Lepaa

Lepaa Manor.

Lepaa (Stjärnsund in Swedish) is a historic village located in Hattula, in the Tavastia Proper region of southern Finland, situated on the shores of Lake Vanajavesi. The area is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, manor history, and modern horticultural and educational institutions.[1][2][3]

History

Lepaa Manor in the 1840s by Magnus von Wright.

Lepaa’s history dates back several centuries, with the oldest parts of Lepaa Manor dating from the 13th century. The manor and its surroundings have been frequently referenced in poems, stories, and historical writings due to their significance in local events and culture. The estate and region played important roles in regional history, and Lepaa Manor is considered one of the oldest manorial settlements in the area.[1]

The golden age of the manor occurred during the tenure of the Lepaa noble family in the 16th century, when the lords of the manor were among the most influential men in the country. The most renowned among them were Björn Klaunpoika, who died in 1551 and served as a privy councillor and trusted confidant of Gustav Vasa, and his son, Governor Hannu Björninpoika.[4][1]

Björn Klaunpoika financed his own studies at Central European universities. Gustav Vasa required educated men for his service, and Björn Klaunpoika, also acted as a negotiator with Moscow in 1524 and 1536–1537. Evidence of his wealth and prominence is reflected in his extensive property holdings: in addition to Lepaa, he owned the manors of Harviala, Käikälä, Suontaa, and Porkkala in Lammi, as well as Vanha Kartano, in addition to receiving fiefdoms in Estonia.[4][1]

At Lepaa, the head of the family was Hans Björninpoika, born in 1530, a gentleman who had pursued studies in Germany and later served at the court of Duke John. Hannu Björninpoika held the position of judge in Satakunta and undertook political assignments in the Baltic region; from 1570 onwards, he served as governor of Estonia and Livonia. He died in an accident in 1572. His widow, Kaarina, was the daughter of Privy Councillor Henrik Horn.[4][1]

Lepaa Manor

The sacristy of former owners of Lepaa Manor.[5]

Lepaa Manor (Lepaan kartano) is central to the village’s identity. This historic estate is located right by Lake Vanajavesi and features buildings from the 17th century. Today, the manor offers accommodation, including boutique hotel rooms and guest suites with views of the gardens and lakeside. The manor operates a café serving local treats in the summer months.[6][1]

Education and Institutions

Lepaa Campus of Häme University of Applied Sciences.

The Lepaa area is well known for its focus on agriculture and horticulture. It is home to the Häme Vocational Institute (Hämeen ammatti-instituutti), one of the most significant centers for horticultural and beverage production studies in Finland. The institute offers programs in wine, liqueur, craft beer, and spirit production, and its students can complete degrees on site. Lepaa is also the location of the Lepaa campus of Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), which provides degree programs in bioeconomy, horticulture, and the built environment, in both Finnish and English.[1]

Winery and Horticulture

Lepaa Winery.

Lepaa is widely known for the Lepaa Winery (Lepaan viinitila), which produces Finnish wines and other beverages from domestic fruits and berries. This tradition enhances the area’s relevance as a center of horticultural expertise. The region also features a gardening museum and clay workshop located near the manor.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Vanajan Harvialan ja Lepaan kartanoiden rälssilampuotitalosta Keiteleen Tossavanlahden kyläksi : vanhojen talojen historiaa ja asukkaita sekä kyläkeskuksen kehittyminen : kylähistoria (From the tenant farm of the Harviala and Lepaa manors in Vanaja to the village of Tossavanlahti in Keitele: the history and residents of old houses, as well as the development of the village center; a village history) (2018). Saastamoinen Marketta.
  2. ^ "Lepaan alue - Hattula.fi" (in Finnish). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  3. ^ "Hattulan keskiaikaiset kartanot ja Lepaan puutarhaopisto". The Finnish Heritage Agency. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  4. ^ a b c "Suomen kaunein kartano: Lepaan kartano". www.tiedonportailla.fi. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  5. ^ Sippola, Kirsi (2023-06-27). "Matkailijakierros Lepaan upeassa puutarhassa". HAMI (in Finnish). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  6. ^ "Lepaa Manor`s Toimela". Visit Lakeland Finland. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  7. ^ "Lepaan viinitila". HAMI (in Finnish). Retrieved 2025-08-15.
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