Laurinmäen torpparimuseo
An open-air museum beside the medieval stone church of Janakkala, where visitors can learn about life on a prosperous 19th-century torppa (crofter’s cottage).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Laurinmäki Crofter Museum (Laurinmäen torpparimuseo) was founded in 1965 by Janakkala-Seura ry (Janakkala Society), Torpparien muisto ry (Crofters’ Memory association) and the Municipality of Janakkala. The museum’s authentic 19th-century buildings were donated from various parts of Janakkala municipality; they have been restored and placed in the traditional arrangement around the yard and well. A fence surrounds the yard, separating the residential yard from the pasture and protecting the crofter’s cottage from wild animals.
The museum area includes the Vähä-Kurki crofter’s cottage, built in 1889, a typical two-room cottage that was lived in until 1951. Heta’s cottage from 1868 represents a small dwelling for lonely and elderly people, and the smoke cabin (savupirtti) from 1894 was lived in until 1930. The area also includes a smithy (sepän paja), a mamsell-type windmill from 1889, a smoke sauna, a threshing barn (riihi) and storehouses (aitta).
The crofter museum is part of the Laurinmäki nature and cultural area beside the Pyhän Laurin kivikirkko (St Lawrence stone church), which also has nature trails and Iron Age and historical sites. The area can also be explored outside the museum by means of information boards and the eMuseo service.
Highlights
- Vähä-Kurki crofter’s cottage and Heta’s cottage from the 19th century
- Mamsell-type windmill and smithy
- Smoke cabin and smoke sauna
- Nature trails and a culture café in the area
- Voluntary admission fee
Permanent exhibition
- Laurinmäen torpparimuseo – The open-air museum has a 19th-century crofter’s cottage, further cottages, a smoke cabin, a smithy, a windmill, a smoke sauna and storehouses, which depict the life of a prosperous crofter.
- Founded
- 1965
- Operated by
- Janakkalan kunta
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | €6 per personGroup guided tour outside opening hours by arrangement: guide fee €120 and admission €6 per person. |
|---|
Admission is free; a voluntary contribution supports the upkeep and development of the museum. Day-care and school groups from Janakkala can visit independently free of charge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is located near the Pyhän Laurin kivikirkko (St Lawrence stone church) in Janakkala church village.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guide can be reached during opening hours at 050 546 8973. Group guided tours outside opening hours must be booked in advance. |
