court. The pétanque court is right beside the padel court and is free to use. You can choose between the two facilities based on the game you want to play, without confusing them with the boating activities.

Café Konttori is on the grounds of Harvialan Kartano, in a 20th-century office building. It serves Harviala flatbreads: small, savoury dishes with a thin, crispy base, similar to pizza. Whenever possible, the café uses Finnish, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. Families with children can make use of a play area, a playhouse, and games and toys. Portable ramps are available for the stairs, and there is also an accessible toilet.

Discover More Places

If you would like to discover more places: Tammela, Ypäjä, Hattula, Peränne, Loppi, Hausjärvi, Hämeenlinna and Forssa.

For the regional travel overview: Kanta-Häme.