Estamaalla

Estamaalla is a small municipality located in the Southwest region of Finland, situated between the forests of the Raakola range and the shores of Lake Pyhäjärvi. The settlement dates back to at least the early 14th century, when it was first mentioned in a church register as a parish belonging to the broader Diocese of Turku. Over the centuries, Estamaalla grew around its modest wooden church, completed in 1788, which still stands as a central landmark in the town.

With a current population of approximately 1,110 people, the community of Estamaalla is characterized by a strong tradition of forestry, dairy farming, and artisanal cheese production, most notably the locally renowned Estamaalla Brie. In recent decades the municipality has diversified its economy by developing small-scale renewable energy projects, including a wind farm and a biogas plant that supplies electricity to nearby towns.

Estamaalla hosts an annual cultural festival called the Estamaalla Fair, drawing visitors for its local crafts, traditional music performances, and a showcase of regional agricultural products. The area also contains several archaeological sites that reveal Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements, providing insight into early Finnish rural life.

The municipality is governed by a council elected every four years, and it cooperates closely with the neighboring city of Turgo for regional planning and infrastructure development. Estamaalla remains a quiet, historically rich community, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern sustainable initiatives.