Häme
Häme is full of interesting things to do and see. We brought together the top 10 places to visit in Häme. These are must-see destinations!
1. Häme Castle
The historical Häme Castle is one of the three largest medieval castles in Finland. You can sense the history in the narrow castle corridors and gorgeous lounges, sheltered by thick walls. Traces of life from different eras appear on the walls and the castle also hides exciting stories. The castle hosts various events, workshops and special tours. You can also organize your own party in the castle halls! Häme Castle offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. In the castle peninsula you will also find the interesting Prison and the Museum Militaria, which you can visit with a combined ticket.
2. Torronsuon National Park
The beautiful bare swamp scenery can be admired in Tammela, Torronsuo National Park. The deepest marshland in Finland has both long and short hiking trails for even the most inexperienced hiker. Wider boardwalks have also been made for the disabled. From the bird tower you can admire the wilderness and see different bird species. In winter, different lengths of ski trails run across the swamp. (Photo: Jouni Palen, Erärenki)
3. Liesjärvi National Park
The lakes and forest landscapes of Liesjärvi National Park charm everyone hiking in the national park. Liesjärvi offers abundant fishing waters and you can harvest fresh mushrooms and berries from the forests. From Kyynärharju ridge between the two lakes you can admire the magnificent scenery. You can take part in traditional farm work on the Kortenniemi Heritage Farm in the National Park. Kortenniemi Heritage Farm presents the life of a 1910s park ranger’s estate.
4. Iittala Village
Iiittala Village is a capital of glass full of experiences. In the village you can spend the whole day admiring design, art and craftsmanship. At the Iittala glass factory, you can watch how the popular Aalto vase and many other beautiful glass products are created by glassblowers. There are many other small craft shops in the area. The naive art exhibition delights with its colorful paintings. In the Design Museum you can learn about the history of glass blowing and glassware. At the Outlet, you can buy Iittala glassware or for example a Moomin mug!
5. Aulanko
The Aulanko Nature Reserve, founded by Hugo Standertskjöld, offers spectacular outdoor trails past ponds and gazebos. From the Aulanko observation tower and the lookout platform you can admire the magnificent national landscape, Lake Aulanko and the Sibelius Forest. The Aulanko area also provides many activities. There are for example two golf courses, a climbing park and a spa hotel. Aulanko Outdoors offers nature activities in the water, in the woods and in hangouts.
6. The Finnish Glass Museum
You will experience the magic of glass in the Finnish Glass Museum in Riihimäki! The basic exhibition, designed by famous glassblower Tapio Wirkkala, introduces the visitor to the history of glass blowing and the magnificent glassware from the early days of the glass industry to the present day. The main exhibition features more than 2000 key Finnish glass designs. In addition to the regular exhibition, the museum has always changing exhibitions. In the Glass Museum you can also stop for coffee or a meal at the restaurant Klaas. Besides to exploring the Glass Museum, you can visit the Hunting Museum or the glass studios nearby. At Mafka & Alakoski you can experience glassblowing!
7. Birthplace of Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius, the Finnish national composer, was born in Hämeenlinna on December 8th 1865. Sibelius lived his childhood and youth in Hämeenlinna, studying in the Hämeenlinna Normal Lyceum and wandering in the forests of Aulanko and the shores of Vanajavesi, where he got inspiration for composing. The Birthplace of Sibelius is nowadays a museum, located in the center of Hämeenlinna. The museum displays furniture, objects, documents and photographs of Sibelius’s childhood. The museum also hosts concerts. Explore all the Sibelius attractions in Hämeenlinna.
8. Komio Nature Reserve
In the Komio Nature Reserve, you can discover the unique nature of Häme’s ridges – the traces of the last Ice Age. Komio’s diverse nature, good trail network and varied terrain offer great opportunities for walking and nature observation. You can extend your hike by continuing on to the meandering Poronpolku Reindeer Trail, which is part of the more than 250 km long Ilvesreitti, Häme Lynx Trail.
As a hiking destination, Komio is ideal for both experienced and novice nature lovers who want to enjoy peaceful walks in a varied landscape. Komio Nature Reserve is part of the nationally significant and diverse Maakylä-Räyskälä Natura 2000 nature reserve.
9. Forssan Spinning Mill Area
The Forssa Spinning Mill area in the center of Forssa is full of culture and life. On the premises of the former cotton mill you will find a museum, a library, a bowling alley, boutiques as well as restaurants and cafes. The Häme University of Applied Sciences, the Music Institute, the School of Fine Arts and the Wahren College also operate in the Spinning Mill area. The area also hosts events. The National Board of Antiquities has identified the Spinning Mill area, together with the weaving mill one kilometer away, as a nationally constructed cultural environment.
10. Marskin Maja
The former hunting lodge of late Marshal Mannerheim, the most famous military leader of Finland, now serves as a museum and on-demand restaurant in Loppi, on the shores of Lake Punelia. At the lodge you can feel the history in the middle of nature; It has served as a museum since 1959. At Marskin Maja you can rent a sauna or have a meal made of Mannerheim’s favorite foods in the restaurant. Marskin Maja is on the way of the hiking path Poronpolku, which is very popular among the hikers.
Explore also the TOP 10 places to visit in Forssa, Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki!
