Vanhalinna

Vanhalinna in Lieto is one of Finland’s most significant prehistoric hillforts. Today, the area is home to the Vanhalinna Manor, built in the 1930s, which houses a museum, a summer café, and an escape room. More information about the site's services and activities can be found on the Vanhalinna website.

The area offers excellent outdoor opportunities and is a popular destination for excursions. Several trails wind through forests, along the edges of fields and meadows, leading up to the top of the hillfort. A set of stairs next to Vanhalinna Manor provides access to the summit, which offers a stunning view over the Aura River Valley. The hilltop is an ideal spot for a break or a picnic. Nearby, a section of the Hämeen Härkätie, designated as a historic road, runs alongside the river. This road, together with the Aura River, has played a vital role as a transportation route throughout history. In addition, the area features cultural trails equipped with informational signs and audio guides, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the region and its history.

The vegetation in Vanhalinna is diverse, with most plant species belonging to the deciduous forest zone of southern Finland. Human influence can also be seen in the area’s plant life, as several ancient introduced species have been found there. These plants were either deliberately planted or brought in indirectly through human activity. One such species is yellow bedstraw (pictured below), which was historically one of the most important dye plants in Finland. Its roots produce red dye, while its flowers yield yellow. It has also been used as a medicinal herb for treating swelling and minor wounds.