Hämeenlinna (Finnish: [ˈhæmeːnˌlinːɑ]; Swedish: Tavastehus; Karelian: Hämienlinna; Latin: Tavastum or Croneburgum[6]) is a city in Finland and the regional capital of Kanta-Häme.

The neighbouring municipalities of Hämeenlinna are Akaa, Asikkala, Hattula, Hausjärvi, Hollola, Janakkala, Loppi, Padasjoki, Pälkäne, Tammela, Urjala and Valkeakoski.

The coat of arms of Hämeenlinna is based on the 17th-century town seal, which in turn refers to the Häme Castle built by the Lake Vanajavesi in the Middle Ages, near which the city was founded.

The castle was built in the late 13th century to secure Swedish power in central Finland.

[12] In 1777, King Gustav III of Sweden moved it one kilometre (0.6 miles) south to the hill on which it still stands.

[23] After World War II, Hämeenlinna underwent significant transformation as Finland shifted from a wartime economy to peacetime recovery.

The city experienced substantial reconstruction efforts, which included the renovation of damaged infrastructure and the development of new housing to accommodate returning soldiers and their families.

[25][26][27][28] Post-war period saw an increase in population as people moved to Hämeenlinna for job opportunities in various sectors.

The city’s strategic location facilitated trade and transport, further promoting economic development.

[24] The establishment of educational institutions, such as the Häme University of Applied Sciences, contributed to the city's growth and modernisation.

The Artillery Museum of Finland, which opened in 1997, became a key attraction, showcasing the military history and heritage of the region.

[34] The main features of the Hämeenlinna landscape are the Häme Lake Plateau, the Vanajavesi Valley and the Kanta-Häme Grove Center.

[41] On the edge of the market square are the town hall, Hämeenlinna Church and the Häme County Government House.

[47] As English and Swedish are compulsory school subjects, functional bilingualism or trilingualism acquired through language studies is not uncommon.

[50] Source:[51] By number of employees: Hämeenlinna is home to HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences' headquarters.

Originally a textile factory, it has been repurposed into a versatile venue that hosts a wide range of events and activities.

[56] BioRex Verkatehdas: This modern cinema, located within the complex, features five screening rooms equipped with advanced technology, including 4K laser projectors and Xpandin 3D capabilities.

[58] Hämeenlinna is emerging as a notable gastronomy destination in Finland, characterized by its diverse culinary offerings and a growing number of high-quality restaurants.

[59] In the 1980s, the following dishes were named Hämeenlinna's traditional cuisine: as a daily meal, smoked ham and sourdough bread; as a festive meal, the herring wrapped in rye dough or kalaleipä, i.e. "fish bread", buttermilk and beer, and the riistansylttääjän lintupaisti, which is pheasant stuffed with almonds, potato and apple slices.