Exploring Visavuori
Continuing on our action-packed day from Hämeenlinna, we had just left the Rapola Hill Fort which is the largest such fort in Finland dating back to the Viking Age. We had seen the photography and watercolor exhibits at the adjoining Voipaala Manor and now headed up to Valkeakoski for lunch.
Valkeakoski is an industrial city focused on the paper industry. This park and suspension bridge is located close to the downtown and the hotel where we enjoyed lunch with Reijo.
From Valkeakoski we would head southward to Visavuori which was the home and studio of the famous Finnish sculptor Emil Wikström. Built in 1894 and re-built in 1902 after an 1896 fire, the building is recognized as a very good example of Karelian architecture.
In addition to containing Wikström’s studio, the building also contains an observatory.
A quick side note before exploring Wikström’s studio, I would learn from my cousin Beth after returning from Finland that I am distantly related to Wikström as we are 11th cousins three times removed. This would be in addition to learning from her that I am also related to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius as a 7th cousin four times removed.
The studio is a really cool place that reflects upon Wickstrom’s works. Located on this point overlooking a lake, you can appreciate how the place may have provided inspiration.
After touring the studio and home, we checked out the museum which also includes an exhibit of the works of Wikström’s grandson Kari Suomalainen who was a famous political cartoonist.
After returning to Reijo and Petra's home in Hämeenlinna, we would then go into town for a very exciting hockey game between Hämeenlinna and Helsinki.
Helsinki would win 3 to 2, but Hämeenlinna had several opportunities to score with a sixth attacker on the ice in the closing 1:30. It was close to a full house with 4,200 in attendance and it is fair to say that Finnish reticence was not on display as the fans demonstrated rabid support for the home team!
After the game, we would complete another awesome day in Finland enjoying a late dinner back at Reijo and Petra’s.
Stay tuned next time as we head down to Riihimaki to see the hunting and glass museums!