Paikkarin torppa

About the museum

Paikkarin torppa in Sammatti is the birthplace of Elias Lönnrot, the compiler of the Kalevala. Lönnrot’s tailor father, Fredrik Johan Lönnrot, built the room (tupa) around 1800 on the common land of the village of Haarjärvi. Elias was born in the croft in 1802 and lived there as a child until, at the age of 12, he left for school in Tammisaari. During his intermittent studies he lived in the croft for short periods, until he entered the Royal Academy of Turku in 1822.

Elias’s eldest brother, Henrik Johan Lönnrot, bought the croft from their father in 1825 and extended it with an entrance hall and a chamber (kamari).

The croft has operated as a museum since 1887, and in 1889 the Finnish Senate took it under its administration in order to preserve the childhood home of a national great man. The Finnish Heritage Agency was responsible for keeping it open until the City of Lohja took over responsibility in 2012. Today the area and buildings are owned by Senaatti-kiinteistöt (Senate Properties), whose main tenant is the Finnish Heritage Agency.

The croft is furnished with period furniture, most of which belonged to the Lönnrot family. In the tupa, Elias’s cradle and a black-stained kantele (Finnish zither) are displayed; in the chamber there are objects he used and made himself, such as a manuscript stand and a bookshelf. The area also has a red caretaker’s house built in the late 1920s, which now houses the ticket sales and the museum shop, and the Sampomäki theatre stage.

Highlights

• Elias Lönnrot’s birthplace, from around 1800
• Lönnrot’s cradle and black kantele in the tupa
• Manuscript stand and bookshelf in the chamber
• View over Lake Valkjärvi
• Sampomäki theatre stage and Sampo celebrations

Permanent exhibition

• Elias Lönnrotin syntymäkoti – A croft furnished in period style, with Lönnrot’s cradle, a kantele and objects he used.

Founded

1887

Operated by

Lohjan museo (Lohjan kaupunki)

Admission & discounts

Prices are for summer 2026; the 2027 prices will be published later. Free admission with Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) and Kaikukortti; the Museokortti can also be bought or renewed on site. Payment methods: cash, bank cards and credit cards. Ticket sales and the museum shop are in the red caretaker’s house next to the car park; tickets are bought there before visiting the croft.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Paikkarin torppa is not barrier-free. Three steps lead to the croft, the lowest of which is natural stone; the doors are low and all the thresholds are high. The croft stands on a rocky hill, and the terrain is grass, meadow and sand, uneven in places. It is about 90 m from the museum shop to the croft, and steps lead to the ticket sales and the museum shop. The WC facilities are in the old cowshed, which also has an accessible toilet; a guide will open the accessible entrance on request.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

It is about 4.4 km by road from the centre of Sammatti, and there is no cycle path along the road apart from in the centre. From the Helsinki–Turku motorway, take the junction towards Sammatti (20); the croft is about 3.3 km from that junction. The visit is easiest by car.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop in the caretaker’s house.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit