Laitila

Laitila (Swedish: Letala) is a small town in Finland Proper.

Understand


Laitila, with some 8,500 inhabitants, has been regarded a town since 1986. It is surrounded by fields and known for production of egg and early vegetables (75% of Finnish early carrots), nowadays also for the brewery and soft drink factory (Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas). Indeed, a significant part of its industry is about food processing. Laitila belongs to a common commuting area with Uusikaupunki and Rauma, still with more people commuting to the town than away from it.

The area is rich in finds from the Iron Age, the most notable being the Vainionmäki grave field. The oldest glass item found in Finland, from Roman times, was found here. Among built environments of national interest are the villages of Untamala and Suontaka and the farm yard of Kauppila.



Get in
Loimaa is on E8, 60 km north from Turku, and on road 43, which leads from the inland towards Uusikaupunki via Laitila.

There are several coaches daily from Turku, mainly by Onnibus. Most are express or special express services, stopping at by E8, a hundred metres east or west of the main street Keskuskatu. Some come all the way from Helsinki, continuing to Pori or Oulu. Coaches originating in Turku usually head for Uusikaupunki, Rauma, Pori, Tampere or Vaasa. The regular services (also normal express ones?) also go via the and other key locations.

Get around
The town itself is compact, but for the surroundings you will probably need a bike or car. Taxis should be available (see Finland Proper).

See


There are several local history museums in old houses, often maintained by the local communities of the villages. Many are open on request only. Enquiries can be made to the head of culture.



Do




Hill forts
There are several ancient hill forts in Laitila: Kirkkelinna, Hautvuori, Seppälän linnavuoret and the ones of Vaimaro's Matinmaa. These were used as refuges when enemies or pirates were coming, steep outcrop hills, where walls were built at less steep sections. In addition to their value as historical sights, a visit usually entails a nice walk through the forest and fine views, and the hills offer adventures for children by their rugged milieu. The sites are protected, so don't move rocks or otherwise change the environment.

Drink
Laitilan Kievari below offers some nightlife.



Go next

 * The surrounding Vakka-Suomi countryside
 * Uusikaupunki on the coast, the main town of Vakka-Suomi