Häme

This region of southern central Finland, also known as Tavastia, has historically been an important one. The castle at Hämeenlinna was the middle of the line of three imposing Swedish fortifications across the breadth of Finland. Today this ancient stronghold contrasts with the modernity of Lahti, the region’s other main city.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Häme.

Church
Hattulan Pyhän Ristin
Dating from the early 1300s, this Gothic-style church in a walled churchyard has an interior filled with fabulous naive frescoes created in the early 16th century. Well preserved, these tell the key stories of the Bible; the Tree of Jesse in the vestry is particularly fine. The interior also features a fine carved and painted pulpit from 1550, and a number of wooden statues depicting religious scenes. A peaceful grassed graveyard next to the church slopes down to the water's edge.
Castle
Hämeenlinna
Hämeenlinna means Häme Castle, so it’s no surprise that this bulky, twin-towered, red-brick fortress is the town’s pride and most significant attraction. Construction was begun in the 1260s by the Swedes, who wanted to establish a military redoubt against the power of Novgorod. It was originally built on an island, but the lake receded and necessitated the building of new walls. It never saw serious military action and, after the Russian takeover of 1809, was converted into a jail.
Museum
Palanderin Talo
Finland loves its house-museums and this is among the best, offering a wonderful insight into well-off 19th-century Finnish life, thanks to excellent English-speaking guided tours. There’s splendid imperial and art-nouveau furniture as well as delicate little touches including a double-sided mirror to spy on street fashion, and a set of authentic children’s drawings from the period.
Architecture
Sibeliustalo
Designed by acclaimed Finnish architects Hannu Tikka and Kimmo Lintula, the spectacular extension to Lahti's main concert venue opened in 2000 and is widely acknowledged as one of the most significant local architectural works of recent decades. Occupying a prime position on the harbour, the complex features a new timber-lined auditorium that is linked to an older building by a cathedral-like foyer with huge glass walls and tall pillars designed to resemble a Finnish forest.
Park
Aulanko
North of the town centre, this central-European-style park with ponds, swans, pavilions, a granite fortress and exotic trees was created early in the 20th century by Hugo Standertskjöld. Modern additions include a summer-only adventure park (www.hugopark.fi, admission €25) and a spa resort (www.cumulus.fi). Although the best way to explore it is on foot, the sealed one-way road loop is accessible by car. Bus 2 (€3.40, 15 minutes) gets you here from central Hämeenlinna, or it's a pleasant 5km bike ride.
Church
Ristinkirkko
Construction of this fourth and final church designed by Alvar Aalto was completed in 1978, two years after his death. Though showcasing his signature design style (light-saturated interior, windows overlooking greenery, lots of joinery, elegant hanging lamps), its unusual features include a cross formed by glass bricks inserted into the exterior wall. Benches in the wedge-shaped nave are arranged in a pattern echoing the organ's pipes and a simple wooden cross hangs behind the altar, providing a visual focal point.
Museum
Lahden Historiallinen Museo
Occupying a handsome late-19th-century manor house, Lahti’s historical museum stages hanging exhibitions illustrating aspects of the city's history, with a particular focus on the tradition of local furniture-making. The middle floor is mostly devoted to the collection of former diplomat Klaus Holma, which is a treasury of French and Italian religious art, rococo furniture and fine porcelain; excellent interactive screens allow you to access detailed information on every piece.
Museum
Hiihtomuseo
As well as a refurbished 'Sense of Skiing' exhibition that documents the history of the city's snow sports, this popular museum has a hugely enjoyable 3D ski-jump simulator and an optical biathlon practice rifle that visitors can have fun with. If visiting in summer, consider taking the chairlift (€4) to the observation terrace at the top of the ski jump; it's great if there’s someone practising, and good for the views in any event.
Church
Hollolan Kirkko
On the shores of Vesijärvi, this large church 17km northwest of Lahti is an elegant late-15th-century structure with steep gables; the bell tower dates from the 19th century. Mounted above the double nave are 24 fine polychrome wooden sculptures of saints; also noteworthy are the elaborate coats of arms, and the 14th-century baptismal font and Pietà that were from an earlier, wooden church on the site. The church is marked ‘Hollola kk’ on signs and bus timetables.