Things to do in historic Hämeenlinna - 15 ideas
Hämeenlinna offers attractions and experiences such as Häme Castle, the observation tower, museums, theatre performances, a national park and nature trails.
City articles
26.11.2024
Hämeenlinna is a diverse city in Kanta-Häme, offering visitors plenty to see and do. The historic city attracts tourists with its combination of culture, history and nature. Here you will find interesting sights, delicious food and great nature.
Hämeenlinna combines culture, history and outdoor activities, offering great attractions such as Häme Castle, the Aulango observation tower and the Ahvenisto nature trails. Experience theatre, museums and national parks!
Explore with us the best places in Hämeenlinna!
Hämeenlinna's most famous landmark is, as its name suggests, Häme Castle. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Finland. It is centrally located on the banks of the Vanajavesi river. In the castle you can discover medieval architecture and life. On the tour you can see the castle halls, the chapel and the prison rooms. Guided tours provide interesting information about the history of the castle.
During the summer, the castle hosts various events and exhibitions. You can take part in medieval themed days or enjoy musical performances in a unique setting. The castle also has a café where you can take a break after your tour. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the castle offers great photo opportunities both inside and outside.
Located in the heart of Hämeenlinna, Kauppatori is a lively meeting place. Here you can feel the pulse of the city and enjoy authentic market life. The market offers local delicacies and fresh produce. You can buy vegetables, berries or baked goods directly from the producers.
There are also charming cafés and restaurants around the Market Square. Stop by for a cup of coffee and watch the market bustle. The market is also the venue for many summer events. Check the local events calendar to see what's coming up.
The Kauppatori walking tour is a good way to get to know Hämeenlinna city centre. At the same time, you can admire the surrounding architecture and the atmosphere of the city.
Hämeenlinnan Teatteri offers a wide range of repertoire for theatre lovers. You can enjoy great music, emotional drama and light-hearted comedy. The theatre's repertoire changes regularly, so you'll always find something new and interesting. You can check the current performance calendar on the theatre's website.
Booking tickets is easy. You can buy tickets online in advance or directly from the theatre's ticket office. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere before the show starts. A theatre experience is a great way to spend an evening in Hämeenlinna, offering the chance to immerse yourself in stories and experience big emotions.
The Museo Militaria is a versatile military history site where you can learn about Finnish military history, military life and the development of artillery, engineers and signals. The museum is housed in a historic red-brick barracks building on the outskirts of the city. Exhibitions showcase a wide range of military equipment and technical devices.
Different ticket options are available for the museum, such as a joint ticket that also covers a visit to the Armoured Museum in Hattula. The regional ticket also gives you access to Häme Castle and the Prison Museum, which is a good option if you want to see more of Hämeenlinna's historical sites.
Hämeenlinna Art Museum is a cultural destination near the city centre. The museum presents a wide range of visual art, from old art to the latest contemporary genres. The changing exhibitions always offer new experiences. One of the museum's buildings was designed by the state architect Carl Ludvig Engel, which adds to the historical value of the visit.
In the museum you can discover both domestic and international art. During your visit, you can immerse yourself in works of art from different periods and styles. The museum is located close to other attractions in Hämeenlinna, so you can easily combine it with a wider cultural tour of the city.
Verkatehdas is a versatile event venue located in the heart of Hämeenlinna. It offers a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. You can enjoy top-class concerts, concerts and theatre performances. Stand-up nights, dance performances and circus events are also part of Verkatehta's programme.
Art exhibitions and films are part of the Verkatehta's cultural offer. For families, there are children's events suitable for all ages. Verkatehätte's raw factory atmosphere creates a unique atmosphere for events. You can easily buy tickets for events on the Verkatehta website.
Bowling is also part of the Verkatehäti's varied offer. The bowling hall has modern lanes and equipment, suitable for beginners and more experienced bowlers alike.
The Iittala glass factory offers a unique opportunity to discover the history and present of Finnish glass design. You can watch glass being blown from the factory's visitor platform and see how the molten glass is turned into classic Aalto vases.
After the factory tour, head to the Design Museum Iittala. The museum presents Iittala's glassware and glassblowing techniques and tools. Located in the barn of the old Orvo farm, it has been open to the public since 1971.
At the end of your visit, you can shop in the small boutiques in the area. You're sure to find something to take home and souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones in Lasimäki. Be sure to leave your wooden stamp in the guest book in the factory lobby to commemorate your visit.
Hämeenlinna Church is located in the heart of the city, right on the edge of the square. This magnificent building serves as the main church of the Hämeenlinna-Vanaj parish. The church offers a peaceful moment in the hustle and bustle of the city and is an interesting destination for those interested in architecture and history. During your visit you can admire the beautiful details of the church and feel its long history.
