Vanajavesi Art Triangle

The Vanajavesi Art Triangle invites you on a good-mood tour where art, nature, and history come together. Along the route, you’ll experience the joyful world of naive art in Iittala, contemporary art exhibitions at Voipaala Manor, and the unique museum setting of Visavuori. All three destinations are located near or along the shores of Lake Vanajavesi, a body of water that links the cultural heritage of Hämeenlinna, Valkeakoski, and Sääksmäki. With only short distances between them, the Art Triangle makes for a delightful day trip for art lovers—all within an 18-kilometre radius.

Naivistit Iittalassa – A House of Good-Mood Art in the Iittala Village

Summer exhibition On a Slippery Slope
19 May – 31 August 2025
Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm

Naivistit Iittalassa is Finland’s largest exhibition of naive art. Every summer, cheerful and storytelling artworks fill the historic wooden schoolhouse in Iittala. Naive art presents the world with simple shapes, bright colours, and gentle curiosity – its joyful and playful character makes every visit a pleasure. Each year, the exhibition features around 500 new works by 50 contemporary Finnish naive artists. More information: www.naivistit.fi

Nearby attractions

Just a short walk from the exhibition, the Iittala Village offers a variety of attractions: Finland’s only operating glass factory, the Iittala Glass Museum, and the Iittala Outlet, home to all Fiskars brands. You’ll also find unique ceramics, handmade knives, jewellery supplies, handicrafts, clothing, and gifts. A local restaurant serves a salad buffet, soup lunch, and sweet and savoury pastries. More information: www.iittalavillage.fi

Voipaala Art Centre – A Rich Cultural Experience in the Heart of Sääksmäki

Guardians of the Secret – 50th Anniversary Exhibition of the Ars-Häme Visual Arts Association
14 June – 7 September 2025
Open Tue–Sun from 11 am to 6 pm
voipaala.valkeakoski.fi

Voipaala Art Centre combines a long historical legacy with high-quality contemporary art in an impressive manor setting. Its galleries host changing exhibitions throughout the year. Voipaala highlights the diversity of art forms and the dialogue between them. The exhibition programme brings together both well-known Finnish artists and emerging talents, with current themes often reflected in the content. More information: voipaala.valkeakoski.fi.

Nearby attractions

The baroque-style garden, shaded by apple trees, invites visitors to enjoy a picnic, and the manor café serves locally made savoury and sweet pastries as well as soup lunch during summer. Nearby nature trails on Rapola Ridge lead to ancient hillfort ruins and offer stunning views over Lake Vanajavesi. More information about the area: www.valkeakoski.fi

Visavuori Museum – A Journey Through an Artist’s Home and Finland’s Funniest Museum

Emil Wikström’s Studio Home and Drawings by Kari Suomalainen
1 June – 31 August 2025
Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm
www.visavuori.com

Visavuori Museum is the former home and studio of sculptor Emil Wikström (1864–1942), located on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi. The nationally romantic buildings have been preserved in their original form and offer a glimpse into the golden age of Finnish art. The Kari Pavilion showcases political cartoons and sketches by Kari Suomalainen, Wikström’s grandson and one of Finland’s most famous cartoonists. The lakeside setting, pine-covered cliffs, and lush gardens form a unique and nationally significant cultural environment.

Nearby attractions

The museum café offers sweet and savoury pastries in an atmospheric setting. The Pirkkalines boat M/S Helena stops at the Visavuori pier, offering themed cruises on the waters of Lake Vanajavesi, www.pirkkalines.fi
More information about the area: www.valkeakoski.fi