Hämeenlinna, Regional capital in Tavastia Proper, Finland
Description
Hämeenlinna is a regional capital in Tavastia Proper in southern Finland, positioned between Helsinki and Tampere. The town spreads along the shore of Lake Vanajavesi and is surrounded by forests and hundreds of smaller lakes, giving the area a countryside character.
History
The settlement grew in the 13th century beside Häme Castle, a Swedish fortress built to control the region. The town received city rights in 1639 and was moved to its current lakeside location in 1777 under King Gustav III.
Culture
The birthplace of composer Jean Sibelius carries his legacy through the preserved childhood home that draws music enthusiasts. The Iittala Glass Factory continues producing Finnish design here and welcomes visitors to watch glassblowers at work.
Practical
The town sits one hour by train or car from Helsinki and offers good connections to larger cities along the Finnish Growth Corridor. The center can be explored on foot, while the nature areas around the lake are accessible by bicycle or car.
Did you know?
The first National Urban Park in Finland was established here in 2001 and protects the nature reserves of Aulanko and Ahvenisto within the city boundaries. Visitors can walk directly from the town center into protected forest areas and lake landscapes.
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Hämeenlinna Church
100 m
Hämeenlinna City Hall
63 m
Birthplace of Jean Sibelius
149 m
Hämeenlinna Market Square
3 m
Sibelius Park
182 mNahkurien ammattikunnan muistomerkki
221 m
Sibelius Childhood Home
148 mHämeenlinnan tori, kirkko ja Pikkutori
20 mLinjaali
222 mVapaussota 1918 valkoisten muistomerkki, Hämeenlinna
101 mLarin-Kyösti
55 mPaavo Cajander
56 mNahkurien ammattikunnan muistomerkki (Karvari, Nahkuri)
217 mHäme Provincial Office
64 mSibeliuksenpuisto (ent. Tähtipuisto)
179 m
Rauhanlinna
218 mJean Sibeliuksen muistolaatta lyseolla
203 mKarjalaan jääneiden vainajien muistokivi
115 mSibeliuksen syntymäkodin muistolaatta
142 mE. N. Setälän muistolaatta
204 mNuori Sibelius
182 mEino Leinon muistolaatta lyseolla
205 mAntti Nurmesniemen muistolaatta
128 mElias Lönnrotin muistolaatta
87 mAlbert Edelfeltin muistolaatta
137 mHämeen Suojan muistolaatat
198 mCommemorative plaque, memorial
79 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
62 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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