Kuninkaanlähde, Lieto, Vanhalinna, Finland

## Overview Kuninkaanlähde ("The King's Spring") is a historic natural spring located near the Vanhalinna Manor and ancient hill fort in Lieto, southwestern Finland. The spring sits along the old Härkätie (Ox Road), one of Finland's most ancient routes, which historically connected Turku to Hämeenlinna. According to local tradition, King Gustav Vasa (born Gustav Eriksson) — the first King of Sweden by that name — watered his horses at this very spring during inspection tours of his estates in the 16th century. This royal connection gave the spring its name: *Kuninkaanlähde*, meaning "The King's Spring." Over the centuries, the spring also served common travelers journeying along the Härkätie. There are actually several springs in Finland bearing the name Kuninkaanlähde, but this one in Lieto carries a particularly rich tapestry of stories. Beyond its royal history, the spring is associated with a haunting local legend: on summer nights, the ghost of a pale young woman is said to walk along the edge of the spring. According to the tale, she drowned herself for love — though the story never reveals whether her heartbreak came from an unwanted marriage or an unrequited one. The area also has a literary connection. The renowned Finnish-Swedish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg, who once lived at the Lieto Parsonage, wrote the poem *"Vid en källa"* ("At the Spring") — known in Finnish as *"Lähteellä"* — which begins with the famous line *"Sua lähde kaunis katselen…"* ("Beautiful spring, I gaze upon you…"). Visitors may find themselves humming the verse as they take in the surroundings. Note: While the spring has a long history of use as a drinking water source, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. Drinking from the spring is at your own risk. ## Directions The spring is located along Vanha Härkätie (Old Ox Road) near the Vanhalinna area in Lieto, Finland. 1. From Turku, head northeast toward Lieto along regional roads. 2. Follow signs toward **Liedon Vanhalinna** (Vanhalinna Manor / Old Castle). 3. Look for **Vanha Härkätie** — the spring is situated along this historic road, close to the Vanhalinna Manor grounds. 4. **GPS coordinates:** 60.480385, 22.3713 The spring is accessible from the road, but specific parking or trailhead details are limited. Using GPS navigation to the coordinates above is recommended. ## What to Expect Kuninkaanlähde is a quiet, atmospheric spot steeped in history and folklore. The spring is set in a lush landscape near the Vanhalinna hill fort area, one of the most significant archaeological sites in southwestern Finland. Visitors will notice an abundance of **larch trees** (*lehtikuusi*) in the surrounding area — an unusual sight in Finland and worth appreciating. The setting is peaceful and ideal for a contemplative break, whether you're exploring the Vanhalinna area or traveling the historic Härkätie route. The nearby Vanhalinna Manor and ancient castle ruins offer additional points of interest for history enthusiasts. During summer evenings, the atmosphere takes on a particularly enchanting quality — and if local legend is to be believed, you might just catch a glimpse of the pale maiden said to wander the spring's edge. Beauty, as always, is in the eye of the beholder.