Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pervasive smells of baking oblige stopping for a
pulla
(cardamom-flavoured bun) in the
brick-vaulted cafe. Kari Paviljonki is dedicated to Kari Suomalainen, Emil Wickström's
grandson, whose long career as a political cartoonist spanned several decades. His car-
toons are excellent; even more amusing is the 1959 award from the US National Cartoon-
ist Society for 'exposing the deceit of communism'.
Visavuori is 4km (signposted) off the motorway. Summer boats between Hämeenlinna
and Tampere stop here.
Iittala
Little Iittala, 23km northwest of Hämeenlinna, is world-famous for the glass produced in
its factory, and has been at the forefront of Finnish design for decades.
May-Aug)
and restaurant, a craft village includes the
Lasimuseo
(Glass Museum;
www.designmuseum.fi
;adult/child €4/2; 11am-5pm May-Aug, weekends only rest of year)
, whose
two levels cover the history of the glassworks and glass-making process, with pieces from
most of the firm's famous ranges on display. Free tours of the nearby factory leave from
here at noon and 3pm Monday to Friday; otherwise you can watch a glass-blower at work
in an adjacent shop.
Trains between Hämeenlinna (15 minutes) and Tampere (45 minutes) stop in Iittala, and
buses also run here weekdays from Hämeenlinna. Tampere-Hämeenlinna express buses
stop on the highway 2km from town.
Hattula & Parola
Nine kilometres north of Hämeenlinna, Hattula has one of Finland's oldest and most mem-
May-mid-Aug)
dates from the early 1400s and has an interior filled with fabulous naive fres-
coes from the early 16th century. They tell key Bible stories as you go around the nave; the
Tree of Jesse in the sacristy is particularly fine. It must have been an awe-inspiring place
for illiterate parishioners; it still is. Grab the interpretative booklet as you go in, or take the
free guided tour. The nearby
old grain store
houses the information office and sells handi-
