Huittinen (Swedish: Vittis) is a Finnish city located in the
province of Satakunta. The city belongs to the Pori region. The city
has a population of 10,029 and an area of 539.59 km2, of which 6.95
km2 are water bodies. The population density is 18.83 inhabitants /
km2. Huittinen's neighboring municipalities are Kokemäki, Loimaa,
Punkalaidun, Sastamala and Säkylä.
In 1892, Kauvatsa was
separated from Huittinen as its own municipality, which was merged
into the neighboring municipality Kokemäki in 1969, and Keiky in
1919, which was merged with Kiika into Äetsä municipality in 1981.
Vampula has also been part of Huittis before, and was reunited with
Huitti in early 2009. In addition to these, Huittinen's former
neighboring municipalities are Alastaro, which was merged with Loima
in 2009, and Köyliö, which was merged with Säkylä in 2016. Huittinen
became a township at the beginning of 1972, and in connection with
the closure of townships in 1977. The coat of arms of Huittinen was
designed by Erkki Honkanen and strengthened in 1953.
Puurijärvi-Isosuo National Park
This national park, established in
1993, spans about 27 square kilometers and serves as a vital
conservation area in southern Finland, protecting representative mire
habitats, bird wetlands, and biodiversity amid surrounding agricultural
lands. It encompasses the lush Lake Puurijärvi—a eutrophic lake that
attracts migratory birds—and vast marshlands like Isosuo bog, forming a
peaceful oasis of open waters, reeds, and peatlands. The park is
renowned for its birdlife, hosting over 100 species, including whooper
swans, common cranes, Eurasian wigeons, and rare waders during migration
seasons in spring and autumn. It's one of Finland's most important bird
sanctuaries, with the lake's fluctuating water levels creating dynamic
habitats for nesting and feeding.
Key features include observation
towers for panoramic views of the mires and lake, such as the one at
Kärjenkallio offering vistas of the prison recreation area (an unusual
juxtaposition with a nearby medium-security facility that's integrated
into the landscape as a low-impact site). Trails are designed for day
trips, with easy boardwalks and paths traversing the bogs—ideal for
spotting orchids, cloudberries, and insects in summer. Activities range
from birdwatching and hiking to paddling on the lake (accessible by
canoe) and geocaching. In winter, visitors can create their own ski
trails across the frozen expanses. The park's history ties to
traditional Finnish land use, with mires once used for peat harvesting
but now preserved for ecological value. Access is free, with parking at
sites like Kärjenkallio or Mutilahti, and it's reachable by public
transport or cycling from Huittinen center (about 10-15 km away).
Reviews highlight its serene atmosphere but note that trails can be wet,
so waterproof boots are recommended.
St. Catherine's Church
(Huittisten Pyhän Katariinan Kirkko)
Dating back to the late Middle
Ages, this stone church stands as Huittinen's most prominent historical
landmark, located right in the town center on Kirkkotie. Built around
1500 on the site of an ancient pagan sacred grove, its oldest
sections—the eastern hall and possibly parts of the sacristy—trace to
the 1340s, making it one of Finland's 83 surviving medieval fieldstone
churches. The structure has been expanded multiple times, including
additions in the 16th and 17th centuries, resulting in a cross-shaped
layout with a robust tower and vaulted ceilings. Inside, visitors can
admire well-preserved frescoes, wooden sculptures, and a pulpit from the
1600s, reflecting Gothic and Renaissance influences. It served as a
burial site for clergy and notables until 1794, with crypts beneath the
floor adding to its atmospheric history.
The church remains an active
Lutheran parish site, hosting services, concerts, and weddings, while
its exterior—gray stone walls and a red-tiled roof—evokes Finland's
medieval past. It's part of the broader Taikayöntie historical route,
linking it to other regional churches. Open to the public during summer
months or by arrangement, it draws visitors for its serene interior and
organ music events. Reviews praise its architectural authenticity,
though some note limited opening hours outside peak season.
Huittinen Museum
Housed in a central building on Kirkkotie near the
church, this local cultural-historical museum showcases the region's
heritage through an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and
exhibits. Permanent displays delve into everyday life in Satakunta from
prehistoric times to the 20th century, featuring tools, clothing, and
household items that illustrate farming, craftsmanship, and community
traditions. A standout is the sculpture exhibition with portraits and
works by local artists, alongside a dedicated stand on Risto
Ryti—Finland's president during World War II, born nearby—exploring
modern Finnish history through documents and memorabilia.
