Orimattila: Art, Nature and History

When planning your trip to Orimattila, different themes may shape your choices: art and rural history, historic buildings, nature and trails, or activities involving animals, astronomy and crafts. Each place has its own focus and offers different ways to shape your stay.

Art, History and Architectural Heritage

The core of the collection at the Orimattilan taidemuseo consists of works from the Ilmari and Toini Wall-Hakala Art Foundation. The Orimattilan kotiseutumuseo offers a different perspective, providing insights into rural life around the turn of the 20th century. If you include both museums in your travel plans, you will encounter different cultural themes: an art collection at one, and the history of everyday rural life at the other.

A distinctive landmark is the Tönnön Museum Bridge. Completed in 1911, it was Finland’s first arch bridge and is the country’s oldest surviving reinforced concrete bridge. These two distinctions refer to different aspects: the bridge’s shape and its preservation as a reinforced concrete structure. Together with Tönnönkoski and the old mill, the bridge forms a cultural landscape of national significance.

Artjärven kirkko also offers a distinctive architectural point of interest. The historic Greek cross church was completed in 1840 and features Empire influences. The term “Greek cross church” describes its building type, while the Empire influences provide further context for its architectural style. For choosing historic sights, it offers a different emphasis from the bridge history around Tönnön.

Nature and Trails

Nature and history meet at Myllykulmankoski on the Porvoonjoki. The water flows over a rocky ledge there and then continues downstream as whitewater. Myllykulmankoski is described as an atmospheric excursion destination that is easy to reach. The Mieliäissuo nature trail offers a different connection with nature: it is located in a Natura 2000 area. This means a riverside destination shaped by flowing water and a nature trail in a Natura 2000 area offer distinct points of interest.

In Artjärvi, the Lamminpolku–Rajasuonpolku circular route includes the 2.5 km Lamminpolku and the 6 km Rajasuonpolku. Villisikapolku is 10 km long, starts in the center of Artjärvi and leads to the Myrskylä boundary. The distances give you a concrete way to compare the routes: each of the two sections of the circular route is shorter than Villisikapolku. The route described for Villisikapolku connects a starting point in the center of Artjärvi with a destination at the Myrskylä boundary.

Animals, Astronomy and Crafts

The Orimattilan kotieläinpuisto has a range of animals from alpacas to ponies. This makes the animal park a very different kind of attraction from the city’s art and history sites.

Tähtikallio in Artjärvi is an observing and education center run by Ursa, with good astronomical observing equipment and spacious facilities. It is suitable for independent observing, meetings of amateur astronomers and courses. Important for your planning: visits are possible by prior arrangement only. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance.

Pitsitupa showcases traditional bobbin lace, local handicrafts and the lace culture of Heinämaa. It offers exhibitions, demonstrations and courses, and you can also try bobbin lace-making yourself. Check the visitor program before your trip so that you can plan around the activities on offer.

Tortolan Tallit in Artjärvi offers riding lessons, riding camps, training and equestrian experiences in a rural setting. Options range from lessons and training to experiences with horses. As availability may change, check in advance which offerings are available during your stay.

By Lake Pyhäjärvi

The municipally maintained Pyykkinekan uimaranta beach is on Lake Pyhäjärvi and has a pier and a boat launch. If you plan to use these facilities, check the current condition of the pier and boat launch before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Auttoinen, Asikkala, Sysmä, Hollola, Heinola, Hartola, Lahti, Padasjoki

For the broader travel overview: Päijät-Häme.