Ulvila: Stone Church, Leather Tradition and History

Ulvila offers several ways to explore history: the medieval stone church, Friitala’s leather tradition and the older church ruins at Liikistö. Trails and activities along the Kokemäenjoki add to these themes. Depending on your interests, you can focus on architectural history, industrial history or a stay that includes activities by the water.

Medieval religious history

The medieval appearance of Ulvila’s stone church is well preserved; it has no later additions. At the same time, the church remains a living centre of parish life. In one place, you can experience both its traditional architectural form and the continuing role of the church in the community.

The archaeological site of Liikistö features the ruins of an even older church. There are also trails there; a cross stands by the church ruins, surrounded by two or three benches. Ulvila’s history trail leads from the shelter of the mighty stone walls of St. Olaf’s Church to Kellarimäki, then to the area around the old vicarage, and ends on the historic island of Liikistö. If you plan to follow the trail, check the route and signs on site; you should also check the paths and facilities at Liikistö there.

Friitala and the leather industry

The Friitala Local Museum, run by the City of Ulvila, is located in Friitala-Talo, a former building of the Friitala leather factory. It preserves and presents both tangible and intangible cultural heritage relating to leather manufacturing and the factory’s operations. The permanent exhibition covers the history of the leather industry, leather manufacturing and leather fashion, as well as the factory community that grew up around the factory. Its historical span extends over more than a hundred years.

A specific starting point for this industrial history is 1892. That year, the Friitala leather factory began operating when 18-year-old Arthur Hellman (1874–1937) bought an existing tannery workshop in the village of Friitala. The museum’s subject matter therefore covers not only the development of leather manufacturing and leather fashion, but also the factory’s operations and the community that formed around it.

Trails and activities by the water

The Kokemäenjoki flows through Ulvila and offers opportunities for activities by the water all year round. These include numerous swimming spots, as well as opportunities for fishing, paddling, skating and boating. Activities vary by type and season; if you plan to take part in a particular one, check seasonal conditions and providers before travelling.

For a hike, the Polkureitti Kaasmarkku lists two distance figures: the route is 7 kilometres long, and the return journey is 14 kilometres. If you plan to walk both ways, the stated total distance of 14 kilometres is the appropriate guide to the length of the outing.

Other places in the municipality

The wider municipality of Ulvila also includes historic destinations in the Kullaa areas, which were incorporated into Ulvila in 2005. Leineperin ruukki is one of Finland’s best-preserved ironworks areas. The historically significant tourist village of Leineperi is in the Kullaa areas and features impressive cultural landscapes. The Kullaa Church is also located in this wider municipal area: an art-historically valuable wooden long church with a gable tower.

Event history

Ulvila’s medieval Hansamarkkinat were held from 2000 onwards. At the summer markets, craftspeople and traders from abroad brought goods to the town.

Discover more destinations: Kankaanpää, Merikarvia, Pori, Lamppi, Säkylä, Rauma, Aikkila, Huittinen

For the regional travel overview: Satakunta.