Temporary
exhibits rotate to cover themes like regional folklore or contemporary
art, making repeat visits worthwhile. The museum's art collection is
notably large for a small-town institution, emphasizing Satakunta's
cultural contributions. Open year-round with varying hours (check the
website for updates), it's accessible with good transport links and
often free or low-cost entry. It's a compact yet insightful spot for
understanding Huittinen's evolution from agrarian roots to modern times.
Mattilan Marjatila Oy (Mattila Strawberry Farm and Winery)
This
family-run farm and winery, located on the outskirts of Huittinen,
combines agriculture with artisanal production, offering a taste of
local flavors. Spanning several hectares, it specializes in
strawberries, raspberries, peas, and potatoes, with a farm shop selling
fresh produce, frozen berries, juices, sparkling drinks, and handicrafts
from nearby artisans. The winery produces berry wines and liqueurs using
on-site fruits, with tastings available during summer. Visitors can pick
their own berries in season (June-August), explore the fields, or join
guided tours explaining sustainable farming practices. It's highly rated
for its authentic, farm-to-table experience, with one reviewer calling
it a "hidden gem for fresh, organic treats." Open seasonally, it's
family-friendly and ties into Huittinen's agricultural identity.
Keikyänriippusilta Suspension Bridge
A short drive from Huittinen,
this pedestrian and bike suspension bridge crosses the Kokemäenjoki
River, connecting to scenic routes in the area. Built with wooden
elements, it's Finland's longest wooden suspension bridge at about 120
meters, swaying gently for an adventurous feel. Access paths are asphalt
on one side and gravel on the other, leading to a summer café at the
north end (open Sundays). It's part of cycling networks like the
Keikyäntie Scenic Route, which winds through flat, river-adjacent
landscapes with minimal traffic—perfect for biking or walking while
enjoying views of the water and countryside. The bridge symbolizes local
engineering and enhances outdoor exploration in the region.
Other
Notable Sights
Hornan Vapaa Possu & Muna: A free-range farm
emphasizing ethical animal husbandry, where pigs and chickens roam
outdoors. It's a farmers' market-style spot for buying eggs, pork, and
learning about sustainable practices—appealing for agritourism fans.
Pahkaparatiisi: A specialty museum dedicated to burl wood (pahka)
artifacts and sculptures, showcasing unique natural formations turned
into art. Open mainly for groups, but individuals can arrange visits;
it's quirky and highly rated for its niche appeal.
Scenic Routes and
Trails: Huittinen boasts easy hiking paths, such as those along
Punkalaitumentie-Lauttakyläntie (flat roads by the river) or Risteentie
(on old rail alignments with silo views). AllTrails lists
family-friendly routes with historic elements, like old bridges or
nature reserves nearby (e.g., Pöytyä, with forests and lakes for
birdwatching).
The largest water body in Huittinen is the
Kokemäenjoki River, which initially flows to the southwest, but
turns northwest in the municipality towards Poria. It is joined by
the main tributary Loimijoki and the smaller Punkalaitumenjoki and
Sammunjoki. There are no more lakes in the Huittinen area, but
instead there are extensive bogs in the northwestern part. The
southern end of Puurijärvi and Isosuo National Park extends to
Huittinen and the park's information center is in the former
Karhiniemi school.
Huittinen is mostly flat in surface shape
and the lowest areas are located along rivers in the central part of
the city. The bedrock, which is mostly granodiorite in Huittinen, is
not visible anywhere in the city. The highest hills, reaching more
than 100 meters above sea level, are located in the south in the
direction of Vampula. Well-known vantage points are Ripovuori,
Kymmenvuori and Korkeakallio. A ridge section runs through
Huittinen, which comes from the northwest on the Kokemäki side and
continues through Huhtamo to the Punkalaitumen side.
Prehistoric Times
The history of Huittinen, a municipality in
southwestern Finland located in the Satakunta region, dates back to
prehistoric eras. Archaeological evidence indicates human settlement in
the area during the Stone Age. One of the most notable discoveries is
the Elk's Head of Huittinen, an ancient artifact unearthed in 1904 in
the village of Palojoki. This wooden sculpture, depicting an elk's head,
is considered one of Finland's most famous prehistoric objects and is
now housed in the National Museum of Finland. It provides insight into
the artistic and possibly ritualistic practices of early inhabitants.
Further evidence of early settlement includes a comb ceramic residence
found in Korkeakoski, associated with the Comb Ceramic culture that
flourished around 5000–2000 BCE in northern Europe. Additionally, a
younger burial site has been identified in the village of Sammu, along
with several cemeteries scattered throughout the area. Researchers have
determined that the first permanent inhabitants of Huittinen likely
migrated from the northwest, following the lower course of the
Kokemäenjoki River. These early communities were hunter-gatherers who
adapted to the region's riverine and forested landscape, relying on
fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance.
