In English

ABOUT THE TOWER

The observation tower’s parking area is located right next to Saari Folk Park, on the right-hand side when coming from Forssa. The parking address is Portaantie 489.

Please note that there is no access to the tower via Kaukolantie, even if your GPS directs you there. This is a private driveway, so always park in the official parking area – not on the driveway.

Finland’s oldest wooden observation tower is 21 meters high. It was originally planned to be 18 meters, but during construction an additional three meters were added.

The tower’s location on the ridge of the Häme Lake Plateau emphasizes the feeling of height, and the top may feel slightly dizzying at first. The elevation from sea level to the tower’s peak is about 140 meters.

The tower has 105 steps – the exact count may vary!

A maximum of 10 people are allowed on the top platform at a time so everyone can enjoy the view.

HISTORY

The area initially served as a venue for local heritage festivals and was later opened to visitors from outside the region.

In 1889–1890, Albert Edelfelt painted his famous work Kaukolanharju at Sunset. The landscape was also captured by Magnus von Wright and Robert Wilhelm Ekman.

In 1923, the local heritage and museum association launched the project for the observation tower. The association leased the plot from Saari Manor for 50 years, and the tower was built as a volunteer project on Kaukolanharju.

The tower was designed by A. Nummi, a master builder from Forssa.

TIMELINE

  • 1926 – Observation tower inaugurated on July 4

  • 1939–1945 – Tower used for air surveillance during the war

  • 1950s – Viewing balconies renovated

  • 1972 – Railings repaired

  • 1973 – Tammela municipality took over the tower and carried out extensive restoration

  • 1975 – Tower reopened to the public on May 16

  • 1992 – Wooden exterior sheeting covered with metal

  • 1995 – Häme Heritage Federation named the landscape the most beautiful in Kanta-Häme

  • 2020 – Major renovation: lower structures and windows restored, interior painted, and a ticket booth constructed

All outward-facing windows, platforms, and the tower’s interior have been preserved in their original form. Only the walls of the second floor have been painted.

MILESTONE YEAR

The tower’s opening ceremony was held on July 4, 1926. In 2026, it will mark 100 years since the inauguration.