Hämeen linna

About the museum

The oldest building work at Hämeen linna (Häme Castle) began in the late 13th century as part of the consolidation of Swedish rule in Häme. The oldest part of the castle is a square camp fortress of grey stone, whose towers protected three of its corners. A well 12 metres deep can still be seen in the well room. Later, a series of rooms built along the outer walls formed the grey-stone castle, in which the Linnantupa (Castle Hall), the oldest medieval banqueting hall preserved in Finland, is located.

In the 14th and 15th centuries the castle was built of brick, which was rare in Finland. The brick decoration of the castle courtyard is unique in this country. In the time of Gustav Vasa the castle gradually became a crown stronghold, and its artillery towers and the Lutheran church in the Kukkotorni (Rooster Tower) date from this period.

In 1837 the main castle was converted into a prison to the plans of architect C. L. Engel, and the castle later also served as Finland’s only women’s prison. Restoration of the main castle began in 1956 and was completed in 1979; restoration of the curtain walls and ramparts was completed in 1988. Today the castle is a museum run by the Kansallismuseo (National Museum of Finland), which also hosts events.

Highlights

• Medieval brick castle and the Linnantupa, the oldest surviving medieval banqueting hall in Finland
• Armoury, knights’ hall and church hall with medieval wooden sculptures
• Scale models of the castle’s building phases
• Exhibition on the women’s prison era
• Hovinarrin tupa (Court Jester’s Cottage) as a children’s own history space

Permanent exhibitions

• Pienoismallit – In the scale-model room on the second floor of the main castle there are three models, in which the castle is viewed in different periods.
• Asehuone – In the eastern tower room of the main castle, weapons from the Middle Ages to the early 17th century are on display.
• Naisvankila-aika kuvina – On the second floor of the castle there are photographs from the women’s prison era and objects made by prisoners.

Founded

1300

Operated by

Suomen kansallismuseo

Admission & discounts

The Museokortti (Finnish Museum Card) and Kaikukortti are accepted; a combined ticket cannot be paid with Kaikukortti, Smartum or Edenred culture vouchers.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

It is difficult to move around the castle by wheelchair: the courtyard is cobbled, there are steps and thresholds on the first floor, and the second and third floors of the main castle can only be reached by stairs. The ticket desk and museum shop can be reached by a ramp from the inner courtyard. The step-free toilet is in the curtain wall building. The lift only goes to the first floor of the Kruununleipomo. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The Hovinarrin tupa (Court Jester’s Cottage) is a children’s own space for about 4–9-year-olds, where they can build a castle wall, climb onto a horse and dress up in medieval costume. Travelling with pushchairs and prams is difficult; a storage place is near the ticket desk. A changing table is in the accessible toilet, and the café has high chairs.

Getting there & parking

The castle is located in Hämeenlinna on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The Kruununleipomo has a summer café (1 June–31 August) and a restaurant open all year round by reservation. A free self-service cloakroom and luggage lockers are in the curtain wall building. The museum shop is in the castle.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The museum restaurant Hämeen linna provides catering for private and corporate events.

Plan your visit