Rapola Hill Fort

A wooden bridge leads to the viewpoint.

When you admire Lake Vanajavesi from the sturdy walls of the largest ancient hill fort in Finland, you can feel the touch of the past. Ancient people settled in the area of the Rapola ridge in the 5th century and sought to secure good crops by offering sacrifices, which they placed in small depressions, cups that they had carved in sacrificial stones. They buried their dead in mounds of stones on the slopes of the ridge. Before the year 1000, the top of the magnificent ridge was fortified into a stronghold against enemies. The Rapola ridge offers you a trip back in time.

Walk in the Footsteps of Our Forefathers in the Rapola Hill Fort

Location: Pirkanmaa, Valkeakoski

Visit: Entrance to the Rapola Hill Fort and the area of relics is free. The free Rapalum exhibition at the Voipaala Art Centre is open from May to the end of September by advance reservation. Guided tours are available. Read more

Instructions and rules: The Rapola Hill Fort is a fixed relic site, which may not be excavated, covered or damage in any way under the Antiquities Act (museovirasto.fi). Campfires and camping are also prohibited.

Sights and Activities: Finland's largest ancient hill fort, dwelling sites from the Iron Age, an ancient field, sacrificial or cup-marked stones and burial grounds. National and cultural landscapes and valuable natural environments. Hiking trails (1.6 km and 6 km). Read more

Services: Café, items for sale, toilet, accessible toilet. Services provided by partners are available. Read more

Suitability: A top destination for history enthusiasts and lovers of rugged landscapes. The terrain is uneven and rough, and the Rapola ridge is not accessible by wheelchair. The Rapalum exhibition is accessible.

The address of this page: nationalparks.fi/rapola

The site is managed by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland.

Customer Service

Metsähallitus, Parks and Wildlife Finland 
Tel. +358 206 39 5270 (Mon-Fri 9-15)
sisasuomi(at)metsa.fi

A hand holding a mobile phone showing Excursionmap.fi. Open the map of Rapola Hill Fort in Excursionmap.fi.

Similar Destinations

Liinmaa Castle

Untamala Ancient Site