Hämeenlinna: A Chill Getaway Just a Train Ride from Kouvola

Vol 27 Issue 22 28^th March 2025

Spring is quietly arriving in Finland, and it’s the perfect time to hop on a train for a small adventure! This time, we start from Kouvola and head to a peaceful and charming city full of stories — Hämeenlinna. It’s one of the oldest inland cities in Finland and the birthplace of composer Sibelius. A great place for family trips or slow travel for students.

How to Get There?

From Kouvola, you can take a VR train to Hämeenlinna. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes (some connections require changing trains in Tikkurila or Riihimäki). On the way, you’ll see typical Finnish views — forests, lakes, quiet small towns. Like watching a slow movie from your train window.

Main Places to See

Häme Castle (Hämeen linna)
This red-brick castle near the lake is a symbol of Finland’s medieval history. You can walk through its thick walls and old passages — it feels like going back in time. There are several exhibitions inside, good for kids to learn about Finnish life in the past.

PS: Next to the castle, there’s also a large Finnish Military Museum — definitely an exciting spot for boys (and curious minds of all ages!)

Sibelius Birthplace
The famous composer Jean Sibelius was born here. The small and cozy museum shows his notes, instruments and stories. If you like music or want to know more about Finnish culture, this is a nice stop.

Aulanko Urban National Park
We visited Hämeenlinna in early January with friends and kids. We stayed at Scandic Aulanko, a hotel located right next to this beautiful park. Snow covered everything outside, kids were playing in the snow, and adults relaxed in the spa. Don’t miss the Aulanko Tower — from the top, you get a great view of the lakes and forest. So peaceful, especially in winter.

Iittalavillage   (Könnölänmäentie 2, 14500 Hämeenlinna )

If you have more time, there are other interesting museums to explore. For example, in Iittala Village, you can visit the glass factory and see how beautiful Finnish glassware is made — a fascinating experience for both kids and adults!

Coffee & Tasty Food

Take a walk in the city center and stop by Cafe Laurell, an old and well-known café. Their cinnamon rolls and cappuccino are perfect for a quiet break. Nice spot to chill or write down your travel thoughts.

But what really surprised us was a small Nepalese restaurant in a side street — Himalaya Nepalese Restaurant.
The cozy lights, wooden decoration and warm smells of spices made us feel at home. We had Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, and Garlic Naan — the portions were big, very tasty but not too heavy. The kids loved it too. We finished with Mango Lassi and baked banana. Highly recommended!
Reasonable prices, friendly staff — this meal really warmed us up.

Student Tips

• Don’t forget your student discount! Use the Frank App or VR student card to get cheaper train tickets. Book early to save more.
• You can do a day trip, but if possible, stay overnight. We stayed at Scandic Aulanko, which is inside the nature area. The hotel has a pool — great for relaxing or playing with kids.
• If you enjoy photography or drawing, bring your camera or sketchbook. This place is full of beautiful views.
• Especially good for families with kids — there’s a playground just outside the hotel, and lots of space for snow fun in winter. Summer is even better!

Final Thoughts

Hämeenlinna is not a big city, but it’s one of those places that helps you slow down. History, nature, and a cozy atmosphere make it a perfect getaway from everyday busy life. From Kouvola, your weekend adventure can start with just one train ride!

Where should we go next from Kouvola by train?

Let us know — maybe your favorite spot will be featured in the next issue!