//
City in Kanta-Häme, Finland
Photo: Rayshade, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hämeenlinna (Swedish: Tavastehus) is a city in Tavastia Proper, Southern Finland. Hämeenlinna is the oldest inland city of Finland, and was one of the most important Finnish cities until the 19th century. The medieval Häme Castle is located in the city. The municipality of Hattula, just to the north is also handled in this article.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Hämeen linna
The symbol and main attraction of Hämeenlinna. A medieval red brick castle, which now serves as a museum and a venue for some events. Guided tours are available. There are also couple of other museums (e.g. prison museum) next to the castle. Between the castle and city centre there is a large park area Linnanpuisto, where the annual Wanaja Festival is held at summer.
Parolan panssarimuseo
For those interested in military equipment.
Pyhän Ristin Kirkko
Medieval Gothic church, built mostly of red bricks. Inside there are many paintings and sculptures.
The birthplace of the famous 19th- and early 20th-century composer is now a museum, telling about the composer's childhood, at Hallituskatu 11. The old wooden house is conserved between bigger modern buildings.
Beautiful ridge area in western side of the city. Beach of the lake Ahvenisto, "Appara" is a popular place for hanging out, especially in the summer. The swimming arena, in which some swimming competitions of 1952 Olympics took part, isn't in use though. In the ridge area there are also paths for jogging or skiing, and a racing track which is a nuisance among locals and a synonym for Ahvenisto for others, while many motor sport events are held there.
This natural park with great sights was equipped in late 1800s and early 1900s with an observation tower, other buildings of stone, artificial ponds and rare plant species. Today the area offers also plenty of services, including accommodation in the famous hotel and various outdoor activities.
Evon retkeilyalue/Evois
The waterways are clean. The Evokeskus offers café and accommodation services. There are camping sites, lodges and campfire sites.
Cruises on the lake, 2–3 hours, day, afternoon or evening, or route cruises to Tampere or Visavuori with several stops on the way. Optional lunch or dinner on board. "Pirate" cruises for children (lake cruise with programme and lunch included). Check what cruises are available what day of the week.
Popino is in Keskustalo, a grim building with a set of stairs, which connect Raatihuoneenkatu (opposite of the church) to Palokunnankatu. Popino serves large, quite special pizzas, but also steaks and fish.
Zante
Georgios serves food from Greece and is also near market square.
A chain restaurant, which operates next to hotel Cumulus.
Mexican restaurant.
Home made Finnish food.
Homemade lunch and dessert.
Home-cooked lunch in a historic barracks setting.
Traditional Finnish home cooking on weekdays.
"The gingerbread house" is easily recognisable of its white "scaled" wall. With a beautiful view of the church this is one of the finer places in town.
Himalayan cuisine; mainly, tandoori-grilled chicken and lamb, with many options for vegetarian and vegans as well.
A restaurant of a Finnish chain, with some Italian influence, serving slightly upscale pizzas and other Italian dishes.
Another chain restaurant with nice looking menu but not exactly cheap prices.
A "beer restaurant" where you can choose between 80 beers. They also serve food. Thursday night is "Tapas night".
A friendly pub with a comprehensive selection of drinks. On bar, it is possible to play billiards, pinball and slot machines, and play your favourite music on the jukebox. Karaoke traditionally every weekend.
Small hotel.
Nice budget hostel 1 km away from city centre.
Hostel-type accommodation in dormitories with own linen.
Not far from the city centre.
A fine hotel with spa, some 5 km away from the city centre. Bus lines 2 and 13 leave from here to centre once in an hour. Aulanko area offers also accommodation in cottages.
A full-board farm in the Finnish countryside.
A large mall opened in late 2014. It featured an Anttila department store plus smaller stores and eateries. Architecturally, the mall is a bit unusual as it's built on the top of the Helsinki–Tampere highway, with the road passing under the mall in a tunnel.
The SA store sells products decommissioned and abandoned by the Defense Forces, from hats to laptop computers. All the money received from the sale is paid to the Defence Forces in full.
A flea market.
By train
As Hämeenlinna is on the most important railway line of Western Finland, the city is well connected with Helsinki and Tampere as well as cities further north, like Vaasa, Oulu and Rovaniemi.
By bus
Buses between Helsinki and Tampere and between Turku and Lahti stop in Hämeenlinna.
By boat
Yes, there is a waterway between Tampere and Hämeenlinna. In summer it can be the most enjoyable way to travel, while the views on the lake Vanajavesi are at their best.
By bus
Hämeenlinna has a good system of public transport, information online in English.
By scooter
You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from American Bird and Finnish Joe Scooter.
By taxi
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tampere / Pirkkala · International · TMP
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Hämeenlinna and Finland.
Nature & adventureWhere to see the northern lights in 2026 and 2027 during Solar Cycle 25, comparing weather in Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks and Iceland.
7 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in December across sun, snow and culture, comparing Lapland, Chiang Mai, Vienna, Costa Rica and Cape Town.
7 min read
InspirationDiscover 10 rewarding emerging travel destinations for 2027. Escape crowded tourist hubs and explore quiet spots with rich culture and great food.
8 min read
ItinerariesHämeen Härkätie or the Häme Oxen Road is a historical road in southwestern Finland leading from Turku to Hämeenlinna; the country's oldest city to today's city of Hämeenlinna which was established the late 13th century…
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.