Heritage farms are managed the old-fashioned way. Traditional Finnish crop varieties are cultivated in the fields and gardens, and the same domestic animals once found on rural farms are kept—horses, cows, sheep, and chickens.
The purpose of a heritage farm is to preserve plant and animal species that depend on the traditional farming environments such as meadows, pastures, and slash-and-burn fields. At the same time, traditional work methods and buildings are maintained.
There’s plenty to see and do on heritage farms. Explore the farms, events, cultural landscapes, and their care! They make ideal summer holiday destinations for families with children and for those with a passion for history.
What is a heritage farm?
A heritage farm is a farm where cultivation and land management are done in the traditional way. Fields are planted with old Finnish crops such as broad beans, slash-and-burn turnips, and traditional cereal varieties. Familiar native livestock breeds are raised, such as Finncattle, Finnish sheep, and old traditionally Finnish chickens.
Why are heritage farms important?
Heritage farms preserve traditional landscapes such as meadows, wooded pastures, and forest grazing areas. These environments are vital for many endangered plants, insects, and birds. Without grazing animals and traditional maintenance, these landscapes would become overgrown and lose their biodiversity.
At the same time, they preserve living cultural heritage: old buildings, historical work methods, and skills passed on to future generations.
What happens on a heritage farm?
There’s something to do all year round on a heritage farm. In spring, seeds are sown; in summer, the fields are mowed and animals graze; in autumn, the harvest is brought in.
Many farms organise summer events, demonstrations, and guided tours. How would it feel to join in a traditional haymaking session or breathe in the scent of freshly baked rye bread? Heritage farms often have nature trails suitable for all ages.
Come and experience life on a farm, meet domestic animals, and enjoy traditional cultural landscapes!
