Things to see and do Hämeenlinna

The church of Hattula is dedicated to the Holy Cross and is famous all the way to the Kingdom of Denmark. Built in brick according to a process used in central Russia and the Baltic States. For the anecdote, the western gable bears a brick mask intended to frighten away evil spirits. The interior is decorated with murals, the oldest of which date from 1450 and, like those in the church in Lohja, belong to the great era of Finnish medieval art. The guided tour is exciting.

From the dream of the former owner emerged Aulanko with its exotic trees, swans, observation tower (superb view) and small houses. Scattered amidst the greenery are arbors, two graceful pavilions, lookouts, tennis courts, playgrounds, saunas, a pleasant beach, paths and trails lined with benches from afar. A 9-hole golf course. A large part of the park since 1930 is protected by the state.

The house where the composer Sibelius was born has been transformed into a small, refined museum where one can discover the piano, the violin, the scores and the memories of the composer's family. Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was one of the masters of Finnish music and his entire oeuvre was awarded the Nordic Council Prize, the highest literary distinction in northern Europe. His best-known work, Finlandia, is a true hymn to Finnish patriotism.