Location: Haemeenlinna
Top Things to do in Haemeenlinna
The 10 Best Things to Do in Haemeenlinna, Finland
Hämeenlinna (Swedish: Tavastehus) is a city and municipality of about 68,000 inhabitants in the heart of the historical province of Häme in the south of Finland. Hämeenlinna is the oldest inland city of Finland and was one of the most important Finnish cities until the 19th century. It still remains an important regional center.
Restaurants in Haemeenlinna
1. Hame Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 172 reviews
Häme Castle is one of Finland's medieval royal Castles. It is believed to have been built at the end of the 13th century, following the crusade by Swedish Earl Birger to Häme region. During the Middle Ages the original fortified camp was built into a residential castle for its commandant. In the 18th century a third storey was built and curtain wall buildings partly replaced the original outer walls. The castle and its surroundings were in prison use from 1837 to 1972. The main castle is now presented as a historical monument. The Häme Castle and its redbrick barracks are on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi. The promontary has been a meeting place for centuries, and the walls almost echo the voices from the Middle Ages.
Reviewed By chewie999 - Adelaide
A stopped into Hameenlinna with some Finnish mates to visit this castle. WOW, The castle is like every other castle, but what makes it different is the little interactive activities. They are simple and fun. Plus you fantastic explanations in Finnish and English (from booklet) about each item and room. This was a joy to visit. If you have kids, they will be thoroughly entertained.
2. Museo Militaria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Playfairest - Birmingham, United Kingdom
This museum is spread over three floors and gives a history of the Finnish military (mainly the communications and engineering personnel) up till nearly current day. It covers the establishment of Finland in 1917 and through the difficult Second World War where both Germany and Russia took a bite, up to current day and involvement in UN peacekeeping forces. Quite a lot of the interpretation is in both Finnish and English. Staff spoke English well.
3. Aulanko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
This park covers a large area around the city centre, so it is not appropriate to put a street address.
Reviewed By Halkidis - Naantali, Finland
Aulanko is absolutely lovely area and only short drive away from City Center. Golf Courses, Adventure Park for kids, horses, hotel/spa, cabins for rent, cafés etc. are all there. Grab some drinks and snacks with you and wander along guided paths, take a little swim or have some sun on the beach and then climb on top of old Sightseeing Tower, where you have great 360 degrees views.
4. Sibelius Birthplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was born and lived the first 20 years of his life in Hameenlinna. The rooms of his birthplace are decorated in the style of the era between the 1860s and the 1880s, and the museum exhibition sheds light on little Janne’s childhood years in Hameenlinna. A guided tour will provide you with more information. Chamber Concerts are regularly held at the hall of the Birthplace.
Reviewed By CrossroadsObserver - Hämeenlinna, Finland
This place is very complexed from international point of view. On the other hand, you are talking about one of the most important composer of the whole world, who made glorious music. And then you are talking about him as a Finn, a guy from the country ofmodern design - like Aalto, Marimekko, Wirkkala -, Muumis and Nokia.
And the you step into 19th century wooden Finnish house.
Did you have expectations of something fancy? Hope not, because this is what upper middle class Finland looked like. I hope you are open minded, you understand Sibelius music, I hope you have a little clue how Finland was back in 19th century, and also some little bit about Finnish history. But probably you do if you are Reading this and planning a trip to Finland.
This museum can be very lively too. Please take a guided tour.
5. Vankilamuseo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
Next to Hämeenlinna's main attraction, the brick castle with a very rich history, can be seen a prison, active from 1871-1993. Everything in there doesn't feel too far removed from our days, so a visitor is most probably pretty touched by its atmosphere. All seems very authentic and there are cells almost left as with the former inmate still in there.
Apart from the thrill, the museum gives a good insight into how the penal system worked here in the recent past.
6. Evo Hiking Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
7. Hameenlinna Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Hämeenlinna Art Museum is a diverse museum of visual arts near the centre of Hämeenlinna. The museum operates in two buildings in the Verkatehdas area, both featuring temporary Exhibitions that showcase various types of visual arts. The special Exhibitions feature both older Finnish art and the very latest contemporary art styles.
Reviewed By Francesca T
This Art Museum is brilliant, it has a good collection of Finnish Modern Art plus when we were there two very good Exhibitions on. It is set in two buildings near the main bridge, one of which was an old granary store. The works are beautifully presented with good captions. The staff are very friendly, helpful and well informed. It would have been even better if their catalogues had been in English, it seems a shame that the Finnish Artists are not well known outside of Finland and having books in English would help.
8. Hauhon kirkko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Zuevy - Moscow
Hauhon Kirkko is situated in Hauho. almost directly on higway 12 connected Lahti and Tampere.
The high spike of church is visible from far away. If you go by car, it is a good occasion to stop and see a remarkable architectural construction. It deserves short-term visit and at least external survey. The church looks good among the Finnish landscapes.
About church there is a small historical corner (the Hauho museum, the souvenir market, cafe). Also near church there is a memorial cemetery of the war victims as it is accepted in Finland.
The car can be leaved near supermarket, it is about 100 metres from church.
9. Palanderin talo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Palander House presents the lifestyle of a bourgeois Hameenlinna family 100 years ago. The museum showcases a variety of room ensembles, ranging from the elegant drawing room to the servants’ kitchen. The museum is located in the north-east corner of the city centre in an area with lots of period houses. Admission fee includes a guided tour. These are held every 30 minutes.
Reviewed By Vagabond_of_StAlbans - St Albans
This is a lovely museum in a historic building, illustrating life as it was a hundred years ago. You can buy a combined ticket for the Sibelius House and this museum, they are less than ten minutes walk apart.
The visit at Palanderin house is a guided tour, it starts every 30 minutes. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and offer the tour in English. It's not rushed and they are happy to answer all your questions. A real joy to visit.
10. Hameenlinnan Kaupungin Raatihuone
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By rachaelruth7 - Pori, Finland
Town halls have a lot to do with culture of a place. This place offers a lot of opportunities to visit and witness the various activities around the place. The building is itself quite elegant. It is common place to host events Concerts etc. I had a nice time around this place
