Freehand compact digital picture of Härkätie (Ox Road).

Liedon Vanhalinna - Turku visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Liedon Vanhalinna' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Turunmaa saaristo.

'Hämeen Härkätie' is an ancient trade route which grew in importance as it linked Turku city and Turku Castle with Häme castle, thus connecting Finland and Sweden. Ox Road route is thought to have been first explored and traveled in 900 AD by the Birka island traders from Lake Mälaren, Sweden. Trade markets grew along this route and had reached Koroinen by 1200 AD. Finally, in 1250 AD, Ox Road reached Hämeenlinna where evangelical Swedes spreading the Christian gospels built the Häme castle as a fortress.

The road marked a frontier in the Cudgel War, an ongoing battleground as the Nordic nations warred against Poland. The 1600s saw the men living and trading along the Ox Road respond to the call to arms for the Thirty Years War. Then once again at the end of WWI, this road became a battlefield and pivotally important transportation route as the Finnish Civil War broke out.

Now, this 162km long route is visited as a site for pilgrimage and for historical importance. Visitors travel through the towns of Lieto, Tarvasjoen, Marttilan, Koski, Somero, the village of Tammela Portaan and Rengon. Visitors can explore the heritage and ancient traditions of Finland and take in the stunning surroundings. Hämeen Matkailu and Turky Touring are among the companies that provide tours and trips in the region.