Hameenlinna

Travel Guide

Hameenlinna
Photo by Petro Erkola
Photo by wanderer
Photo by Satu Panula
Photo by Satu Panula

Along the banks of the Vanajavesi, you can see the massive red brick Häme Castle, as well as the lively city of the same name, where you will find both military history and medieval stone churches.

Hämeenlinna is the bustling city centre of the Tavastia province, best known as the city whose name comes from the historic castle. Visiting Hämeenlinna, you will see elements of Finnish history dating from the Iron Age to the Empire style of the 1800s, as well as more contemporary features, as time has not overtaken this attractive destination. Along with discovering the culture of the city, you will see abundant nature in the preserved areas of Aulanko and Ahvenisto.

The city’s main attraction is Häme Castle, whose construction began in the 11th century and was even expanded in the 1800s to be used as a prison. The main castle and the surrounding ramparts and walls have been completely renovated so head inside the castle walls on your own, or take a guided tour. Take a stroll through the fortress, from room to room, and check out the many layers of Häme Castle's history and changing displays. The castle has steep staircases and low doorways, so moving around can be difficult for people with limited mobility and those with buggies but, at the same time, they tell a fascinating story of the fortress, whose main purpose was for defence.

While visiting the castle, you will also see the Prison Museum and the Artillery, Engineering and Signals Museum of Finland, operating in authentic historical buildings and easier to get around than the fortress. The history of Finland’s prison service and military are presented in a lively and interesting manner, so reserve some time for these museums while on holiday in Hämeenlinna. Also, you could even spend time picnicking in Castle Park , which was built in the narrow pass between Häme Castle and the Vanajavesi.

The diverse history of Hämeenlinna also includes the honour of being the birthplace of Finland’s arguably best-known composer. Jean Sibelius's birthplace is located in the centre of Hämeenlinna so make sure to visit the decorated rooms, and to check out the composer's distinctive upper-class life of the 1800s. Additonally, you could take a break from the city and visit Verkatehdas (Clothes Factory), a cultural centre established in an old factory building.

The Hämeenlinna region also has many beautiful churches, which represent various styles and eras. Tuulos and Vanaja Churches are Finland’s smallest medieval churches, while Hauho Church has three naves (originally a Catholic tourist attraction). Admire the different styles in the Gustavian classicism constructions of Hämeenlinna Church.

While travelling in Hämeenlinna, there are also excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and sports. For example, go to the Ahvenisto nature reserve, where you can find lots of primeval forest and ridge areas. The Aulanko nature reserve, in addition to being a lovely natural landscape, is also an English-style park, and there is also a tower café on Aulanko. Self-named "Finland Tiilaakso", Hämeenlinna is a great place to play golf and you can hone your swing at the Linna Golf, Golf Aulanko Hugo, and Tawast Golf courts.

Hämeenlinna enjoys excellent transport connections and is easily accessible by car, bus or train from anywhere in Finland. Go exploring on the Vanajavesi beaches and, at the same time, take an outdoor trip to the ancient woodland and fortress walls.

Where to stay in Hameenlinna

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Hakumäki

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hakumäki and surrounding area, you can visit Matkalammen uimaranta and Hämeenlinnan Taidemuseo.

Hakumäki
Scandic Aulanko
Scandic Aulanko
4 out of 5
Aulangontie 93, Hameenlinna
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$189 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$189
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hameenlinna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 indoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (708 reviews)
"The level of service was amazing and swimming pool as well. I can warmly recommend this venue."

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Scandic Aulanko
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
3 out of 5
3 Mansikkapolku, Hameenlinna, Kanta-Häme
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hameenlinna. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Helgelidin Nature Reserve and ...
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
Scandic Hämeenlinna City
Scandic Hämeenlinna City
3 out of 5
Raatihuoneenkatu 16-18, Hameenlinna
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$171 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$171
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Hameenlinna. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Sibelius Birthplace and Sibelius Childhood Home ...
7.6/10 Good! (790 reviews)
"All the staff was friendly and accommodating towards anything and everything needed to be answer, everything was walking distance, even the train station as well, the room did tend to get hot during the day but they provide a fan for that as well. All in all the experience was great and I will come ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul, 2024

Scandic Hämeenlinna City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
3 out of 5
3 Mansikkapolku, Hameenlinna, Kanta-Häme
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Hameenlinna. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Helgelidin Nature Reserve and ...
Forenom Apts Hämeenlinna Katuma 3
Forenom Serviced Apts HämeenlinnaKatuma8
Forenom Serviced Apts HämeenlinnaKatuma8
2 out of 5
8 Katumantie, Hameenlinna, Kanta-Häme
Stay at this apartment in Hameenlinna. Enjoy free WiFi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Helgelidin Nature Reserve and Hattelmalan uimaranta are located ...
Forenom Serviced Apts HämeenlinnaKatuma8
Hiisi Homes Hämeenlinna Idänpää
Hiisi Homes Hämeenlinna Idänpää
3 out of 5
3 Pikkuaro, Hameenlinna
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Hameenlinna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Kihtersuon uimaranta ...
"Kylpyhuone vaatii remonttia. Muut tilat hyvässä kunnossa ja siisti."

Reviewed on 10 Nov, 2023

Hiisi Homes Hämeenlinna Idänpää
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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