Tammela: Stone Church, Cultural Landscape and Nature Trails

Tammela’s medieval stone church stands on the isthmus between Pyhäjärvi and Kaukjärvi. With its tall towers and the settlement on the ridge, it shapes the cultural landscape of Tammelan kirkonkylä, which is among the regionally significant built cultural landscapes. Vekkilä Museum Farm and nature trails in the municipality also offer different perspectives on a stay. When looking for a holiday apartment, these highlights can help you decide whether to focus on architectural history, a farmyard atmosphere or nature outings.

Stone Church and Architectural History

Construction of the stone church began in the 1480s. Its present form took shape in two building phases: in the early 16th century and through an extension in the 1780s. The extension was completed in 1785, and the 33-metre-high bell tower was built at the western end. The building thus combines a medieval origin with later phases of expansion.

Inside are sculptures from 15th-century ecclesiastical art. On the outside, the grey stone church is considered to be well preserved and valuable. In front of the church stands a grey stone Hakkapeliitta monument, erected in 1932.

Vekkilä Museum Farm

Vekkilä Museum Farm is a family farm in Tammelan kirkonkylä. The farmyard, with its old apple trees and buildings, as well as sheep and chickens, evokes an 18th-century atmosphere. While the church’s history is brought to life through its building phases and works of art, at Vekkilä the yard, trees and animals shape the scene. Two different forms of cultural heritage thus stand side by side: sacred architectural history and a rural farm setting.

Church Trail and Nature Routes

The Kalvolan Kirkkopolku begins at the medieval stone church, passes Mustiala Manor and heads towards the Tammela uplands. It is 51.25 kilometres long. Saaren kansanpuisto is in the municipality of Tammela. A marked, easy-to-follow circular trail there crosses flat terrain and is 2.7 kilometres long. Half of the loop follows the shore of Lake Kuivajärvi, while the other half returns through the forest. With an accompanying person, the wide sandy path is also suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

The Ruostejärvi recreational area in the municipality of Tammela has five trails of different lengths. After three kilometres, the Häme Lynx Trail branches into 12- and 24-kilometre routes; it can be used when the ground is not frozen. In winter, skating is possible on the lake in the Ruostejärvi recreational area. Check the ice conditions before setting out.

The circular trail in Saaren kansanpuisto in the municipality of Tammela, at 2.7 kilometres, is considerably shorter than the 51.25-kilometre Kalvolan Kirkkopolku. When looking for a holiday apartment, this can be a practical point of reference if you are weighing up whether shorter loops or longer routes should play a bigger part in your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tyrväntö, Humppila, Hausjärvi, Forssa, Riihimäki, Hattula, Loppi, Janakkala.

Return to the main travel overview: Kanta-Häme.