The Vanajavesi lakeside route is a popular cycling and walking route in Hämeenlinna. The route follows the banks of the Vanajavesi river and runs mostly in the immediate vicinity of the water. Along the way, you will see stunning scenery, including the majestic Häme Castle.
A cycling tour on the Vanajavesi River is an excellent way to discover Hämeenlinna's nature and sights. It connects parks and offers a refreshing experience in the heart of the city.
The Aulango observation tower is one of the highlights of Hämeenlinna. This 33-metre high observation tower is located in the Aulango nature reserve. From the top of the tower you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Vanajavesi valley and the surrounding forest landscape. You can admire the city of Hämeenlinna and its historical landmarks in the distance.
The tower is open all year round, so you can experience spectacular views at different times of the year. In summer, the greenery is at its peak, in autumn the colours of the browns are brilliant and in winter the blanket of snow creates a magical atmosphere. Bring your camera or binoculars to get the most out of the experience. There is also a café at the foot of the tower where you can enjoy refreshments during your visit.
The castle park offers a great environment for relaxation in the vicinity of Häme Castle. You can enjoy the lush atmosphere of the park while admiring the magnificent silhouette of the medieval castle. The charming cobbled Gustav III Street runs through the park, taking you back in time.
On the banks of the Vanajavesi River, you can sit and watch the boats glide by or enjoy a picnic on the lawn. In summer, the park is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. You can take a picnic and spend a sunny day in the peace and quiet of the park. The castle park is also a great place for an evening stroll as the sun sets behind the castle.
The park's spacious area offers room for all kinds of activities. You can exercise, read a book or just enjoy the fresh air in a historic setting.
Ahvenisto Nature Reserve offers a great environment for outdoor activities and nature exploration. The area is home to a 6-kilometre-long nature trail that winds its way through spectacular ridges and deep funnels. The trail is well signposted, with information boards along the way, telling you about the unique nature of the area.
You can admire the diverse vegetation and maybe even spot some forest animals. In winter, the illuminated trails attract skiers, while in summer you can enjoy the stunning scenery on foot or by bike. There is also the opportunity to refresh yourself by swimming on the shores of Lake Ahvenisto.
If you're looking for more excitement, you can try the climbing routes at Flowpark adventure park. They offer a challenge and adrenaline rush for adventurers of all ages.
11) Admire the Sibelius Park
Sibelius Park is a charming oasis in the centre of Hämeenlinna. The park is located just a block from the market square, along Birger Jaarl Street. It is part of the National City Park and offers a peaceful place to relax. You can enjoy the greenery and beautiful plantings as you stroll along its manicured paths.
At the eastern end of the park, you can see Linnankatu in the background, creating an interesting contrast between nature and the urban environment. The Sibelius Park is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the park you can admire the varied vegetation and enjoy the fresh outdoor air. It is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors all year round.
The Evo camping area offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature near Hämeenlinna, and is free of charge. You can explore the area's diverse forests and lakes and admire the beautiful scenery. The park has several marked trails suitable for a variety of walkers. You can choose a short nature trail or a longer hike according to your preferences.
In summer, Evo is the ideal place for a picnic or a swim. In winter, you can ski on the area's slopes or go snowshoeing. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the hiking area offers the chance to see a wide variety of fauna and flora. Look out for birds and small mammals in particular.
Reska, the main street in Hämeenlinna city centre, offers a diverse selection of restaurants. You can enjoy delicious meals from different national cuisines or sample local delicacies. In Reska you will find traditional Finnish restaurants as well as international flavours.
You can opt for a fine dining experience or relax in a more casual bistro. Along the promenade there are several cosy cafés where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and quality coffee. In summer, many restaurants open their terraces, where you can sit and watch the city bustle.
Reska's restaurants often focus on local products and seasonal ingredients. You can taste the local specialities or try new flavour combinations.
The centre of Hämeenlinna is full of charming boutiques and flea markets where you can make unique finds. Local artisans offer quality products such as jewellery, clothes and home furnishings. In flea markets you can hunt for vintage treasures and antiques.
The city's small specialist shops offer personal service and unique products that you won't find in the big chain stores. Shopping in Hämeenlinna is an enjoyable experience, where you can get to know the atmosphere of the city and meet the locals at the same time.
The Goodman shopping centre is Hämeenlinna's most modern shopping destination. It is centrally located close to the motorway, making it easy to get to. The shopping centre has around 70 shops, where you can shop in fashion, leisure and smaller speciality stores. Goodman also has a wide range of cafés and restaurants.
Goodman is designed to be clear and easy to navigate. You can relax while you shop in the shopping centre's welcoming spaces. Locals call Goodman Hämeenlinna's "living room". The shopping centre is open every day. On weekdays and Saturdays you can start shopping in the morning, and on Sundays Goodman is open until the afternoon. However, please check the opening hours of individual shops separately.
