Landscape and cultural environments

The landscape of Janakkala is characterized by forested ridges, lakes, and rivers formed during the Ice Age, as well as fields that have been cultivated for hundreds of years. The municipality also features valuable built environments and heritage sites. The archaeological cultural heritage, or fixed ancient remains, represents the oldest history. The Hakoisten Castle Hill, which has served as a dwelling and refuge for people since ancient times, offers a viewpoint towards Janakkala Church, Lake Kernaala, and the direction of Tervakoski. The surroundings of Hakoisten Castle Hill are classified as a nationally valuable landscape area. Valuable landscape and cultural environments are taken into account in permit procedures. Valuable landscape and cultural environments are also indicated in the regional zoning plan.

There are seven nationally significant cultural-historical environments in Janakkala, including manor, railway station, and industrial environments.

Valuable cultural landscape areas of Janakkala

The Hakoisten-Kernaala area is a nationally valuable landscape area included in the government’s principle decision from 1995, where land use must adapt to the area’s historical development as well as landscape and nature values.

Nationally valuable landscape areas in Finland

Traditional Landscapes

According to the inventories of the Häme Environmental Center, only four diverse traditional landscapes (pasture lands, meadows, fields) remain in Janakkala, which have developed as a result of traditional land use, including grazing and mowing. The preservation of the values of traditional landscapes requires the continuation of livestock farming or regular maintenance.

Ancient Remains

Janakkala is also rich in ancient remains from various periods. The ancient remains are listed in the ancient remains register maintained by the Museum Board. Ancient remains can also be found in permit procedures, such as the bases of charcoal kilns in Tervavuori. The nature and culture path starting from the Laurinmäki museum area is a nationally significant ancient path in Määkynmäki.