Medieval Period
Huittinen first appears in historical records in 1414, when it is
mentioned as a churchwarden (kirkkoherrakunta) in medieval documents.
This marks its emergence as an organized ecclesiastical and
administrative entity within the Kingdom of Sweden, of which Finland was
a part at the time. The area's religious significance is underscored by
the construction of its gray stone church toward the end of the 15th
century, around 1490–1500. This structure replaced an earlier wooden
church, reflecting the transition from simpler wooden architecture to
more durable stone buildings common in late medieval Finland.
The
church, dedicated to an unspecified saint (typical of many Finnish
parishes), served as a central hub for community life, religious
services, and local governance. Tragically, the church was destroyed by
fire in 1783, a common hazard in wooden-dominated structures of the era.
During the subsequent repairs and reconstruction, a prominent high tower
was added to the building. Situated on flat terrain along the Loimijoki
River, this tower became a visible landmark, observable from great
distances and symbolizing the town's resilience and growing importance
in the region.
Early Modern Period (16th–18th Centuries)
During the early modern period, Huittinen was influenced by notable
families and figures who contributed to its cultural and intellectual
development. The Juusela farm in the village of Nanhia is historically
significant as the ancestral home of the Juslenius family. The most
prominent member, Daniel Juslenius (1676–1752), was a Finnish bishop,
linguist, and nationalist scholar known for his work in promoting
Finnish language and culture during the Swedish era. His contributions
helped lay the groundwork for Finnish national identity.
Another key
figure associated with Juusela was Vicar Nils Idman Sr. (1716–1790),
renowned for his interests in finance, science, and education. In the
1860s, Jonatan Johansson, father of the future Archbishop Erkki Kaila
(1867–1944), served as an assistant vicar in Huittinen. These
individuals highlight the town's role in fostering ecclesiastical and
scholarly pursuits, even as it remained primarily agrarian. The period
was characterized by agricultural economy, with farming, animal
husbandry, and river-based trade forming the backbone of local life
under Swedish (and later Russian) rule after Finland's annexation by
Russia in 1809.
19th and Early 20th Centuries: Industrial and
Transport Growth
The 19th century brought gradual modernization to
Huittinen, particularly in its central village of Lauttakylä. Situated
at the crossroads of major historical routes—the old Helsinki–Pori and
Turku–Tampere roads—Lauttakylä emerged as a vital transportation hub in
southwestern Finland. The Loimijoki River crossing, facilitated by a
ferry, further enhanced its connectivity. Long before the automobile
era, this location made it a key node for land travel, as railways were
distant and waterways limited for extensive navigation.
A notable
development was the operation of a passenger ship service along the
Kokemäenjoki River from Lauttakylä to the Kyttälä railway station on the
Tampere–Pori line, starting upon the railway's completion in 1895 and
continuing until the 1930s. This integrated river and rail transport
boosted commerce and mobility. By the early 1920s, bus services radiated
from Lauttakylä in all directions, marking the town's early adoption of
motorized transport.
Administratively, Huittinen received its
municipal charter in 1865, formalizing its status amid Finland's push
for local governance under Russian rule. The late 19th and early 20th
centuries saw population growth, driven by agriculture and emerging
small-scale industries. The Finnish Civil War of 1918 and World War II
impacted the region, with Huittinen experiencing wartime hardships,
including rationing and military movements, though it avoided major
battles.
Post-War and Modern Era (1945–Present)
After World
War II, Huittinen underwent significant administrative and economic
transformations. It was elevated to a market town (kauppala) in 1972,
reflecting its growing commercial role, and gained full town (kaupunki)
privileges in 1977. This period saw infrastructure improvements,
including better roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, as Finland
industrialized and urbanized.
A major change occurred on January 1,
2009, when the neighboring municipality of Vampula was consolidated into
Huittinen, expanding its area and population. Today, Huittinen covers
about 540 square kilometers, with a population of around 10,000
residents. The economy has diversified beyond agriculture to include
food processing (notably meat production, as it's home to major
companies like HKScan), manufacturing, and services. The town maintains
its historical sites, such as the restored stone church, while embracing
modern developments like renewable energy initiatives and cultural
events.
In recent years, Huittinen has focused on sustainability and
tourism, leveraging its natural surroundings along the Kokemäenjoki and
Loimijoki rivers for outdoor activities. As of 2025, it continues to
balance its rich historical heritage with contemporary challenges,
including demographic shifts and economic adaptation in rural Finland.