The story

The Luontola sanatorium and Helene Schjerfbeck

From the sanatorium years to the painter's landscapes. History, art and the shore of Hiidenvesi.

Finland's best-loved painter

Helene Schjerfbeck at Luontola

Helene Schjerfbeck, one of Finland's most important painters, moved to the Luontola sanatorium in Nummela in February 1942. She was 80 years old at the time and painted several works at the sanatorium.

Nearby lake Hiidenvesi was one of her subjects. In 1942 it gave rise to the charcoal and watercolour Trees and Sunset, Hiidenvesi, whose dark tones caught the mood of the water and the shore. The same trees and the same light still surround the inn.

Schjerfbeck's artistic career spanned more than 70 years. She is remembered above all for her delicate self-portraits and for the pared-down expression of her later work.

Helene Schjerfbeck: Self-Portrait, 1912 — **Self-Portrait, 1912**Painted the year she turned 50, now in the Ateneum.

Helene Schjerfbeck: The Convalescent, 1888 — **The Convalescent, 1888**One of the best-loved works at the Ateneum.

An information board about Helene Schjerfbeck in the area — **On the artist's trail**A board about Schjerfbeck near the inn.

Artwork images: Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

The building's history

From sanatorium to inn

The Luontola sanatorium was founded in 1931 on the lands of the Kopu manor, on the shore of Hiidenvesi. Its spa treatments emphasised nature, rest and a vegetarian diet, and the place served guests all the way into the 1990s.

After the spa era the house served for a long time as a care home for the elderly. In 2026 the building was restored to its present form as an inn. All the rooms and shared spaces were fully renewed, while the old atmosphere was preserved.

Today the house welcomes travellers once again. The grounds and the landscape recall the past, while the comforts are of today.

Surroundings

Vihti and the landscapes of Hiidenvesi

Vihti is known for its beautiful and varied nature. Kokkokallio, the Koniavuoret hills and Hiidenvesi with its cliffs and pine woods have drawn summer guests and artists to the area through the ages.

Nature

Hiidenvesi

A lake with cliffs and shores near the inn. The landscape that inspired Schjerfbeck.

Next door

Villa Joutsela

A historic celebration and event venue in the same area. Learn more at villajoutsela.fi.

Location

Nummela, Vihti

Quiet, with good connections. About 45 minutes' drive from Helsinki.