Day trip to Hauho

The charming village of Hauho truly comes into its own in summer, when the population nearly triples with the arrival of summer residents. In Hauho, you can spend a leisurely summer day or even an entire weekend—local travel at its best!

Experience the unique main road Wanha Raitti

Head towards the heart of the village centre and its main road, Wanha Raitti, which, with its old wooden houses, is one of the best-preserved village centre areas in Finland. The idyllic courtyards and narrow lanes offer much to admire, and a breathtaking landscape opens up over the crystal-clear waters of Hauhonselkä from the Vuorenharju viewing tower located along the road. Stop down at the shore of Hauhonselkä to admire the village setting from the small boat harbour.

The walking tour is crowned at the end of the road by the medieval stone church of Hauho (in Finnish), built in the 16th century.

Take a dip at Pappilanaro beach located next to the church. The artefact museum and Kotko outdoor museum area, both owned by Hauho Seura ry, are also attractions worth a visit. Drop by for a walk on the trails of the Kotkoharju nature reserve surrounding the museum area. The information boards along the trails tell the story of the area’s history and nature.

At the end of the walking tour, you can stop for a lunch or refreshments at Wanhan Raitin Kievari (in Finnish). The log building, built originally in the 18th century, is located on a site where inns are said to have existed as early as the 17th century.

Culture and summer market atmosphere

Hauho’s summer kicks off with the traditional week-long event Niskavuoriviikko (in Finnish). The programme of the week includes the proclamation of midsummer peace, the Niskavuori Market and the entertaining moped rally, Aukustin ajot.

Hauho Summer Theatre (in Finnish) is an amateur theatre that delights fans of summer theatre in the rural landscapes of the Vitsiälä stage. Hauho Summer Theatre is well known for its repertoire that has a strong focus on musical theatre. The work of the close-knit theatre group is sustained by community spirit, dedication and the love for theatre.

On summer weekends, you can often find a yard sale along Wanha Raitti or a summer café set up in the Mikonheikki outbuilding (in Finnish). On summer Saturdays, the whole village centre is filled with the bustle and atmosphere of the popular summer markets!

Hauho Music Festival has established its place in the Finnish festival summer as an interesting and distinctive chamber and classical music event.

Peace of mind at the rapids of Visavuori

From the village centre of Hauho, the journey continues (approx. 17 km towards Luopioinen) to the picturesque rapids of Vihavuosi, where you can relax for a moment by the roaring water. The rapids are also a good fishing spot.

Located near the rapids, the mill museum of Vihavuosi (in Finnish) tells the story of the area’s history and milling traditions.

Härkälinna Disc Golf

The 21-hole disc golf course of Härkälinna is a versatile course designed to suit players of all levels.

Blissful Alvettula

Driving from Hauho village centre along Road 12 towards Tampere, on the left of the road, you will find the area of Alvettula and its listed arched bridge built in 1916. The bridge is particularly known for the Battle of Alvettula of the 1918 Civil War. Local pupils study in the Alvettula Comprehensive School, which appeared in the 1938 film The Women of Niskavuori.

The heart of the community-oriented Alvettula area (in Finnish) is the Alvettula Village Shop (in Finnish), on the terrace of which both locals and summer residents gather. Pizzas made with the shop’s secret recipe have gained reputation across southern Finland, and at peak times, over 200 pizzas are baked in the stone oven in a day. You can pick up strawberries and other produce, such as seasonal local vegetables, processed berry products and products from the mill, from the Peltosirkku berry farm (in Finnish).

Arrival

The village centre of Hauho is located right by Highway 12, approx. 60 kilometres from Tampere and the same distance from Lahti. The drive from Helsinki to Hauho takes about 1.5 hours. The nearest railway station is in Hämeenlinna (35 km).

You can reach Hauho by bus from Hämeenlinna (approx. 47 min.), Tampere (1 h) and Lahti (1 h).