Hameenlinna

Hämeenlinna (Swedish name Tavastehus), is attractively situated on a long, narrow lake, the Vanajavesi. The Hattelmala hills are a boundary to the south of Hämeenlinna. The town was founded by the Swedish governor, Per Brahe, in 1639 on a site to the north of the 13th-century Tavastehus Castle, which he enlarged and strengthened. The red brick castle is one of the noted landmarks along with Aulanko Park. The town of Hämeenlinna was moved to its present site in 1777. Its economy depends primarily on timber-processing, with some metalworking. Hämeenlinna was also the birthplace of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) and the poet Paavo Cajander (1846-1913). In the center of Hämeenlinna is the Market Square (Kauppatori). On its east side stands the Lutheran church, with a statue of Paavo Cajander in the gardens in front of it. On the south side of the square is the Town Hall. North of the square visitors will find the Sibelius Museum, and a little bit further on, the Sibelius Park. Be sure to also visit the Hämeenlinna Historical Museum near the park. Finally, no trip to Hämeenlinna is complete without a visit to the castle on the shores of the Vanajavesi.