Aulanko

Aulanko was created from the 1880s by Hugo Standertskjold, who bought the estate and spent decades turning the forested ridge above Hameenlinna into a landscape park in the English manner: paths through the woods, planted groves, a swan pond, an artificial cave, viewpoints, and a granite lookout tower built in 1907 on the highest point, from which the view over the lakes and forest is the one that appears in Finnish tourist imagery of the early twentieth century. It became a state park and remains open and free. Walking and skiing trails run through it, there is a beach on the lake, and the tower can be climbed in season.

What's there

• The 1907 granite lookout tower - the viewpoint over lakes and forest.
• Paths through planted woodland - the landscape park as laid out.
• The swan pond and artificial cave - the built features of the design.
• Lake shore and beach - the water below the ridge.

When to go

May to October for walking and the tower; the park is used for skiing in winter. Half a day. The tower has seasonal opening hours and a café at the base.

Practical notes

The tower is closed outside the season and in bad weather. Paths are hilly and can be icy in winter. The nearby hotel and spa development is intrusive in places. Weekends bring local crowds.

Nearby

Hameenlinna and its castle are south; Tampere lies north-west.

Key facts