This old city is the birthplace of Jean Sibelius, the great Finnish composer. Its star attraction is Hame Castle (built in the 13th century and used as a prison until 1953), where puppet shows, music and fairy tales are presented for children every August (open year-round). Other attractions in town include a historical museum (displays of peasant culture), a tank museum (displays of World War II military vehicles) and an art museum (rather mediocre). Sibelius' childhood home is interesting—even to those who are not music buffs. In the nearby rural district of Hattula, you'll find the Hattula Church (circa 1320), a good example of Gothic brick architecture, with frescoes, wooden statues and paintings from the early 16th century. Skiers ski will find good cross-country terrain and ski lodges in the area in winter. Hameenlinna is 65 mi/100 km north of Helsinki.
