Aulanko – The Beauty of Finnish Nature
The Aulanko area offers unique natural wonders for visitors to explore, making it one of Hämeenlinna's top attractions. It's no surprise that Aulanko has inspired artists and attracted visitors for over a century!
Aulanko forest park
Admire the national landscape from the viewing platform, visit the bear cave, boost your heart rate on the jogging trails and enjoy a lunch on the shores of a woodland pond – the Aulanko forest park enchants its visitors!
Aulanko observation tower
The granite observation tower – built in 1906 – and the accessible viewing platform at its base offer a stunning view of the Finnish national landscape of the Vanajavesi valley and Lake Aulangonjärvi. Access to the lookout tower is free of charge, and the tower is open from May until the end of October. A summer cafe Lookout Cafe Aulanko is located next to the tower.
Sibelius and Aulanko
As a young man, Finland’s most famous composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) wandered the woodlands of Aulanko. The national landscape is said to have inspired the genius composer’s Finlandia hymn. In 2018, a nature reserve covering around one hundred hectares was established in Aulanko and named Sibelius Forest.
History of Aulanko Nature Reserve
Aulanko Nature Reserve area has cultural and historical significance in Finland. Within the reserve area, there have been two ancient seashores dating back almost 10,000 years. Later there was also an ancient hillfort due to the strategically good location of the Aulangonvuori Hill. The history of the forest park starts at the end of the 19th century when Colonel Hugo Standerstsköld, one of Finland’s wealthiest man at the time, established an English-styled park in Aulanko. It became a popular travel destination at the beginning of the 20th century, and much of the park’s legacy from this period is still visible today.
Right by the scenic platform long stairs go down to a Bear Cave and the lakeshore. Once you have walked down the stairs, you will be greeted by Robert Stiggel’s sculpture (1905) of a bear family. Try to count all the stairs when you come back up!
Aulanko’s outdoor trails
Aulanko’s well-maintained park paths and spectacular outdoor trails pamper sports enthusiasts all year round. It is a unique setting for outdoor enthusiasts, joggers, trailrunners, skiers, mountain bikers and riders alike.
The Joutsenlampi nature trail
An approx. 1km nature trail winds around the Joutsenlampi pond, along which around 50 different tree and shrub species have been marked. The route is also suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
The Aulangonjärvi trail
The Aulangonjärvi trail (approx. 7 km) begins from the Aulanko Nature Activity Center and continues along duckboards to Sibelius Forest and towards the workout stairs in Kärmeskallio. The long climb is rewarded with an unforgettable view! Along the route, you’ll have the opportunity to take a break at a campfire site and visit a beach either in Kihtersuo or near the Aulanko Nature Activity Center for a refreshing dip in the water.
Active Aulanko
On top of exploring the Nature Reserve Area, Aulanko offers many different outdoor activities to choose among.
Hugopark Aulanko
HugoPark Aulanko offers a treetop trek with high rope courses up in the trees of Aulanko. While connected to a safety cable, you can climb, balance and slide your way through nine different tracks. Located right next to HugoPark is also a summer café and minigolf.
Aulanko Golf has two golf courses; Finland’s oldest course 9-hole Hugo and the 18-hole Eversti course. The golf season is normally from early May to the end of mid-October.
Spa hotel Scandic Aulanko
Hotel Scandic Aulanko provides a possibility to stay and enjoy Aulanko for longer. The hotel has a beautiful spa that people of all ages will love. Within the hotel services, there are glow-in-the-dark bowling hall, Aulanko Areena exercise world, bike rental and possibilities for tennis.
Natural exercise services
Aulanko outdoors
SUP boards, canoes, kayaks, fatbikes, kickbikes and other equipment can be rented from Aulanko Outdoors. Call and and book in advance!
The Aulanko Nature Activity Center
Aulanko Nature Activity Center next to the Nature Reserve area, has a large parking area from where it is easy to start the forest trails along the lakeshore. The activity centre has a swimming dock and communal saunas that can be used all year round – even during winter you can go ice hole swimming here. The centre also provides children’s playground, toilets and a tipi-like hut where you can enjoy your packed lunch or grill sausages over a campfire. Enjoy the delicious services of the Järvikahvila cafe!
During summer, located at the lakeshore next to the dock, are three Hämeenlinna rowing boats that are in public use and free of charge.
Aulanko Golf
At Aulanko Golf, you can play golf in unique national landscapes on two courses. Built in 1940, the Hugo course’s sloping and fast greens require players to be patient and have good short game skills. Players will find conditions at the 18-hole Eversti course’s club building to be cosy both before and after the round!
How to get here?
Aulanko is located 5 kilometres from the centre of Hämeenlinna so the easiest way to get there is by car or bus. Bus number 2U goes to Aulanko and stops by the main locations in the city, for example, the shopping mall Goodman, the bus station and the railway station. See timetables and routes
A walk from the centre is around 4 kilometres and will take around an hour.