Region

Tavastia and the Southern Heartland

Tavastia, known in Finnish as Häme, lies inland north of the southern coast and is a region of lakes, ridges, farmland and historic towns. It includes the area around Hämeenlinna, one of the old inland towns, and the lake and ridge scenery nearby. The landscape is gentler and more cultivated than in the north, and it is easily reached from the capital region. Short trips can combine castle history, lake swimming, walking on ridges and village visits. It is a good introduction to the Finnish interior. Tavastia, or Häme, is one of the historic heartlands of Finland, set between the southern coast and the lake district. The landscape is a mixture of fertile plains, long glacial ridges and chains of lakes, with old manor houses, medieval stone churches and the town of Hämeenlinna around a lakeside castle. Because it lies within easy reach of Helsinki and Tampere, it is a place where the cultivated south begins to turn into the lake country. Summer is best for lake swimming, boat trips and ridge walks, and autumn for colour. Practical tip: Tavastia is easy to visit by train from the capital region, so it works as a long day trip or a relaxed overnight stay. Combine a castle visit with a lake or ridge walk, and check opening times for museums and historic sites in advance, as they vary through the year.