Discover the stories of Häme on a guided tour – immerse yourself in the region’s history, culture, and vibrant local life

A guided tour will make your visit to Häme an immersive experience, where history lives on in the present. Amidst the medieval castle, stunning lake views, and industrial landmarks, the stories and insights shared by the guide reveal hidden layers you won’t find in any guidebook or map – small, everyday details, personal experiences, and the significance of places that bring Häme to life.

Hämeenlinna is located in the heart of southern Finland, just an hour’s drive from Helsinki. It is a peaceful, green city brimming with history. Hämeenlinna is particularly known for its medieval Häme Castle and its beautiful lake scenery. It is also a city of culture and nature, famously the birthplace of composer Jean Sibelius and home to both the scenic Aulanko Nature Reserve and the vibrant cultural hub of Verkatehdas.

The medieval Häme Castle brings history to life in a captivating way. The castle’s historic passageways, once used by constables, soldiers, and guards, are now open to present-day visitors.

“When you stand on the castle walls and look out over the city, you can see the different layers of history. The past and the present truly blend into one as you take in the view,” says Jutta Äijälä from Kanta-Hämeen Oppaat ry, which offers a variety of themed guided tours.

Hämeenlinna is also a popular filming location, specifically due to its diverse architecture and scenery, which combines medieval stone walls, 20^th-century factory buildings, such as the Iittala Glass Factory and Verkatehdas, and vibrant modern cultural scenes. Guided tours allow visitors to explore these layers and immerse themselves in Finland’s cinematic history.

“In addition to history and attractions, a guide can also unlock insights into local life. They help visitors understand how the past influences modern life and culture in Häme. Many people are also fascinated by how the Swedish and Russian eras have left their mark on us and our environment,” says Äijälä.

Guided tours in the Hämeenlinna region cover a wide range of themes, from cultural history to modern design and local life. Sibelius’s childhood landscapes combined with Iittala’s glass-making heritage tell a story of Finnish creativity and aesthetics. Guides also lead visitors to hidden gems not listed in brochures: the cosy restaurants and cafés, galleries, and craft workshops that capture the essence of daily life in Häme.

“A skilled guide does more than simply show you around; they help you to stop and truly see. That’s what turns a guided tour into a memorable experience,” Äijälä explains.

• Häme Castle – a medieval fortress and the city’s iconic landmark, where guided tours bring the tales of its stone walls to life.
• Sibelius’s birthplace – Jean Sibelius’s childhood home, where visitors can step back in time to explore the composer’s early years and the cultural history of Hämeenlinna.
• Aulanko’s forest park and observation tower – an English-style park where winding paths, ponds, and tower views create an enchanting, fairytale atmosphere.
• Iittala Village – a centre for design and craftsmanship, where a guide leads visitors through the heritage and tales of Finnish glass design.
• National Urban Park – a green zone in the heart of Hämeenlinna, where history, nature, and urban life come together.
• Museums and exhibitions – Hämeenlinna City Museum, Hämeenlinna Art Museum, and several specialty museums offer guided tours that provide deeper insights into local culture and history.
• Hämeenlinna in film – a guided tour through the city’s iconic film and TV locations, uncovering the fascinating stories behind them.

In southwestern Häme, a region comprising the five municipalities of Forssa, Tammela, Jokioinen, Humppila, and Ypäjä brings history to life. Forssa’s iconic red-brick textile factories, scenic riverside trails, and green parks evoke an era when work and community laid the foundations for the modern town. The surrounding countryside, its historic cultural sites and diverse nature form a fascinating whole. A guide can weave these landscapes into a vivid narrative where the echoes of the industrial past blend seamlessly with contemporary life.

“Our tours are based on authentic local stories, real events, and personal experiences. A guide gives the places a voice, and brings history to life again,” says Liisa Anttila from The association of Forssa region tourist guides.

Forssa’s industrial past is the very soul of the region. The textile industry was instrumental in establishing the town, setting the stage for its architecture, culture, and education. At the heart of these narratives is the Forssa Museum, which is part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage, a network connecting Europe’s most significant industrial heritage sites.

The tours vary by theme. Popular bus tours wind through several municipalities, stopping at sites highlighting the region’s industry, culture, and architecture. In summer, guided walking tours allow participants to explore the local textile heritage, architectural landmarks, or the idyllic riverside scenery.

Visitors can also explore local businesses on special tours. At technology and manufacturing companies, you can see how industrial know-how has developed and adapted to the modern era. This sense of continuity makes the Forssa region a fascinating destination, where history and innovation go hand in hand.

The Forssa region is easily accessible. It offers a variety of attractions within short distances, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

In just one visit, you can stroll from historic factories to leafy riversides, explore museums, enjoy idyllic local cafés, or treat yourself to locally made ice cream. “Visitors are often amazed by how varied and lively Forssa truly is. A guide helps you notice things you might otherwise miss,” says Anttila.

The story of Forssa is a tale of Finland’s industrial history, innovation, and sense of community. Guided tours make it an experience that combines the past and the present into a single narrative.

“Once you understand the story of a place, you start to see it differently, and the journey leaves a lasting impression.”

• Forssa Museum – the heart of the region’s cultural heritage, telling the story of Finland’s textile industry. The museum is part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage network and offers deep insight into the history of industry, community, and design. The museum complex also includes the Pattern Centre and the Ronttismäki Factory Worker’s House Museum.
• Spinning and Weaving Mill Area – iconic red-brick factory sites where the ambience of the industrial age comes alive, inviting visitors to discover the tradition of craftsmanship and textile art.
• Jokioinen Manor and Agricultural Exhibition Park Elonkierto – a place where Finnish agriculture, craftsmanship, and the heritage of historic manors intertwine.
• Jokioinen Museum Railway – summertime steam train rides on a narrow-gauge railway, along with handcar rentals, a museum, and a seasonal café.
• Tammela’s natural and cultural sites  – the Liesjärvi and Torronsuo National Parks, along with the Saari Folk Park and the Mustiala area, offer opportunities to combine nature experiences with local history through guided tours or special events.
• River Loimijoki and riverside walking trails – a lush river environment that runs through the town of Forssa, leading visitors past old factories and idyllic parks.
• Forssa’s market square and town centre – a lively marketplace, small boutiques, and cosy cafés that embody the local way of life and the authentic spirit of Häme.
• Company visits – local technology and manufacturing companies offer guided tours for groups. With a guide, visitors can explore modern innovations that carry forward Forssa’s industrial heritage.