Hameenlinna

A city, which is 365 years old, Hameenlinna today has become the administrative centre for the province of Southern Finland. It is located at the intersection of all-important national and international road, rail and waterway networks. A traditional and vibrant educational and cultural town presents the ideal blend of nature and culture. As an historical city, it is full of historical sights and surrounded by beautiful nature reserves. The city life is packed with an exciting commercial and artistic life. A walk down the streets visiting the city's sights, restaurants and boutiques, provides the visitors a taste of the historical city. Of the city's landmark is the medieval red brick castle and the famous Aulanko Park and known for being the birthplace of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The vibrant city also has an exciting nightlife in Hameenlina with number of options to chill out in the night. There are number of bars, cafes and restaurants providing with a perfect setting for nightlife in Hameenlina.

Home and birthplace for the great Finnish composer, Hameenlina is famous for its star attraction Hame Castle. This castle was built in the 13th century and used as a prison until 1953. Today the place holds puppet shows, music and fairy tales, which are presented for children every August. Hame Castle is one of Finland's medieval royal castles. One of the few medieval brick buildings in Finland, the Castle is located on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi. For centuries, the building served as a meeting place and the walls almost echo with voices from the middle ages. During the Middle Ages, the original fortified camp was built into a residential castle. During the 18th century, a third storey was built and curtain wall buildings were erected around the edifice. After serving as a prison from 1837 to 1972, castle is now a historical monument.

Of the other tourist attractions, which the visitor’s can visit in the town are the historical museum, highlighting the peasant culture, then a tank museum displaying of World War II military vehicles and an art museum. On a tour to the nearby rural district of Hattula, is the Hattula Church, which is a good example of Gothic brick architecture, with frescoes, wooden statues and paintings from the early 16th century. Moreover, the Hameenlinna weather provides with excellent good cross-country skiing and ski lodges in the area during the winters. The skiing again is a big attraction for the tourists. During the summer months, the Hameenlina weather sees temperatures hovering around10 °C and 20 °C.