Häme
What fun activities are available in the Hämeenlinna area? Hämeenlinna, Hattula and Janakkala offer plenty to see and experience! The region’s rich history, cultural attractions, sights and activities charm families, seniors, couples, and solo travelers alike.
We’ve gathered ten interesting places to visit in the Hämeenlinna area.
1. Häme Castle
Häme Castle is one of the three largest medieval castles in Finland. The castle’s thick walls, narrow corridors, and magnificent halls hide a huge amount of history and stories. You can see traces of different eras in the castle’s walls, and hear exciting tales from the guides. Peek into an old well, visit the prison cell, or explore various exhibitions. You can also participate in workshops and special guided tours. Numerous events are held at the castle and its surroundings, and it’s possible to host your own celebrations in the castle’s halls. In the Linnanniemi area, you can visit not only the castle but also the Prison and Museum Militaria, accessible with a joint ticket for the area.
2. Iittala Village
At Iittala Village, you can spend the whole day enjoying a variety of experiences. You can admire design, art, and craftsmanship in this idyllic village. From the viewing platform of the Iittala glass factory, you can watch skilled glassblowers create stunning glass pieces. All Aalto vases in the world are handcrafted in Iittala. The area also features several delightful artisan shops. Iittala Naive Art Exhibition brings joy with its colorful paintings. The Iittala Glass Museum tells the history of glassblowing as well as the glass pieces themselves. At the Iittala Outlet, you can shop for beautiful dishes, glass items, and popular Moomin mugs for yourself or as gifts!
3. Aulanko
Hugo Standertskjöld established a park forest in Aulanko in the late 19th century. The area features numerous outdoor trails where you can admire pavilions and forest ponds. At the top of Aulangonvuori hill, you can climb the observation tower to enjoy stunning views of the beautiful national landscape and the Aulangonjärvi lake below. On the other side of the lake, you can wander through Sibelius Forest. In addition to hiking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Aulanko. Golf enthusiasts will find two golf courses in the area. There’s also a climbing park, Aulanko Spa, as well as opportunities for mini-golf and frisbee golf. Aulanko Outdoors offers nature activities year-round on lake and in the forests. You can also rent a lakeside sauna at Katajistonranta.
4. Birthplace of Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius, the national composer of Finland, was born in Hämeenlinna on December 8, 1865, where he spent his childhood and youth. He studied at the Hämeenlinna Normal Lyceum and wandered through the forests of Aulanko and along the shores of Lake Vanajavesi, drawing inspiration from nature for his compositions. You can visit The Birthplace of Jean Sibelius in the center of Hämeenlinna. This historic house is now a museum showcasing furniture, artifacts, documents, and photographs from Sibelius’s childhood. In addition to guided tours, the museum hosts concerts throughout the year. Besides visiting Sibelius’s birthplace, you can also stop by the nearby Sibelius Park, where you can sit on its musical benches and listen to Sibelius’s compositions.
5. Medieval churches
The Hämeenlinna region boasts several stunning medieval stone churches. The most well-known of these is likely the The Holy Cross Church in Hattula, famous for its historical paintings. The Renko Church was a notable pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages, distinguished by its unique octagonal floor plan. Vanaja Church is renowned for its rare outdoor pulpit, from which sermons were once delivered to those gathered outside. You can also sense the medieval atmosphere at the Church of St. Lawrence in Janakkala, the Church of St. Bridget in Tuulos, THe Church of Hauho and The Church of Lammi.
6. Golf Valley
Hämeenlinna is home to Finland’s Golf Valley “Tiilaakso”! In Hämeenlinna, you’ll find four golf courses close to each other, and just a 20-minute drive away are the courses of Hattula and Lepaa. Two of Hämeenlinna’s courses are nestled within the stunning landscapes of Aulanko: the 9-hole Hugo and the 18-hole Eversti. The Tawast Golf course, set against the scenic landscape of Lake Katuma, offers an interesting and varied 18-hole experience. Next to Hotel Vanajanlinna lies one of Finland’s most prestigious golf courses, Linnagolf, which is part of the esteemed European Tour Destinations network. A joint pass for the Golf Valley courses, known as the Tiilaaksopassi, is available for purchase. The 9-hole courses at Hattula and Lepaa are situated in beautiful rural surroundings.
7. Laurinmäki
The Laurinmäki nature and cultural area in Janakkala is full of fascinating history. At the Crofter’s Museum, you can explore various buildings from the late 19th century, such as a windmill, a blacksmith’s forge, and a smoke sauna. On the marked nature trails of Laurinmäki you can explore sacred grove and spring, Iron Age cup stones, and the oldest pine tree in Janakkala. The Cultural Café Keltainen Talo is a great place to relax and enjoy some treats. At Laurinmäki, you can also meet virtual AR characters!
8. Lepaa
In the village of Lepaa in Hattula, there is a variety of activities and sights to enjoy! The Lepaa Manor may have been established as early as the 13th century, although the oldest parts of the current main building were constructed in the late 17th century. In addition to the stunning manor grounds, Lepaa also features a horticultural college with beautiful gardens, a garden museum, and a winery that produces wines from its own garden’s harvest. Close to the horticultural college, you’ll find a golf course and a pottery studio. Lepaa is home to the tale of Leppaan Anna, and if you’re particularly lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of her ghost!
9. Ahvenisto
The Olympic Park of Ahvenisto is a popular outdoor and recreational area in Hämeenlinna. The area features numerous marked fitness and hiking trails and forest paths. Ahvenisto Lake is a favored swimming spot, and during winter, visitors can also enjoy ice swimming. The Ahvenisto Sauna is available for private rental. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, built for the swimming events of the modern pentathlon during the 1952 Olympics. Besides swimming and jogging, visitors can enjoy activities like SUP boarding or tree climbing on the courses at Flow Park. Near the beach, there’s a hut where you can light a campfire. In the summer, a café operates close to the beach and n winter, ski trails and the city’s best toboggan hills are available.
10. Wetterhoff
Fredrika Wetterhoff dedicated her life to helping underprivileged girls. In 1885, she established the Wetterhoff craft school in Hämeenlinna, which moved to permanent facilities by the shores of Lake Vanajavesi in 1890. Today, the Wetterhoff House serves as a center for creative industries, where Fredrika’s legacy continues to thrive. The Wetterhoff House is an intriguing destination, offering visitors the chance to explore a historic building and its stories, enjoy coffee in a charming café, or shop at a craft store. Various workshops, such as making mini-ryas, are also organized for groups.