The city of Hameenlinna stands in southern Finland, midway between Helsinki and Tampere. If you hire a car here you'll see it's about 6 miles north of the capital on the E12 highway. The highlights of the surrounding area of lakes and forests includes the popular Aulanko Resort - a vast 19th-century park including gardens, golf courses, spa, shops, and canoeing. It's 3 miles to the wilderness park at Evo - a popular destination for hiking and canoeing enthusiasts while the less energetic can enjoy scenic boat trips around the interconnecting lakes of the region.
Visitors who hire a car in Hameenlinna find that they can tour the attractions easily. These include Lake Vanajavesi alongside the city and the medieval Häme Castle on the waterside. It is now a city landmark and museum. The Verkatehdas complex, housed in a former mill, includes an arts centre, gallery and restaurants. The city was the birthplace of composer Sibelius. His family home is open to the public and a Sibelius Centre in the city centre serves as a museum and shop. Elsewhere discover shopping attractions at the Littala Glass Centre, the independent shops of the Tuulonen Plaza and the busy Tiirio Mall on the outskirts of the city.