IN ENGLISH

Welcome to Karjalohja!

 Situated north of the Salpausselkä ridge Karjalohja has been richly endowed by nature. You will find serene deciduous woodland, deep forests, glittering lakes, and plants that normally need warmer climes to flourish in. At the threshold of the Helsinki metropolitan area and Turku, it is an ideal place for families to make their homes. People working from home find the environment inspiring. 

In addition to traditional farming, organic farming, direct sale from farms and countryside tourism are growing rapidly in Karjalohja. There are small building companies and other small businesses, ranging from bed-and-breakfast to catering to pick your own strawberries to lambskin and knitting wool. For more information on local services, pick up a copy of the Karpalo brochure at Karjalohja community office. 

Karjalohja is an old, well-known horse community and horse riding is one of the most popular recreational activities in the area. The many lakes and rivers also offer a range of ways for relaxing: fishing (remember your licence), catching crayfish (only when in season, from 20 July to 2.10.; you need a licence for this as well), even fast speed canoeing. 

The population of Karjalohja increases during weekends and multiplies in the summer when second home owners arrive. The annual Puujärvi Village Fête at the Village Hall in July is popular among residents and attracts visitors farther away as well. 

Sights 

The Karkali nature park (nature reserve) represents the deciduous woodland typical of Karjalohja. You can wander along marked paths and visit Torhola cave, the biggest limestone cave in Finland. 

The Tammisto arboretum is also worth visiting. It is the most versatile of the dendrological parks in Finland and is known nationwide. 

The charming surroundings of the old iron works at Kärkelä are a suitable starting point for a canoeing trip to Nummijärvi, about 10 km. 

The old stone church of Karjalohja was in built in 1860. It was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning in 1970. After its restoration was completed in 1990 the church has been used in the summer for services. The church is known for its excellent acoustics and every summer world class concerts are held by the leading musicians. 

Useful information: 

  • General alarm number 112 

  • Banks are open Monday – Friday 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

  • Länsi-Uudenmaan Säästöpankki, Keskustie 44, 09120 Karjalohja
    Tel. (019) 320 3411
     

  • Länsi-Uudenmaan Osuuspankki, Keskustie 25, 09120 Karjalohja 
    puh. (019) 320 6420, 
      

  • Automatic cash dispenser at S-market, open all hours 

  • Pharmacy open Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm: Keskustie 25

  •  Postal services at Neste service station open 8.00 am – 20.00 pm

  • Summer market at the Village Hall in June – August on Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm 

  • Library open: Tues 10 am – 5 pm, Wed 1.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Sat 10 am – 3 pm, Mon and Thurs closed: Keskustie 88; There is a rather good selection of books in foreign languages as well.  

  • Fishing licences: Keskustie 36

  • Food shops:
    S-market open Monday – Friday 9 am – 9 pm, Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 12 am – 9 pm
     

  • Siwa open daily 9 am – 9 pm 

  • Alcoholic beverages: By order from Alko through the Neste service station, normally ready for pick-up the following day. 

  • Religious services: Services are held on Sundays at 10.00 am; In June – August in the old church. In September – May in the new church, behind the old church.   

 Statistics

  • Population 31.12.2004                              1489

  • Finnish speaking                                         98 %

  • Swedish speaking                                      2 %

  • surface area                                               164 km2

  • land area                                                    123 km2

  • territorial waters                                         41 km2

  • population density                                      11/km2 

Structure of industry

  • manufacturing                                             15 %

  • services                                                     59 %

  • farming                                                      22 % 

Distances

  • Karjaa                                                       26 km

  • Lohja                                                         29 km

  • Helsinki                                                     90 km

  • Turku                                                        90 km

  • Salo                                                           42 km 

Information

Karjalohjan kunnantoimisto (Community Office)

Keskustie 23, 09120 Karjalohja

open Mon 10 am – 5.45 pm, Tues to Fri 8 am – 3.45 pm

Tel. (019) 357 321

Fax (019) 355 298 

Updated 27.06.2002 

The travel center of Lohja