Nernstyhtö

Nernstyhtö is a small municipality located in the Uusimaa region of southern Finland, positioned approximately 25 kilometres southeast of the city of Porvoo. The settlement was established in the mid‑19th century, originally as a forestry outpost, and grew into a residential community by the early 20th century. It covers an area of about 120 square kilometres and has a population of roughly 1,200 residents, with a population density of 10 inhabitants per square kilometre.

The local economy remains largely based on agriculture and forestry, with several family‑owned farms producing dairy, wheat, and barley. Small-scale timber processing facilities provide employment for a portion of the working population. In recent years, the municipality has promoted rural tourism, offering accommodations in restored farmhouses and guided forest walks.

Nernstyhtö is known for the historic Nernstyhtö Church, a wooden structure dating from 1864, which houses a significant collection of 19th‑century religious iconography. The annual Harvest Festival, held each September, attracts visitors from surrounding municipalities and features traditional folk music, craft exhibitions, and local culinary specialties. The annual Nernstyhtö Folk Music Competition also draws performers from across Finland.

Notable individuals associated with Nernstyhtö include composer Arto Nerva, who spent his childhood in the village and has often cited the region’s serene landscapes as a major influence on his work. The village maintains an active volunteer fire department and a municipal library, both serving as key community centres.