Many tourists include in their trip to Finland a visit to one or more of the major castles, such as Turku Castle or Savonlinna. And while I highly recommend including both of those sites in anyone’s visit to Suomi, I personally have enjoyed seeing some of the lesser known, but still magically beautiful fortresses – especially now that the green of early summer has returned.
Just recently, I had the opportunity to explore two such places: Häme Castle (Hämeenlinna) and Raseborg Castle (Raaseporin Linna).
Häme Castle
Like so many fortresses, Häme Castle was constructed and reconstructed over centuries, but it was first built around 1320. Located in the province of Sibelius’ birthplace, Hämeenlinna went through major iterations, including a transformation into a prison in the 1800s. Finally in 1988, the castle was transformed into the museum that it is today.
Häme Castle
Looking out from Häme Castle
Raseborg Castle
Like Häme Castle, Raseborg first rose from the earth in the 1300s – around 1380. Its original purpose was to defend Sweden against the Hanseatic League that had risen to power in Tallinn, just across the Gulf of Finland. Then, sometime in the 1500s, the castle was abandoned and today it too serves only as a museum and a scenic reminder of the centuries of fascinating history that have preceded modern Finland.
Raasenporin Linna
Raasenporin Linna
It’s great you found the time to write again! I’ve been enjoying reading your blog and have been worried about the recent lack of new posts. You always find interesting places to visit we locals never seem to get around visiting!
In addition to these castles, I’d highly recommend a visit to Rapola Hillfort in Valkeakoski. It’s nothing like the castles you’ve mentioned as it is a lot older and has no visible human defense constructions on it, but the view, historical surroundings and even the drive there from south is truly breathtaking, especially in the summer.
I try to make it my personal aim to visit Rapola at least once a year. I’d prefer to be there when liverwort and wood anemone are in bloom, but late summer with fresh bilberries, wild strawberries and lingonberries suits me fine too. I’m a history geek and have been interested in local history since teens (having lived in Valkeakoski since childhood to mid twenties). If you need a local guide, I’m almost always available
(and the working link to the directions: here…