Janakkala () is a municipality of Finland. Its administrative centre is in Turenki. Janakkala is located along Highway 3 (E12) in the province of Southern Finland and is part of the Kanta-Häme region. To the south, Janakkala shares a boundary with Riihimäki, the northern neighbour being Hämeenlinna. It is from Turenki to Hämeenlinna, to Tampere, and to Helsinki.

The municipality has a population of ()

Janakkala still has a diverse industrial structure: it is home to companies in the food industry (Valio and Froneri), metal industry (such as Kolmeks Oy's pump and motor manufacturing), and even musical instrument makers. Expanding business parks, such as MORE (one of the largest in Southern Finland), continue to offer facilities for industry and logistics.

Heraldry

thumb|Coat of arms of Janakkala.

The coat of arms of Janakkala, a head of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), the regional animal of Kanta-Häme, describes Janakkala's location in the heart of Tavastia. An aisle line of partition is a reference to Hakoinen Castle into the mountain, and the upper two arrows encircling the cross, symbol of Christianity, the image of the Crusades battles.

Manor culture

thumb|Vanantaa Manor.

Janakkala has many historic manor houses. Among these are Hakoisten Manor, Harviala Manor, Hiisi Manor, Hyvikkälä Manor, Irjala Manor, Kernaala Manor, Konttila Manor, Kuumola Manor, Leppäkoski Manor, Löyttymäki Manor, Monikkala Manor, Rehaka Manor, Sauvala Manor, Tervakoski Manor, Toiva Manor, Vanantaa Manor, and Virala Manor.

Janakkala is also known for pheasant hunting, an activity closely connected with its manor landscape. Sauvala Manor, in particular, is known for historical pheasant breeding.

Notable sites

thumb|Ida Aalberg Museum.

One site in Janakkala is the Church of Saint Lawrence, which is the last medieval stone church in the Häme region, built in the early 1500s. The eastern end of the church still displays the coats of arms of the Tott noble family.

The Laurinmäki nature and cultural area contains a tenant farmer museum, nature trails, and a summer café, and hosts events throughout the year, such as the traditional Christmas opening.

  • Business magnate, Chairman of Nokia, Casimir Ehrnrooth owned Vanantaka Manor. He is buried at Saint Lawrence Church in Janakkala.
  • Colonel, business magnate Hugo Robert Standertskjöld (1844–1931) was born at Vanantaka Manor in Janakkala. He was the owner of Aulanko in Hämeenlinna.

See also

  • Hattula
  • Hämeenlinna
  • Häme Castle
  • Loppi

References

  • Municipality of Janakkala – Official website