Hämeenlinna is very close, only an hour's drive from Helsinki and Tampere. Finland's oldest inland city is especially known for its medieval castle, the magically beautiful nature reserve Aulanko and as the birthplace of the composer Jean Sibelius. In recent years Hämeenlinna has also become known as a city of mega-events, where AC / DC, Iron Maiden, Guns N´ Roses and Metallica have permormed in the Kantola event park. Leisurely in downtown Museums and exhibitions, lush parks with cafés, restaurants and terraces, idyllic little boutiques and flea markets. The feeling of calmness vibrating in the streets and the gentle waves of Lake Vanajavesi along the outline of the city center - here is a recipe that makes Hämeenlinna a charming place to visit! Get inspired by history in Linnanniemi Did you know that the story of the city of Hämeenlinna began in Linnanniemi (Castle spit) in 1639? A unique complex has been built around the medieval castle of Häme, located in a park-like setting on the shores of Vanajavesi, only a ten-minute walk from the city center. The more than 700-year-old Häme Castle, Finland's largest Prison Museum and the Militaria Museum, which exhibits military history, offer things to see and experience for the whole family. The spindle of culture spins all year round Verkatehdas is a personal and versatile venue built in the milieu of an old red-brick factory. It is not only a home for culture, but also a stage for various meetings, congresses and events. Here you'll find e.g. Hämeenlinna Theater, Suistoklubi, Biorex cinema, GalleriaKONE & art loan office and Hämeenlinna Art Museum. Delicacies in Hämeenlinna The restaurants in Hämeenlinna share a love of local ingredients and an atmospheric milieu, where you can celebrate the highlights of life or just enjoy everyday life with tasty food and friends. The selection includes traditional Häme flavors and spans all the way to classic restaurant delicacies, street kitchen favorites and modern fine dining. Also check out the local specialty, Hotsi! Interesting flea markets Hämeenlinna is a dream destination for flea market enthusiasts. There are more than enough second-hand stores to go through in the rugged industrial area of Kantola, in the Kauriala district as well as in the city center. Suomen Kasarmin Aarteet (The Treasures of the Finnish Barracks) is a paradise for lovers of old goods and interior designers in the old barracks area, a stone's throw from the Onnibus stop! The Aulanko area is the pearl of Hämeenlinna Aulanko offers visitors both unique nature experiences and diverse leisure opportunities. The observation tower is th perfect platform for admiring stunning national landscape, which is said to have inspired Jean Sibelius himself to compose Finlandia. No wonder Aulanko has inspired artists and attracted visitors for over a hundred years! Did you know that there are four golf courses in Hämeenlinna only 15 minutes away from each other? Hämeenlinna is called the Tee Valley of Finland, and no wonder - four golf courses of different levels, Aulanko Golf Hugo & Colonel, Linna Golf, Tawast Golf, serve both beginners and experts. What if you stayed the night? In Hämeenlinna you will find accommodation options from a manor hotel to an old-fashioned inn or a modern city center hotel to a unique spa hotel.
