Cultural heritage site
360 Experiences
360-degree experiences take you around cultural heritage sites of Lake Tuusula area in an accessible format.
The area around Lake Tuusula is speckled with sites of historical and cultural significance, some of which we have captured as 360-degree experiences. Virtual guides Professor Aika (Sampo Marjomaa) and Mrs Spindell (Ulla Virtanen) dive into interesting tidbits from the sites’ history.
Information and guides are currently available in Finnish.
In addition to virtual tours, the museums are also accessible physically. Links to these are provided at the bottom of the page.
- The memorial cottage of Aleksis Kivi, author of the first Finnish-language novel Seven Brothers
- Erkkola, the home of the poet J. H. Erkko
- Halosenniemi, the home of a prolific artist Pekka Halonen and his wife, translator Maija Halonen
- Heikkilä, local history museum
- Jokela Brick Factory
- Klaavola, museum of local history and culture
Aleksis Kivi Memorial Cottage
Aleksis Kivi (1834–1872) is known for writing the first Finnish-language novel, Seven Brothers, and becoming Finland’s first professional author. He suffered from various ailments and spent the last few months of his life in the care of his brother, Albert Stenvall. His last words spoken in this cottage were “I live”.
The guides dive into Kivi’s life and the dark history of the cottage itself. A video version translated into Finnish Sign Language has been released on YouTube.
Erkkola
Erkkola is the home of a Finnish poet J. H. Erkko (1849–1906), completed in 1902. The log villa has been designed by prolific artists Pekka and Antti Halonen.
This tour tells more about Erkko’s activities regarding literature, politics, as well as romance.
Jokela brick factory
The foundation for Jokela’s brick factory was laid in 1874, and a huge furnace was added to it in the 1930’s. At best, the factory could produce around 8 million bricks a year.
The virtual guides tell stories of the everyday life at the factory, as well as eccentricities of its owners – even entwining with dancer Mata Hari’s history.
Halosenniemi
Halosenniemi is the home of artist Pekka Halonen (1865–1933), his multi-talented wife Maija (1873–1944) and their eight children. The log cottage stands proudly on a cape of Lake Tuusula.
The virtual version features a unique collection of artwork presented in the atelier.
Klaavola
Klaavola house represents farmstead life from the early 1900’s. The interiors follow trends from between the World Wars.
The tour takes place in the sprawling outdoors, as well as inside various buildings.
Heikkilä
Heikkilä is a local history museum featuring an original main building from the late 1700’s, as well as over 10 other structures either built on site or brought in later.
The guides tell of everyday life in Heikkilä.
Tour of the Aleksis Kivi Memorial Cottage, translated into Finnish Sign Language.
A Timely Lunch – first video in a series that takes you to Halosenniemi. Professor Aika and Mrs Spindell try out recipes popular among locals in the 1900’s.
Posters for the tours, created by Maria Ahonen.
360 Experiences have been created in collaboration with the cities. Aleksis Kivi Memorial Cottage, Erkkola, Halosenniemi, Jokela Brick Factory and Klaavola are located in Tuusula, whereas Heikkilä is situated in Kerava.
The museums are open during summer months. Up-to-date information on opening times and tours can be found on the museums’ websites.