This autumn, inspired by my co-author Jenni’s extensive knowledge of cup-marked stones, I decided it was time to see them for myself. So, while passing through Hartola, I made a stop at the renowned cup-marked stone located near Eko Mansion. The southern regions of Kanta-Häme, Päijät-Häme, and Varsinais-Suomi are well-known for these ancient treasures, making my quest all the more intriguing.
Our journey took us through idyllic landscapes before we arrived at Eko Mansion, which now serves as a school. Finding a parking spot was a bit of a challenge, but I finally settled on a spacious area next to a signpost.
As you approach the mansion, some signs will guide you to the cup-marked stone, but keen observation is necessary. Once you exit the main mansion area, the stone is just a quick 180 meters away. Stick to the left along the path until you encounter a small bridge to your left, marked by signs for “Kurenlahti path” and “Gymnasium“.
Continue left, retracing your steps toward the mansion. In just 10 to 15 meters, you’ll spot a substantial stone on the left. Look for a small plaque that serves as a guide, and there it will be: the Hartola cup-marked stone, adorned with multiple deep cups intricately carved into its smooth top.
Unraveling Hartola’s History
The Hartola area boasts more than 40 cup-marked stones, each telling a story from the past. As protected ancient monuments, these stones deserve our respect. Most cup-marked stones in Finland date back to the Iron Age, around 500 BCE, though some origins can be traced to the Middle Ages.
Even today, Hartola remains fertile agricultural land. It’s no coincidence that many of these fascinating stones are found near farmlands or ancient burial sites. Historically, the cups were carved into soft stone, serving as vessels for sacrificial grain offered to spirits and other supernatural entities. This act was believed to safeguard the harvest, ensure successful hunts, or even offer healing through the sacred water that collected within the cups.
Human habitation in Hartola dates back to the Stone Age, with the first settlers arriving around 7000 years ago. Permanent settlements emerged in the area by the 800s CE, further highlighting Hartola as a hub of agricultural abundance—hence the presence of cup-marked stones is hardly surprising.
How to Get to the Hartola Cup-Marked Stones
Address: For navigation, you can enter Eko cup stone. Alternatively, use the address Taimentie 21-15, 19600 Hartola for a more precise route.
Travel Options:
- Car: There’s a small parking area for visitors near Eko Mansion, which is now the Itä-Häme Opisto school.
- Bicycle: While there are no dedicated cycling paths, the pastoral views along the route are stunning for cyclists.
- Public Transport: Buses can take you close to Eko Mansion; the nearest stop is Hartola acting 4 P. From there, it’s a 2.5-kilometer walk to the stones.
Accessibility: The site is partially accessible, depending on the season. The path leading to the stone is narrow, which may pose a challenge for wheelchairs or strollers. However, it’s only about 10 meters of walking to reach the stones, so I encourage you to give it a try if you can.
Best Time to Visit: The cup-marked stones can be visited year-round. Keep in mind that snow and ice may obscure the carvings, but with a bit of effort, you can clear away the snow to reveal the markings.
Facilities: There are no official facilities in the area.
Discover More Cup-Marked Stones
Hartola is just one of many locations across Finland where cup-marked stones can be found. You may also explore sites at Letku in Tammela or Lohja, both rich in history and allure.