In the footsteps of Sibelius
Our national composer Jean Sibelius was born in Hämeenlinna, and he spent his youth in the city. Read about his life and discover how his legacy is still visible in the Hämeenlinna streetscape.
Youth of Jean Sibelius
Sibelius spent the first 20 years of his life in Hämeenlinna. The city is the location where he learned the basics of music: the composer began piano lessons at the age of 7 and violin lessons at the age of 16. At the age of 20, Sibelius moved to Helsinki to pursue his studies.
Jean Sibelius is born in Hämeenlinna on 8 December 1865.
Sibelius begins his studies at the Hämeenlinna Lyceum in 1879.
Sibelius moves to Helsinki to study in 1885.
Birthplace of Jean Sibelius
The birthplace of Jean Sibelius is located in the centre of Hämeenlinna. The house is the only surviving building of the five residences where Sibelius lived during his time in Hämeenlinna.
The museum contains furniture, documents, photographs and small items that illustrate the childhood of Jean Sibelius and the life of the residents of Hämeenlinna of the era. The museum’s interiors have been restored to their 1860s appearance, reflecting the time of Sibelius’s childhood.
Sibelius Park
Sibelius Park is located only a block away from the birthplace of Jean Sibelius, in front of the grand Neo-Renaissance building of the Hämeenlinna Lyceum, which is also known as Sibelius’s former school.
A statue of young Sibelius by sculptor Kain Tapper occupies a central position in the park. A special feature of Sibelius Park is the musical park benches, where you can enjoy compositions from The Trees by Sibelius while seated.
Sibelius in Hämeenlinna on the map
The map presents the homes of Jean Sibelius in Hämeenlinna as well as the schools he attended in the city.
Aulanko and Sibelius Forest
Young Sibelius spent a great deal of time wandering in the forests of Aulanko, and the landscape opening from the observation tower is said to have inspired him to compose the Finlandia Hymn. In 2018, a nature reserve of approximately one hundred hectares was established on the eastern side of Lake Aulangonjärvi and named Sibelius Forest. Along the nature trail winding through the area, there are information boards providing details about the forest in Finnish and English.
The Boy Who Gazed at the Treetops choir concert
Third-grade students from Hämeenlinna perform in an annual spring concert that takes the audience through the soulscape of Jean Sibelius. The event is part of the Hämeenlinna Culture Path.