Hirvihaaran Manor Hotel — Hotel in Helsinki sub-region

Hirvihaaran Kartano (sometime incorrectly spelled on Trip Advisor) is true to its billing, a grand manor home originally part of an 18th century estate. The main building has gone through several incarnations over the years, the latest being a small hotel and restaurant. Hirvihaaran Kartano has an interesting history, some of which is shown in old photographs which adorn its walls. The manor has now been transformed into something much more interesting, including a rather spectacular glasshouse designed for events. Not unlike other old manor homes in Finland, it is located in an area where activities and points of interest are few and far between. If you're coming here for an event, however, you will certainly not be disappointed with the facilities and, as reviewed below, the food.|||| For most travelers, Hirvihaaran Kartano provides a beautiful and quiet place to relax. We couldn’t help but notice, however, that you occasionally find yourself under the flight pattern of Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. There is also a high-speed rail and highway nearby, all combining to at times disrupt the otherwise tranquility of this idyllic countryside setting.|||| We stayed two nights in the main building. Our room was clean and nicely decorated, although somewhat small, not unlike other Finnish manor homes we have visited. Unfortunately, during our stay, the day spa staff were away on holiday and the much touted smoke sauna was inoperative. We had hoped to enjoy both activities during our visit. |||| Now for the five star part of this review. We dined in-house both evenings. Because the reviews regarding dinner at Hirvihaaran Kartano were vague, we were a little apprehensive. It turns out the three-course dinners we enjoyed were the best we experienced in Finland, and to be honest, as fine or better than many highly touted restaurants in other parts of the world. On our first night, we started with fresh salmon on a lime cream sauce, followed by roast lamb, new potatoes with rosemary, and mushrooms in a delicate brown sauce. Dessert was a Finnish cake surrounded by a meringue, and topped with fresh rhubarb sorbet. Each course was paired with a wine chosen by Sommelier, Paivi Parkola. The salmon was paired with a dry German Riesling, the lamb with a 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape, and dessert with a late harvest Riesling from California. |||| On our second night, we enjoyed Chanterelle toast, River Trout, prepared to perfection, with seasoned onions, cauliflower, beetroot, and carrots, followed by blueberry panna cotta with blueberry jam over vanilla cake with vanilla cream. Many of the restaurant’s ingredients are sourced from the vegetable garden a few steps from the manor house. We haven't seen a more beautiful vegetable garden! The dinner itself is worth the visit and the young chef, Noora Turunen, is to be congratulated and watched closely in the years to come.|||| Last, but certainly not least, is Hannu Pehkonen. Aside from being an afficionado on his native Finland, he was our waiter at each evening’s dinner. He was knowledgeable about the food and the ingredients, quite conversant about the wine and, most importantly, understood the pairing of the wine with the food. He is a true professional, thoroughly enjoying what he does, and politely going about the task of providing his guests with a dining experience, not simply the act of eating dinner. |||| If you find yourself in this corner of Finland, this is an excellent option of places to stay; it is also a mandatory...

This is a very special and elegant place. The atmosphere, the buildings, the surrounding nature, all promote a unique experience. I stayed there one night on a business trip choosing it i must say randomly because of the proximity to my meeting. The room was simple but charming. The breakfast was exquisite, every food at breakfast offered was carefully selected and home made: the coffee was delicious, creamy eggs were served, the yogurt was great, salmon fresh etc etc. I regret not having had dinner at this place, i am sure it would have been a culinary delight. I also did not try the smoke sauna, next time i will not miss this opportunity. My only remark is this: it looked to me that the place is more geared and organized towards groups of people (weddings, corporate events etc) rather than individual customers. There is no around the clock reception, everything must be pre agreed which limits flexibility. Also i wanted to access the gym but i was told it was not available. This should have directly commanded a discount to the price charged. Also the sauna time proposed (7pm) was directly after a corporate group had used the sauna, so really as a solo customer it seemed i had to "adapt" to the use of others. The proposed time was also during the proposed dinner time "window" of 7 to 8:30pm, so really restrictive...When i arrived at the separate sauna prep room to dress as well as the sauna itself at 7.15 pm all things were left from the previous group, towels, drinks etc no one was at reception to ask what is the next step and i did not in the end want to use the sauna (which, to note, would have been charged extra). The two ladies serving a corporate event earlier and at breakfast who also acted as "reception" were very attentive and nice, they offered me coffee at my arrival after a corporate event. They were friendly and kind. Aside from this lack of individual focus the way i experienced it at least that day, just the charm of the place really made my staying special. I will remember my morning walk around the hotel, the snow and frozen river. Overall i recommend it as a unique experience if you are willing to spend some extra money and you like elegant, charming...

Hirvihaaran Kartano is an absolute gem of a wedding venue, and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph weddings there.

From the moment you arrive, the beauty and charm of the estate is undeniable. The main event room, a stunning glass pavilion, is the perfect setting for a romantic and elegant wedding reception. The surrounding grounds, with their idyllic gardens and tranquil pond, provide a breathtaking backdrop for an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, and wedding portraits. But the excellence of Hirvihaaran Kartano extends beyond its beauty - the staff are incredibly helpful and accommodating, and the dining experience is top-notch. The meals I have had the pleasure of enjoying at Hirvihaaran Kartano have all been delicious and beautifully presented, and the smoke sauna and tennis court provide some unique and fun opportunities for the wedding party to relax and have fun. I would say it is particularly well suited for international weddings.

In short, Hirvihaaran Kartano is a truly special place, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to any couple planning their dream wedding. It is a venue that truly has it all - beauty, charm, and excellent service. I hope to have the opportunity to photograph many more weddings there in the future.

Maria...