Lakeland Finland has an exciting history that comes to life in a number of places. Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages within the historic walls of Häme Castle, visit the Orthodox Valamo Monastery and numerous churches worth seeing, or visit sites reminiscent of military conflicts in the past. Travel along historical routes, explore idyllic old quarters and step into the time machine at a museum of your choice.
A trip to the Middle Ages at Häme Castle
Built around 1260, Häme Castle (“Hämeen linna”) is today the landmark of Hämeenlinna. On the shore of Lake Vanajavesi, surrounded by green, it was gradually developed from a simple fort into today’s brick castle. Häme Castle is one of the big three medieval castles in Finland that have been preserved to this day. Today, the historical walls are home to a museum. When you stand in front of the armour in the knights’ hall, you will feel taken back to the Middle Ages for a moment.
Visit Häme Castle ↗
Häme Medieval Festival and more events
If you’re looking for something even more authentic, come to Häme Castle for the big Medieval Festival. Every year in August, this bygone era is brought back to life for a few days at Finland’s largest historical event – an event for the whole family! Join in the fun at tournaments, listen to medieval music and visit the children’s village with farm animals to pet. To round off the experience perfectly, you can hire medieval costumes on site.
Another traditional historical event in Lakeland Finland is called Hakkapeliitta, which brings history to life in Tammela. Each time there is a special theme. They also have a special area for children. The Taara market in Laurinmäki/Janakkala and the Medieval Market in Hollola near Lahti (“Hollolan keskiaikamarkkinat”) are also worth a visit.
Valamo Monastery – Centre of the Orthodox Faith
Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi in Lakeland Finland is now known as a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by forests and lakes, it is the perfect place to take a break. A place to reflect on the essential in life. But Finland’s only Orthodox men’s monastery looks back on a dramatic history. Once located on an island in Lake Ladoga, the monks were expelled from there in 1940 as a result of the Winter War and found a new home in what is now North Karelia. Valamo Monastery is the centre of the Orthodox Faith, a place of pilgrimage and an excursion destination for those interested in history.
Worth seeing churches in Lakeland Finland
Are you interested in historically valuable stone churches worth seeing in Lakeland Finland? Then you should plan a trip to the Holy Cross Church (Pyhän ristin kirkko) in Hattula. First mentioned as a place of pilgrimage in documents from the early 15th century, it is the only medieval church built of brick besides Turku Cathedral. Other examples of magnificent stone churches from the Middle Ages are the Church of St. Lawrence in Janakkala, the Church of St. James in Renko and the Vanajan kirkko in Hämeenlinna.
One of the oldest wooden churches in Finland is situated about 20 kilometres west of the town of Riihimäki. The Old Church of Loppi (Lopen vanha kirkko) is said to have been built around 1660. Visit the church ruins of Pälkäne, located between Hämeenlinna and Tampere, or the churches of Hollola and Sysmä. In beautiful surroundings, the Old Church of Keuruu (Keuruun vanha kirkko), built between 1756 and 1759, is the oldest preserved church in the Jyväskylä Region. Magnificent paintings await you inside. And last but not least, let’s not forget the Old Church of Petäjävesi in the Jyväskylä Region. This wooden church has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994.
War history is part of Finnish history
You can get a comprehensive insight into Finland’s war history at the Museo Militaria in Hämeenlinna, one of the largest museums of its kind in the country. Not only does it provide historical background knowledge, but you can also see numerous historical exhibits. The Parola Armour Museum presents the history of the tank and anti-tank forces.
Finnish Air Force Museum in Tikkakoski, part of Jyväskylä in Lakeland Finland, shows the history of the Finnish Air Force. In addition to historic aircraft, you will also find a flight simulator. The Bunker Museum in Joensuu gives you an impression of the defence constructions that were once built on the Salpa Line.
Travelling through Lakeland Finland on routes steeped in history
When it comes to Finland’s war history, the town of Ilomantsi in North Karelia is often mentioned. Decisive battles took place here, especially during the Winter War and Continuation War. On the 150-kilometre Ilomantsi War Route (Ilomantsin sotatie) you will discover military history sites in the eastern part of Lakeland Finland. Experience history at first hand in the form of former battle stations, monuments and museums.
Other recommended routes include Via Karelia, which takes you through the eastern parts of Lakeland Finland from southern North Karelia all the way up to Lapland, following an ancient trade route. Orthodox church history, war history, but also lots of nature and culinary delights await you along the way. The Ox Road of Häme (Hämeen härkätie) takes you right through the Häme region. The approximately 160-kilometre route, which was already used by the Vikings, connects Turku Castle with the Häme Castle in Hämeenlinna and provides a wealth of exciting stories and experiences along the way.
