Heinola is a small city embraced by the clear waters of Lakes Konnivesi and Ruotsalainen. Its attractions include Heinola Bird Sanctuary and the former residence of the local police commissioner. Summer entertainment is provided by the Heinolassa Jyrää park concerts.
It is easiest to begin your holiday in Heinola from the three museums in the city centre. Heinola Town Museum shows the history of the area from the late eighteenth century to the 1930s. The museum is housed in a beautiful light blue wooden house, restored as closely as possible to its original appearance from the 1870s. Heinola Art Museum occupies a yellow Empire-style wooden house, where its attractions include European porcelain and varying art exhibitions.
A particularly interesting destination is the old police commissioner’s Aschan House. Open in summer and during the Christmas season, the house marvellously preserves the authentic feel of the eighteenth century, including Gustavian wallpapers and furniture. Useful and decorative plants grow in the garden, following a centuries old fashion.
The Heinolassa Jyrää park concert is arranged in the roofed auditorium also used by the summer theatre. Many famous Finnish artists perform here each year. The event is also visible in other parts of the city centre, making Heinola a true festival city.
Heinola Bird Sanctuary is one of the most interesting and popular destinations in Heinola city centre. Get acquainted with the peacocks, parrots, and wild birds that reside in the sanctuary, which is open throughout the year. Around 100,000 travellers marvel yearly at the colourful plumage of exotic birds and Finnish bird beauties. The sanctuary also houses exhibitions on the history of bird sanctuaries and bird caretaking.
If you approach Heinola by car, you will cross the Tähtiniemi Bridge. Its H-shaped pylon is an impressive landmark. You can experience the bridge from a slightly different viewpoint by embarking on a lake cruise between Lahti and Heinola. Heinola has good transport connections, and is well worth a visit, since it offers so many interesting sights and activities.
