Hämeenlinna

The Finnish city of Hämeenlinna is a lively center of culture and trade, surrounded by countless lakes. Thanks to the many popular destinations nearby and its convenient location, the city has become something of a paradise for Finland fans!

Quick facts

• Population: 67,848
• Location: southern Finland, in the Häme region
• Area: 2,031.6 km²
• Currency: euro

Hämeenlinna: Finnish cultural history amid the lakes

Hämeenlinna has been settled since the Iron Age. The carved cup stone "Uhrikivenkadun kuppikivi", which bears witness to this, can be seen on Matintie street.

Häme Castle was built in the 13th century to consolidate Swedish rule after a crusade to Häme. In 1639 the castle was completed by a Swedish governor-general, who then founded the town of Hämeenlinna to its north.

Today the city center sits on Saarinen hill on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi. Helsinki is 98 kilometers to the south, Tampere 75 kilometers to the north. All in all the city covers an area slightly smaller than Luxembourg, most of it rural.

There are 339 lakes within the city limits, by the way! The largest are Lake Vanajavesi, Lake Kukkia and Lake Kuohijärvi.

5 top things to do in Hämeenlinna

Sibelius Museum

The famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius was born in Hämeenlinna in 1865 and spent the first 20 years of his life in the city. Today the museum in his birthplace commemorates him. Among the original furnishings you can imagine the young composer's life and relax to his music.

Häme Castle

The castle on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi is a rare example of medieval brick Gothic in Finland. Today the castle is a museum. The tower, by the way, offers a wonderful view of the surroundings.

The castle grounds also hold the city's historical museum, a prison museum and an artillery museum. So if you're interested in the region's history, this is the place to be!

Opening hours and admission prices for the various buildings are listed on the castle's website.

Ahveniston Moottorirata race track

The well-known circuit hosts both national and international car races and motorcycle championships. Its elevation changes and fast corners make it one of the most challenging race tracks in Finland. There's also an interesting car museum here.

Hämeenlinna city church

The city's main church was built at the end of the 18th century, modeled on the Pantheon in Rome. According to legend, the church was only built in this shape so that it could easily be converted into a theater if it went unused; the king supposedly considered the locals rather heathen. After several rebuilds, though, the church looks different today.

Aulanko nature reserve

The area around today's nature reserve has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. Its landscape has been shaped by its inhabitants and has long since ceased to be in its natural state.

In the early 20th century, a large project was completed to turn the land into an English-style park. Artificial ponds were dug, some 14 kilometers of new roads were laid, and a lookout tower was built on the site of an old fortress on Aulankovuori hill. The tower is 33 meters high with a view over Lake Vanajavesi, and there's a café up here too.

Most of the park's trees date from large plantings in the 1930s, after the city of Hämeenlinna had bought the land. The area has been legally protected since 1991.

Hämeenlinna: easy connections in every direction

Hämeenlinna's railway station in the Keinusaari district sees busy traffic, thanks to the through line between Helsinki and Tampere.

The city is also easy to reach by car, about an hour from both Helsinki and Tampere.

The nearest airport is in the capital, Helsinki. There's a direct bus between the airport and Hämeenlinna. Alternatively, you can take the train, which runs to Hämeenlinna with one change in Tikkurila.

A night in Hämeenlinna

Accommodation	Address	Description
Scandic Aulanko	Aulangontie 93, 13220 Hämeenlinna	3-star hotel; conference and spa hotel; pool and gym
Hotel Vanajanlinna	Vanajanlinnantie 476, 13330 Harviala	4-star hotel; magnificent manor house; sauna, beach access to Lake Katumajärvi, golf course
Matin ja Maijan Majatalo	Eteläkatu 5, 13100 Hämeenlinna	Small, cozy bed & breakfast; central location, a 4-minute walk from the beach; three rooms with a balcony, the other three with a fireplace

Hämeenlinna will spoil your taste buds!

Ravintola Uoma €€-€€€

This restaurant has perfected the idea that "you eat with your eyes first"! Ravintola Uoma tempts with beautifully presented Scandinavian dishes and genuinely friendly service.

If you want to enjoy Finnish cuisine here, it's best to book a table. That's easily done online on the restaurant's website.

Himalaya Kitchen Ravintola €€-€€€

Hämeenlinna does Asian too! The traditional Nepalese cooking at Himalaya Kitchen Ravintola also suits vegetarians and vegans. The restaurant sits in a central location right in the middle of town.

Birger €€-€€€

Birger is a must for any beer connoisseur! The range covers more than 80 different beers. On top of that, the bar serves hearty regional dinners in a relaxed atmosphere. Once a month there's live music at Birger too.

Raatihuoneenkatu: Hämeenlinna's shopping paradise

Raatihuoneenkatu has been partly converted into a pedestrian zone and serves as the main shopping street in Hämeenlinna's city center. Its many shops and boutiques carry Finnish brands such as Aarikka and Kultakeskus.

In 2014 the Goodman Shopping Center was added on the same street, so no shopping wish goes unfulfilled!

Conclusion

If you want a varied holiday in Finland, Hämeenlinna is an excellent choice! Surrounded by a landscape full of lakes and dotted with landmarks of Finnish cultural history, the city stands out as an ideal destination!

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