New tourism theme highlights Hämeenlinna’s history, mystery and stories
This autumn, the City of Hämeenlinna is launching a new tourism theme shared across the entire Hämeenlinna region. Mystical Hämeenlinna brings together events, products, and services from various operators under one roof, offering them the opportunity to gain free visibility as part of a larger whole.
– In the Mystical Hämeenlinna theme, we make use of and combine the history of the Hämeenlinna region with existing stories, places, and experiences. We bring them to the fore through strong, recognisable joint marketing, says Tanja Mäki-Kulmala, communications specialist for the City of Hämeenlinna.
– We have a long and winding past that offers plenty to draw on and that continues to intertwine with the city’s present day. It is the source, for example, of some of Finland’s most famous ghost stories – ones that truly didn’t need to be invented. Instead of the Halloween trend that has also arrived in Finland, we want to highlight the domestic kekri tradition, which has always remained strong here in Häme.
The theme is being carried out in close cooperation with the business development company Linnan Kehitys. The aim is to grow it into an established, recurring, and scalable seasonal theme held every year.
– The aim of the theme is to attract visitors outside the summer season as well, and to make the Hämeenlinna region a well-known and appealing autumn destination. If Salo’s pumpkin weeks can attract 200,000 visitors in such a short time, why couldn’t the same be possible here in Hämeenlinna?, Liisa Puputti, event and tourism coordinator at Linnan Kehitys, challenges us to consider.
– We are currently looking for more content for Mystical Hämeenlinna. There is particular demand for restaurant offerings that fit the theme, so now is a good time to plan a kekri menu or perhaps a mysteriously themed drink or dish.
– Operators can join in very easily. It’s enough if you can connect your offering to mystery or the darkening time of year – even small ideas that are easy to link to your own activities work well. We’re also happy to help with brainstorming!, encourages Liisa Puputti.
Operators taking part in autumn 2026:
- Shadows of Vanajanlinna performances, Hämeenlinna Theatre & Vanajanlinna
- Palander House kekri exhibition and event, Hämeenlinna City Museum
- Vanajanlinna’s Castle of Horror public tours, Vanajanlinna Resort
- Culture Centre Arx’s Dark ARXaturday
- The Manor’s Wild Halloween, Porkkala Manor (Lammi)
- In the Shadows of the Textile Factory tours, Verkatehdas & Hämeenlinna Guides
- Midnight Mass & Witch Brothers escape rooms, Getaway Hämeenlinna
- Tarotpuoti’s Spooky Season, Tarotpuoti & Keskiaikapuoti
- Halloween event, Appara Experience Centre
All content and events for the Mystical Hämeenlinna theme will be updated on the following pages:
More information and sign-up to join the theme: